Tom Buckard
October 2025 - Stone Mountain Grist Mill
About the Image(s)
1965, this century-old mill was moved to the Park from its original site near Ellijay, GA. One of the most picturesque spots in the Stone Mountain Park.
Nikon D300, ISO 200, F8, 9 image HDR.
11 comments posted
(Groups 9 & 21)
Fantastic photo Tom, I like everything about this image. Posted: 10/07/2025 20:05:18
Thank you for your comments Jim. I do see some flaws in it but they would be hard to overcome. Posted: 10/11/2025 20:11:40
I liked this photo at first glance; it captured a peaceful scene in a quiet countryside somewhere with the beautiful green foliage; the turning wheel and the silky running water breathe life into this photo. However, as I looked at it more, I felt the composition is a bit too busy for me, the cascading water, the barren tree in the foreground, the turning mill, the old house, and the greenery in the background, I'm not sure which one is the main subject. Posted: 10/08/2025 05:25:51
Spring , I was hoping the the waterfall and the running water would lead you through the image to the old grist mill and grist wheel. I sort of like the dead tree in the foreground center but I could see where the image would be possibly better without it. I do see your point though. Posted: 10/11/2025 20:10:13
I like the peaceful setting. I agree with Spring. The dead tree makes it hard to focus. Posted: 10/13/2025 23:17:58
John, I like your edit. Both images are good and the one with a dead tree seems to add depth possibly. Posted: 10/24/2025 23:20:59
Tom, I like your choice of shutter speed that provides some dynamic to the scenery and keep some texture in the water. I agree with Spring and John that the dead tree just in the middle is taking down the image from the composition point of view. Maybe moving to the right would have take the tree out of the middle of the image. John's post process just show up how good is the image without the tree.
best wishes
Michele Posted: 10/14/2025 06:07:34
best wishes
Michele Posted: 10/14/2025 06:07:34
Michele, I wish I had shot the image with the tree right or left of dead center. Not sure if it adds or detracts. Thank you for your views. Posted: 10/24/2025 23:29:07
Excellent image, although I agree with the comments that the tree seems like a distraction. Posted: 10/16/2025 01:01:53
I really like the long exposure used in this photo to get the silky water and the blurry spokes of the turning water wheel. The soft light and the subtle HDR quality gives the image an a bit of the painterly effect. I actually do not mind the tree as much, I think it gives a little foreground and adds depth to the image. However, I think the tree in the center of the picture draws the eye away as we go from the brightest part of the image (the silky water) towards the blurry water wheel. I wonder if placing the tree on the right side might make it less of a distraction. Although, I can see how you will not get the same composition with the water and the wheel if you had shifted to the left. Overall, an excellent image. It evokes a very serene and tranquil atmosphere. Posted: 10/16/2025 16:04:32
Dennis, thank you for your comments. Posted: 10/24/2025 23:30:28