Drive By

Gallery: LandscapePosted November 20, 2010791 views56 comments

I'm sure each and every one of you have experienced a "drive by shooting" - that is in photography terms. You know, you're driving along and you spot something out of the corner of your eye, slam on the brakes and investigate. Sometimes we call it the 60mph rule, or the 35mph rule.... 9 times out of 10, it's never the same once you stop and go look.

Well, two weeks ago in Yosemite the 35mph rule was engaged and I spied this backlit dogwood and had to stop. Fellow NPN'r Kyle Krause and I thought we could work this scene and this was my first exposure on this autumn trip to Yosemite.

I posted a digi-snap version of this in the CANP IC Gallery if you want to compare. This one has a bit more contrast and the DOF creates a slightly different feel in this one.

I would love to hear your honest thoughts and critiques of this image. Comp, colors, processing, etc.

4x5 V100 Nikkor 210mm f/32 @ 2s

Thanks!

Lon

Comments

56 comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on November 20, 2010 at 10:56 PM

Superb, Lon, this is really, really superb. The pattern of the dark branches and the red leaves with that background tree contrast makes this to me one phenomenal image. Composition, color, everything looks perfect to me. Incredible. This is art, Lon, this is art.

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

Comment posted by Phillip Noll on November 20, 2010 at 11:04 PM

Well, to be honest I would have to say......Holy Crap! This is awesome!

This could have come across as a very busy and chaotic scene but it really isn't. My eyes are drawn to the tree trunks and branches and then I follow those out along wonderful lines and curves to this brilliant, glowing red with a bonus of gold in the middle! Sweet! The rock wall in the distant background appears a bit blue to me and because of that, my only suggestion would be to slightly warm the photo. Pretty darn nice for a drive-by!!

Registered on November 17, 2003, 207 Posts, 1083 Comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on November 20, 2010 at 11:06 PM

I just love the flow of the branches of the foreground trees; it looks like they are wrapped in a waltz.

You did an admirable job taming the blues in the background cliffs. The color balance in this is spot on.

I think this is one of your very best, and truly captures the essence of trees.

--P

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

Comment posted by Mark Zemmin on November 20, 2010 at 11:10 PM

This is very nice. The red tree creates a quasi-opaque frame to see through to the beautiful dogwood. The only thing that detracts for me is that very straight dead tree next to the dogwood, it is the only straight line in the photo.

Registered on November 4, 2010, 8 Posts, 170 Comments

Comment posted by Adrian Klein on November 20, 2010 at 11:13 PM

This is simply great Lon. To have a kind of chaotic scene like this and make it flow so well is wonderful. Well done all around as usual!

Registered on June 10, 2007, 112 Posts, 1506 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on November 20, 2010 at 11:13 PM

I love the dark branches and trunks with all the colors of leaves. This truly is art.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Michael Hardeman on November 20, 2010 at 11:20 PM

Great structure, Lon. Just the kind of thing I would shoot for. Nice job!

Registered on November 26, 2005, 150 Posts, 233 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on November 20, 2010 at 11:56 PM

WOW, needless to say the colors we saw from the P&S were very good, but these are very special overall, Lon. And, as we discussed back then the dark tree trunks do have very good detail in the larger version here. Surprisingly, it does not seem to be suffering from any noticeable compression issues either, not sure what you got these loaded at, but they really do look very good IMO.

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

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on November 20, 2010 at 11:59 PM

Magnificent! I knew this was yours from the thumbnail Lon. I really like the yellow tree is centered between the two red tress. The silhouetted spidery limbs add an other dynamic to the scene. Well seen and captured!

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

Comment posted by Daniel Ewert on November 21, 2010 at 12:09 AM

This is a beauty, Lon. Lots of interest in this one and it is composed very well. I like it a lot.

Registered on June 2, 2009, 103 Posts, 1500 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on November 21, 2010 at 12:13 AM

Very nice Lon.

Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on November 21, 2010 at 1:22 AM

Sweeeet!! I can tell you how many times ive turned around (sometimes missing a better later opportunity) and you're right, 9 out of 10 times it's a dissapointment. No dissapointment here!

Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments

Comment posted by Zaynab on November 21, 2010 at 2:20 AM

Lon,

Beautiful. This one is even better than the digital that you posted earlier and at least this drive by was nailed. The darker branches in this version put this image over the top. WOnderful work as always Lon.

Registered on November 16, 2010, 8 Posts, 30 Comments

Comment posted by Julian Barkway on November 21, 2010 at 2:38 AM

Speechless.

Bloody brilliant, Lon.

Registered on January 18, 2007, 344 Posts, 1961 Comments

Comment posted by Brigitte Lorenz on November 21, 2010 at 5:19 AM

Really wonderful work....

Brigitte

Registered on January 10, 2009, 187 Posts, 1507 Comments

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on November 21, 2010 at 7:09 AM

I would say this is one of your strongest images of this kind! There are actually two compositions behind each other. The most obvious one is of course the dogwood as such. The patterns created by the trunks and branches works extremely well, the reds look super appealing. The other composition is the whole background which works as perfect backdrop for the fg subject. Both complement each other and create the final effect. Quite an accomplishment Lon!

