Birds of a Feather

Gallery: LandscapePosted August 10, 2009776 views37 comments

Thanks sooo much for your response on the last image. A few of you thought the colors were a bit strong and I agree, especially the red. This one here I hope is a little less strong color/sat-wise, but the natural warm colors of these fascinating trees are really emphasized by the red and magenta-sensitive film.

Birds of Feather... flock together is the old saying. I thought that the weathered, textured trunk of this juniper resembled the feathers of a bird. The larger version is the full, uncropped original for reference. I had intended to crop this at the time of capture because this was the closest I could get with the lens and bellows extension. Anway, the original might work for some - I'd be curious.

This may be my favorite of this short series. I have a couple others, but neither of them come close to any of the first four, so I may not post them.

As always, I appreciate your comments and welcome ALL critiques.

Chamonix 4x5, Nikkor 210mm, V100F, f/45@4s

Thanks!

Lon

Comments

37 comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on August 10, 2009 at 1:33 AM

Holy cow Lon. Is this ever exquisite. The texture and detail, the flow of the lines, the color and those nice blacks of the fractured wood make this phenomenal. I do like how you have cropped this image as presented above; really focuses the viewer on what I would imagine drew you to this. Superb. As with your previous post, this will make a fantastic print.

Registered on November 13, 2008, 298 Posts, 6629 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on August 10, 2009 at 1:53 AM

Wonderful detail, textures, and colors!
Sandy r

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by David Cobb on August 10, 2009 at 1:54 AM

This is my favorite Lon, I love the flow to this image, and the color and texture are beautiful.

David M. Cobb

Registered on December 14, 2007, 312 Posts, 3243 Comments

Comment posted by Jason Kim on August 10, 2009 at 3:46 AM

The texture and fine detail in the "feathers" is really quite nice. The colors are great, too. I think this would make an exceptional print.

Registered on July 1, 2006, 60 Posts, 1233 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Sieren on August 10, 2009 at 3:48 AM

Lon, the crop does simplify it well and keeps your eyes focused on all that texture. I can see the feathers too. Maybe even the shape of bird also. Nice series.

Registered on January 2, 2008, 360 Posts, 5321 Comments

Comment posted by Swamy Lokanadham on August 10, 2009 at 4:29 AM

Beautiful again. Love the painting like texture and colors. I think you should compile a book with tree abstracts (abstracts and poetry) -Swamy

Registered on July 21, 2009, 45 Posts, 112 Comments

Comment posted by Mitch Erwin on August 10, 2009 at 4:38 AM

Oooh Lon! I love the texture on this. I'm more partial to the cropped version as I think the LLC pulls my eye on the original some - for me anyway! :ove the colors too

Registered on April 24, 2006, 98 Posts, 656 Comments

Comment posted by Hamed Musharbak on August 10, 2009 at 5:53 AM

i dont have any feedback about this kind of works, but i really like it

the textures & the colors are wonderful

all the best Lon

Hamed

Registered on June 1, 2009, 372 Posts, 2282 Comments

Comment posted by Rafael Rojas on August 10, 2009 at 7:30 AM

Gorgeous again. I prefer this one. The reason...i dont know, maybe it is because it looks more flat, and so more abstract. One would say it is a rug, or a rock, or wood or nothing at all. This is VERY impressive Lon. I would hang it for sure, even from my neck

Registered on March 1, 2009, 56 Posts, 623 Comments

Comment posted by John&Patty Benway on August 10, 2009 at 7:44 AM

Gorgeous Lon, the shadows actually separate the colors and texture causing them to stand out, kind of gives it a 3D look. Takes a special eye to pull this off, and you have it. Beautifully seen and done.
John

Registered on May 12, 2006, 626 Posts, 8700 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on August 10, 2009 at 7:53 AM

I really like the color and flow of the lines in the "feathers" Lon. Another intimate scene well seen and captured.

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

Comment posted by Jose Suro on August 10, 2009 at 8:30 AM

The hits just keep on coming

. Beautiful palette and outstanding details. I prefer the original with the darker area on the BLC. Great image.

Best,

Jose

Registered on June 24, 2006, 267 Posts, 2273 Comments

Comment posted by usha peddamatham on August 10, 2009 at 9:07 AM

This would be one of your bestsellers if you were to market it as an art print. Truly one of a kind.

Registered on June 25, 2009, 82 Posts, 389 Comments

Comment posted by Guy Tal on August 10, 2009 at 9:09 AM

Color is still strong here, Lon but that's a good thing in my opinion. Those swirls and patterns are incredible and they do remind me of peacock feathers. Should make for a wonderful print.

Guy

Registered on November 1, 2003, 566 Posts, 15507 Comments

Comment posted by Dorin Bofan on August 10, 2009 at 9:12 AM

Simply beautiful, Lon! I'm intrigued by the wonderful contrast between the cracks and the main texture of the trunk. The colors are superb. Fine art at its best.

Registered on April 30, 2007, 122 Posts, 3086 Comments

Comment posted by Kurt Budliger on August 10, 2009 at 9:25 AM

Outstanding Lon! I love the swirling pattern of the weathered wood and the color, warmth and detail are fantastic.

