Black Oak Spring

Gallery: LandscapePosted May 30, 2009557 views21 comments

Thanks for your comments on the previous image. I appreciate your honest responses.

What would a trip to Yosemite be if I didn't come home with more images of trees? During one of the few breaks in the rain, Harley, Jason and I spent some time wondering the base of the granite cliffs near Yosemite Lodge and Yosemite Falls. Had a hard time finding a comp, but wanted something that placed these budding oaks against the massive granite walls. Not sure if this comes together or not.

Would love to hear your thoughts and comments.

Chaminox 4x5, 300mm, V100F, f32@1s
Tony Kuypers Lum and Sat Masks

Thanks!

Lon

The larger version had to be saved at quality 5 just to keep it under the limit. The leaf and granite details are amazing on the slide.

Comments

21 comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on May 30, 2009 at 7:16 PM

Was this the spot I saw those three geeks lined up with the exact same 4x5 cameras and their heads under dark cloths? I might have seen those three dorks lined up in more than one spot.

Nice image, Lon. It is a classic Overacker tree image. The trunk lines hold the composition together quite nicely and I like the colors of the oak leaves budding. Well done.

Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on May 30, 2009 at 7:27 PM

Hi Lon - Your tree images are pure magic - the detail, the light, and delicate colors. This image is no exception....... and it comes together beautifully for me. Large view is a real treat.

Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on May 30, 2009 at 7:28 PM

Very nice, Lon. The Larger Version just provides so much excellent detail, kind of like being right at the scene. The dark trunks make some nice lines against the back wall too. You have all these Yosemite trees classified, filed, and named yet? It truly would seem as though you have mastered this "tree art" on location as it were.

Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on May 30, 2009 at 9:54 PM

Why are your trees always more animated than other people's trees? Everyone else's stand up straight and tall, like they're posing for a portrait. Your trees are like street dancers creating their own space with their outstretched limbs and gyrating trunks. They simply cannot hold still. I like your trees.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on May 30, 2009 at 10:10 PM

I love this stage of black oak spring. I love the detail, the colors, and the grey background. very nice, Lon.

Registered on November 25, 2003, 380 Posts, 4647 Comments

Comment posted by Gabi Lach on May 30, 2009 at 10:35 PM

Nice and delicate photo, just beautiful. Love it, Lon.

Registered on May 1, 2007, 101 Posts, 3187 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on May 30, 2009 at 10:48 PM

Lon, this definitely comes together! Really excellent image, a classic Overcracker tree, as Harley put so well. The dark trunks almost blend into the rock, looking like shadows - an effect I very much like

Registered on December 19, 2008, 306 Posts, 4840 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Dayton on May 30, 2009 at 11:00 PM

As usual, you're tree captures are beautiful. This is inspiring me to work harder
at photographing trees.

Registered on November 11, 2008, 281 Posts, 3958 Comments

Comment posted by Igor on May 30, 2009 at 11:20 PM

The larger version is fabulous. It must be truly rewarding to work with a 4X5 and get that kind of detail. I suppose trees are the ideal subjects for this medium. Very nice, indeed.

Registered on February 22, 2009, 12 Posts, 618 Comments

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on May 31, 2009 at 1:38 AM

Lon,

I don't know about this one. Something is missing but I just can't put my thumb on it. Its hard to find fault in your excellent work, but this one lacks something.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 474 Posts, 5555 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on May 31, 2009 at 7:48 AM

I like how the strong, dark trunks are lines leading to a delicate mix of texture and color. Must be a pleasure working with large format in terms of detail, which is abundant here.

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on May 31, 2009 at 8:37 AM

Very nice Lon,
This reminds me of a painting the one where you create dots with your brush until your subjects appear. I like not knowing what the background texture is and the trees add the right color and touch to this.

Registered on February 5, 2009, 199 Posts, 2775 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Marcellini on May 31, 2009 at 9:36 AM

I love everything about this but the top right corner Lon. That one lone dark branch keeps drawing my eye. It's not everyone's fav format, but I like a square of the left side without that corner. Otherwise, the processing and combo of leaves and rock form a real eye pleaser.

Registered on November 27, 2007, 250 Posts, 2468 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Bernabe on May 31, 2009 at 9:58 AM

Lon,

That large version just blows me away! Awesome

Registered on November 24, 2004, 180 Posts, 1545 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Budliger on May 31, 2009 at 2:58 PM

Very nice comp and well seen. These are such hard shots to pull off but you seem to have a nack for it! Beautiful detail and color throughout.

Registered on June 11, 2006, 113 Posts, 2116 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on May 31, 2009 at 6:25 PM

Another one of your signature tree images, Lon. Your approach, and style are very specific and recognizable. I like how the details in the foliage are separate from one another, and that the canopies are separate from the background. Not sure if that makes sense? But it's something I struggle with in my tree images. Everything sort of melds togehter.

Chris

Registered on March 13, 2007, 500 Posts, 8365 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Dawson on May 31, 2009 at 8:12 PM

Nice warm cool contrast Lon, the textures and lines aren't bad either!

Registered on February 4, 2006, 364 Posts, 8872 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on May 31, 2009 at 8:53 PM

I really like this one, Lon. Lovely color and movement.

- Dan.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 473 Posts, 7980 Comments

Comment posted by Kerry Leibowitz on May 31, 2009 at 11:00 PM

Lon, the details were being completely lost in the small version, so I clicked on the link to the larger image. That is another matter entirely. Very, very elegant composition. Well seen and well executed.