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

Comment posted by Guy Tal on November 21, 2010 at 7:11 AM

What a wonderful kaleidoscope of colors and lines. This is excellent, Lon.

Guy

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

Comment posted by David Chauvin on November 21, 2010 at 7:32 AM

The tracery of dark branches over the multiple patches of color is mesmerizing, a delicate oriental feel. The one straight trunk in the middle of the frame keeps stopping me, mainly because of it's nearness to the bright yellow tree. Still this is amazingly beautiful and well worth the stop.

Registered on August 5, 2004, 1007 Posts, 5595 Comments

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on November 21, 2010 at 9:18 AM

Incredible DOF Lon. The comp works with the two main trunks dividing the shot and the variations in the colours are beautiful.

Gary.

Registered on April 15, 2010, 142 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by Ron Pullen on November 21, 2010 at 9:49 AM

I'm glad you stopped, its was worth that second look. Beautiful! Ron

Registered on December 18, 2005, 74 Posts, 1413 Comments

Comment posted by Kah Kit Yoong on November 21, 2010 at 10:15 AM

One of your most beautiful works Lon. I like that you can also peak into that tranquil landscape behind. I can certainly relate to your thoughts about drive-by-shooting.

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

Comment posted by Arnab Banerjee on November 21, 2010 at 10:16 AM

Beautiful Lon...worth stopping and capturing this scene. Love the way you framed that yellow - with your signature style

Registered on January 3, 2007, 313 Posts, 2270 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on November 21, 2010 at 10:17 AM

This is just fantastic, Lon. I like everything about it. The colors are beautiful and I really like the dark trunks and branches in contrast. The comp is perfect and I like the bit of water showing in what looks like a small creek. The large version is awesome. Really well done!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on November 21, 2010 at 10:49 AM

This went through quite a transformation! Not that the digisnap wasn't very nice, but dang. nothing beats rezolution and DOF. The colors have really improved too. They are so much deeper and richer without looking pushed there. I also notice a slight crop off the bottom that definately is a plus. I have not a single nit with this. A stunning shot!

Chris

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

Comment posted by Nicolaus Wegner on November 21, 2010 at 10:56 AM

I really like the colors on this Lon, but honestly I prefer the textures in the trunks to be visible as they are in the CANP Gallery shot. I'm wondering if something between the two would be possible? I think it's the photochopper in me screaming for more dynamic range.

I know what you mean about drive bys. Happens too often. But sometimes you do get lucky, and I think this might be one of those times.

Registered on February 21, 2010, 133 Posts, 1509 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on November 21, 2010 at 11:00 AM

Beautiful, Lon!!! I would not mind it a bit warmer and maybe a little lighter in the midtones, but it still sings as presented. Great vision, as usual.

What would Lon do?

Harley

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

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on November 21, 2010 at 11:38 AM

What a huge difference between the two images. This is so much more vibrant and richer than the other - unbelievable! What a great shot.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Jason Kim on November 21, 2010 at 11:54 AM

Wonderful work, Lon. This is even better than the first version you posted. Absolutely beautiful!!

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

Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on November 21, 2010 at 12:06 PM

Stunning, Lon.

- Dan.

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

Comment posted by John Williams on November 21, 2010 at 12:17 PM

You are a master with tree shots like this Lon, but I have to agree that this is one of your best. I love the way the photo is mostly two-dimensional, but hints at depth beyond; it really sucks the eye in.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on November 21, 2010 at 12:39 PM

Very cool, Lon. I love these type of images; enough interest to draw you in and look through the dogwood. Very well seen and executed.

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

Comment posted by Wayne Rhodus on November 21, 2010 at 12:42 PM

Lon, this is one drive by shooting that I would have liked to witness. The reds, greens & yellows give a wonderful palette of color contrast for the deep dark trunks. The lone light colored straight tree trunk at dead center is the only negative in this whole scene.

Registered on November 16, 2003, 157 Posts, 3326 Comments

Comment posted by Kyle L. Krause on November 21, 2010 at 1:20 PM

Wow Lon, this is just gorgeous! Incredible job. I have the same composition vertical and horizontal, but there is just something about film and a 4x5 camera. We have been friends for over 20 years with hundreds of "drive by shooting", this has to be one of our best. Thanks for your friendship all these years. Keep up the passion. Very inspiring

Registered on June 15, 2010, 29 Posts, 605 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on November 21, 2010 at 1:35 PM

i love it - great backlight, lovely colours and strong comp - what else could you want?

Registered on December 7, 2007, 247 Posts, 4792 Comments

Comment posted by John Mumaw on November 21, 2010 at 2:15 PM

One of the best autumn images I've seen here this year.
The colors surrounding the yellow dogwood are simply sublime.

Registered on September 9, 2005, 62 Posts, 2289 Comments

Comment posted by Ben Horne on November 21, 2010 at 2:31 PM

This is so sharp that I feel I could count every leaf within the composition. The composition is very simple, calm, and the colors are very natural.