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

Comment posted by Robert Dayton on August 10, 2009 at 9:29 AM

Superb, Lon. Very abstract. You should do a book or calendar on trees.

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

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on August 10, 2009 at 10:01 AM

Another truly artful image from the series, Lon. I would say this is my favorite of the group more so for the overall pattern then anything lesser of the others from the previous posts. In fact I could see the entire group hanging together as a very fine collection. So far as the film, I would say that is why we use certain types from the many out there and accept or even want the outcome that they lean towards in most cases. Excellent work throughout.

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

Comment posted by Marc Adamus on August 10, 2009 at 10:48 AM

Very intriguing, Lon. The curves and textures are really captivating in both images.

Registered on September 17, 2005, 780 Posts, 8091 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on August 10, 2009 at 11:20 AM

I like this one a lot, Lon. I find it a very strong composition with great lines and textures. I might favor a top crop as the dark area top right pulls my eye a little from the bright overall image, but very minor. Excellent as presented. Sweet work.

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

Comment posted by Ron Richins on August 10, 2009 at 12:09 PM

You've been sporting some nice wood lately.

Another interesting tree picture.

Registered on March 6, 2008, 113 Posts, 1009 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on August 10, 2009 at 12:49 PM

The cropped version is definitely the way to go. Very nice.

- Dan.

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

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on August 10, 2009 at 3:35 PM

Again excellent work Lon. The cropped version is more coherent and complete, the uncropped harder to appreciate - but more because I cannot fully view it on my screen. It also looks a bit softer than the smaller image.
I agree the previous one was very saturated, but I liked the color. This is personal preference - I guess I also liked the the other image a bit more, but I see no difference in objective quality between the two.

Registered on January 26, 2007, 360 Posts, 9876 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Leggett on August 10, 2009 at 7:04 PM

Very nice abstract work, Lon. Reminds me of some of Walter Anderson's watercolors (rather famous artist from my neck of the woods).

Registered on July 21, 2004, 706 Posts, 3233 Comments

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on August 10, 2009 at 8:09 PM

Another great image, Lon. I love the colors and all the great textures working together.

Registered on July 26, 2007, 244 Posts, 2807 Comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on August 10, 2009 at 9:13 PM

This is truly sweet!

Remind me to never show you one of my favorite haunts again!

I prefer the cropped version, too. Print it, and print it big!

-P

Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments

Comment posted by Kevin McNeal on August 10, 2009 at 9:28 PM

Great eye for detail Lon. The patterns in the subject are fantastic as well as the sweeping curves that enhance the image.

Registered on May 19, 2006, 209 Posts, 3202 Comments

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on August 10, 2009 at 10:45 PM

Lon! I need resuscitation! The sight of this took my breath away. Wow!

Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments

Comment posted by Kah Kit Yoong on August 10, 2009 at 11:00 PM

Outstanding. Like how this one flows around too like nature's fingerprint.

Registered on September 27, 2006, 636 Posts, 10682 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on August 10, 2009 at 11:10 PM

What incredible light Lon! Just wonderful, excellent composition as well. While I'm always on the lookout for nice tree textures, I nearly always pass them off, or never process the results as they look to cliche or uninteresting - you've done a really great and inspiring job with this recent series.

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

Comment posted by Paul Marcellini on August 11, 2009 at 1:14 AM

Haven't had time to comment on all of them but I have liked them all Lon. This is definitely my fav. Just beautiful and great title as well. Looks like a fiery phoenix(that was a bird right?)

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

Comment posted by Carlos Molina on August 11, 2009 at 11:14 AM

Wow, very interesting abstract. Very nice texture & color. Honestly, I do not find the colors too strong, I like the boldness, it communicates. Again, very well done IMO.

Registered on March 17, 2009, 40 Posts, 393 Comments

Comment posted by Cliff Dodge on August 11, 2009 at 11:16 AM

Beautiful and warm.

Registered on March 25, 2006, 125 Posts, 507 Comments

Comment posted by Eric Good on August 11, 2009 at 6:20 PM

I'm partial to the cropped version. It strikes a nice balance between the different shades of color and general patterns. Well seen and captured!

Registered on March 17, 2007, 116 Posts, 4764 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Lilly on August 12, 2009 at 12:08 AM

I am thoroughly fascinated by this image- terrific composition and processing.

Registered on May 27, 2004, 28 Posts, 289 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on August 12, 2009 at 1:19 AM

Man, this little series with the juniper is outstanding! I really like the curve in this one, and the ornate patterns in the bark. I think the previous one had a little bit better texture with the curled up feathery looking areas. Maybe dimensionality is a better word. Is that a word?

Chris

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

Comment posted by Younes Bounhar on August 16, 2009 at 11:04 PM

I am absolutely in LOVE with this image. Everything about screams winner. I love the earthy tones, and just amazing curves. Nicely seen, and even better executed.

Registered on November 25, 2007, 81 Posts, 1234 Comments