We had a family reunion at Jackson over the summer, and I had asked one of the photographer’s in my camera club (www.wasatchcameraclub.com) if there were any spots that he’d recommend for good photo opportunities. This was one of them, and it was fantastic. Since I’ve gone, I’ve now seen that almost every photographer that has gone to the Tetons has shot from this location, so it may not be unique, but it’s still incredible.
I was particularly pleased with this shot for a few reasons. One, because it was just as the sun was coming up, and the barn lit up beautifully. Two, the haze was really thick in the park due to the fires in California and in the morning you couldn’t notice it nearly as bad.
I entered this one in a recent camera club competition, and it took 2nd. One of the judges there suggested that I crop the stream out. During my first two years of competitions, I think I would have done anything the judges recommended just because they surely knew more than I do… but I think sometime this year I have turned a corner and have more confidence as to what I want the photo to be like and that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. And so… I leave it in.
Having said that, when I was looking for a photo to use as the header for my blog, I instantly thought of this photo and removed the stream, and it does look good. So I ask you, anonymous readers…
Do you like the photo better with the stream or without? 
Entries (RSS)
Without the stream looks great. It brought the colors out more and allowed the barn to be the focus of attention on a nice power point.
Although I’m not anonymous (or unbiased) I still like it with the stream… and I would really like it blown up, printed, and framed at the bottom of the stairs, there’s a nice spot on the wall for it
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I like it without the stream! lol They are both nice tho.
I like both, but maybe a little better without the stream. I notice the mountains more.
It really depends on the feel you are trying to get. The stream in the picture makes me feel like I am there with you. It pulls in more of a foreground feel and make it more intimate. Without the stream is a great postcard type of picture where it is really beautiful but feels more distant to me, so I’m not as involved. Does that make sense? I think the postcard type of shot is perfect as a web page header but I love the way you originally framed it.
The picture that is at the top of your blog is fantastic! Looks so professional! I love both pictures, each has a special
appeal. I think the one without the stream is perfect for the blog heading, but the picture with the stream is a perfect picture for framing. I agree without the stream the barn and the mountains are more the focus of attention, but the other is an overall shot of the whole scene. I agree with Lisa, blow it up, frame it, and hang it at the bottom of the stairs.
I like the stream because it gives your eye something to follow from the front of the picture up to the barn, at which point you have to think: “Man! I’m not going to fill my canteen at that stream!”
Seriously, though, I had an old man in Japan explain “Ikebana” (“Living flower”) arrangement, and how each arrangement had an element pointing toward heaven, a second horizontal element representing earth, and a third pointing down, representing life. The picture with stream has all that in spades!
They are both gorgeous! The photo is perfect for cropping into a banner.
Thanks for all the comments! It’s always nice to see what others think
Hey Ryan,
Nice photos. I am working on getting into some more digital photography too — if and when I get a decent camera. But I like your shots, and I agree — Nothing wrong with Photoshop — it gives you the picture you are trying to portray rather than the one that nature provided.
Hey Ryan. Here is a pic that I found that seems similar to the issues that you raised with yours:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/patrick-smith-photography/2835676949/sizes/o/
I like the way he framed it with the up-close surf, but it would be a different picture if he cropped it up.
Dave, thanks for the insight. It makes a lot of sense, and the picture you provided is a great example!
I like the stream too, I have a shot with it in. But, I wish there was a way to make the stream more of a focal point. Perhaps getting closer to it. I think next time I am there, I will work on that approach.
With stream definately!