Although I do like the contrast in color between the yellow, red, and green -- if I cover up the distant yellow tree, the photo takes on an entirely different feel -- it allows me to further explore the branches of the foreground red trees without constantly getting sucked toward the distant yellow tree.

That yellow tree tends to make the photo seem "grounded" and realistic. However, when I cover it up with my fingers, the foreground red trees give the appearance that I'm looking through a stained glass window. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing.

Registered on August 27, 2009, 51 Posts, 959 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on November 21, 2010 at 2:43 PM

Love the comp and colors. Feels a bit underexposed on my monitor, but that does serve to strengthen the color qualities here. Definitely worth going back for.

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

Comment posted by David Edwards on November 21, 2010 at 3:14 PM

Brilliant image, Lon. I love the strong shapes and patterns of the dark tree trunks against the wonderful light and color of the leaves. The processing is perfect to my eye. I wouldn't change a thing. Super image!!

Registered on December 6, 2008, 142 Posts, 2623 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on November 21, 2010 at 3:20 PM

Wow, thank you very much everyone! I appreciate all the comments.

Regarding the tree trunk in the background, that bothered me at the time and still does actually so I'm not surprised that a few of you noticed. I did burn it down some in processing, but don't know what else to do about it. I tried hiding in in the field while composing, but then I lost the positioning of the yellow tree. Oh well.

Ben: Excellent observation! You are right that when I put my thumb over that yellow tree the scene does seem to transform in to stained glass. Very cool.

Detail in the dark trunks. Well, after years of Fuji film and limited dynamic range I guess I've just settled on the fact that I'm not gonna get detail - at least in scenes like this. Which maybe, just maybe, has taught me to see shapes, forms and lines rather than detail.... interesting, I just thought of that...

Kyle: DITTO!

Thanks folks!

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on November 21, 2010 at 3:33 PM

Oh, Mommy is this ever unbelievable! Glorious, rich color and the yellow tree is an outstanding additon. Wow, wow, wow.

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Hamed Musharbak on November 21, 2010 at 3:45 PM

THE BEST

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

Comment posted by Benjamin Olson on November 21, 2010 at 3:55 PM

Wonderful, this is one of my favorites of yours.

Registered on April 7, 2007, 169 Posts, 725 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on November 21, 2010 at 4:42 PM

In fairness to your excellent digicam shot, you could have processed it to look just like this shot for web.

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

Comment posted by Matt Anderson on November 21, 2010 at 8:11 PM

Outrageous!!!
Well, amazing in my eye...
Lon, You dah man!
Love it.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 346 Posts, 2696 Comments

Comment posted by Gabi Lach on November 21, 2010 at 8:21 PM

Mr. Lon, what a shot!!

It's your type of photo and it's spectacular. Such a busy composition and so rich in color and detail... very beautiful!

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

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on November 21, 2010 at 8:52 PM

Very strange Lon, but my comment never made on to the page. I love this version much better than the digital. The reduced dynamic range producing the darker trunks works so well here. Such a unique image

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

Comment posted by Adam Gibbs on November 22, 2010 at 12:18 AM

Really lovely image Lon. Everything works beautifully.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 168 Posts, 870 Comments

Comment posted by Balan Vinod on November 22, 2010 at 3:22 AM

This is through the roof Lon ...love every thing about it ..the colors are superb...

Well Done
Balan Vinod

Registered on March 20, 2006, 889 Posts, 2312 Comments

Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on November 22, 2010 at 9:24 AM

I like how the almost black limbs and branches play zaggedly against the colorful reds, yellows and greens. The reflection in the llc is nice. The brighter straight tree trunk in the center caught my eye.

Registered on April 1, 2010, 196 Posts, 1592 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on November 22, 2010 at 10:08 AM

Lon, you're right about "drive-bys." Usually they turn out to be nothing, but in this case it was certainly worth investigating

Nice job!

Registered on January 28, 2010, 343 Posts, 2257 Comments

Comment posted by Andreas Resch on November 22, 2010 at 11:26 AM

A real "Overacker" - just lovely. And all that on a 4x5 slide - yeah!

Registered on November 14, 2007, 322 Posts, 6101 Comments

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on November 22, 2010 at 12:04 PM

Wow!

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

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on November 22, 2010 at 10:20 PM

Incredible, Lon! This has got to be one of my favorites of yours, just spectacular. No critiques available from me! I love the color palette, the framing of the yellow tree, and the dark branches of the dogwood.

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

Comment posted by Winnie Ho on November 22, 2010 at 10:41 PM

Lon, this is really unique. Superbly executed. Has a soothing effect on me.

Registered on January 6, 2008, 93 Posts, 1788 Comments

Comment posted by Tyson Fisher on November 23, 2010 at 4:40 PM

Congrats on this one Lon! This is perhaps my favorite shot of yours. I like that you can barely make out the river on the bottom, it definitely helps lead the eye into the scene.

Registered on September 17, 2008, 44 Posts, 623 Comments

Comment posted by Mel Ladewig on November 25, 2010 at 1:01 AM

Excellent Lon. Very nicely balanced color contrasts of red-green and blue-yellow through this image. And a solid composition on top of it all.

Registered on July 24, 2005, 114 Posts, 1205 Comments