OK, so this is foray in to fall color, something I've not done in quite a while. Three weeks ago Saturday I was in Zion Canyon (along with about 90% of the other folks from ESS
). The morning was a wash for me with lots of snaps but no images that excited me when I got home.
In the afternoon I started to approach the colorful leaves sort of like I do sandstone . .. . simple compositions that I hope have a bit of an abstract quality. There seems to be more chaos in trees than there is in rocks, so it was a bit of a challenge to find this type of composition.
This is the first of a few files that I'm trying to work through. I like the way the larger trunk seemed to form a diagonal anchor which the foreground box elder sort of mimicked. Having just two colors of leaves seemed to help keep it simple and the soft light of the shaded side of the canyon meant there were no harsh competing shadows.
Your thoughts on this would, as always, be appreciated.
5D2, 28-200
(Oh, and I'm not entirely sure the yellow tree is a box elder. I was on a ranger hike once where she pointed out a yellow-leafed tree stating it was a box elder, and so now all the trees with yellow leaves in Zion Canyon, sans the cottonwoods, are box elder to me. See, I just like to keep things simple.
If someone has a better ID on this tree I can update the title.)
Comments
35 commentsI am afraid that if you start down the path of photographing trees the way you photograph rock, all us other tree photographers will soon be 'out of business'
You've captured some excellent color here. I'm not so sure about the stacked tree composition though. It's interesting how they mimic each other, but it seems to add tension to the scene. I get the feeling that I want to see the trunk in the background, but the foreground tree is "in the way."
Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.
Not your usual subject but the comp is a home run. The layering of yellow over red really creates some wet paint appearance. I also like how the trees curve up together symbolizing a nice bond. Great job and colors look perfect.
Still, it's not bad for someone who doesn't usually photograph stuff younger than a few million years. Rather good, in fact. Actually, I think I like it.
Every single element in this composition is essential to the whole, and the depth here is amazing. Brilliantly seen, executed and 'developed'!
- Dan.
Ed
This is lovely - a very fresh look at what Zion has to offer. The way the bright leaves of the box elder stand out from the background makes the image almost seem 3-dimensional. The larger trunk that has been placed directly behind the main (foreground) tree is what really makes this photograph in my opinion. It is intruiging and adds tension, both of which elevate this picture to a whole new level.
Welcome to the world of Tree People!
Seriously, we all know you've got a few tree pictures in your files and of course your skills and eye as a photographer are easily transferred to other venues besides rock sandstone. I think you know that.
Red and Yellow! A popular combination, and a combination that is warm and pleasing. I like very much how the reds completely surround the yellow, and still, the yellow leaves fill the frame. The matching diagonals work perfectly for this strong comp.
Can't really say I have any nits, although if I had a wish, it would be for a bit more room all the way around to be able to include all of the yellow tree. But who's counting... this is still beautifully captured Tony!
Lon
Chris