Sunshine on My Shoulders

Gallery: LandscapePosted February 4, 2011336 views19 comments

Ok, a corny title and off-handed tribute to John Denver... but really now that I look at this, sunshine is indeed on the shoulders of Taft Point in Yosemite.

In my last and final autumn image I posted, Stan challenged me to post a "frigid snowy scene." Well, here ya go. This was captured 1 month ago on a quick trip back to Yosemite with Chris C. He of course has already posted a half dozen killer images, and this is the best I could muster....

I wouldn't really call this "frigid" either to most of everyone else's winter standards - It was a pleasant 32degF. Hardly even jacket weather.

A bit different for me as well as having the sky included in one of my scenes is a rarity. But just wanted to share anyway. Your comments and critiques are always welcome.

4x5, V100, Nikkor 450mm, f/32 @1/30th.
Tony Kuyper's masks, actions and magic....

Thanks!

Lon

Comments

19 comments

Comment posted by Giovanni Russello on February 4, 2011 at 2:12 AM

Lon, this is really nice. I like the bluish tint in the lower part. The shapes of the clouds complement well the shoulder of the peak.

gio

Registered on January 21, 2007, 95 Posts, 1617 Comments

Comment posted by Andreas Resch on February 4, 2011 at 4:27 AM

The shape of the rock really makes this one special - I like it. It's also interesting to see the blues in the shadows being the same tone and intensity as in my snow shots taken in Switzerland (Velvia 50).

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

Comment posted by Stan Rose on February 4, 2011 at 7:05 AM

Yeah, sunshine my ***, you know what really made John high...

I think this is real nice, Lon, its good to mix things up a bit, no? If i were to be super picky here, id say ideally the pinnacle should be further right, since the lines here lead off frame to the left. But, similar to the shot i just posted, compositional 'perfection', if there is such a thing, isnt always needed, sometimes you just gotta pull the seat back and just enjoy. And im enjoying this shot. Course, i hate you now cause ive got to listen to John Denver singing in the back of my head for the next 6 hours probably...

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on February 4, 2011 at 9:12 AM

This is beautiful, Lon. I like the blues a lot. A pretty scene just to enjoy.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Barry Vangrov on February 4, 2011 at 9:18 AM

It's a pleasant enough image, Lon, no real nits; but it doesn't really draw me in like some of your others from Yosemite. Interesting though to see a view of Taft Pt rather than from Taft Pt.

Registered on September 1, 2009, 148 Posts, 749 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on February 4, 2011 at 9:38 AM

This turned out well. I really like the detail in the shadows. The blueness works perfectly here. It really does feel cold.

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

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on February 4, 2011 at 9:44 AM

Wonderful winter scene Lon, a little different from what I'm used to from you, but it's nice. I like the inclusion of the sky here, and the light hitting the peak is nice.

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

Comment posted by Morris McClung on February 4, 2011 at 9:44 AM

The large version has such great detail. And I like the shot, but I also like this cropped to square with the top half. All of the good stuff is up there.

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

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on February 4, 2011 at 11:06 AM

Wow, this looks great Lon. You know I love your tree scenes, but something different for a change is also always appreciated. In particular if it is a scene like this. The pristine feeling of a fresh winter landscape is well conveyed. I also like the composition - very unique way of capturing the winter in the mountains. Excellent work Lon!

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

Comment posted by Jason Risinger on February 4, 2011 at 11:43 AM

You can credit Tony K for the masks and actions, but not for the magic

You had quite a hand in that yourself! I really like it.

Registered on July 13, 2010, 13 Posts, 91 Comments

Comment posted by Michael J Greene, on February 4, 2011 at 12:35 PM

Very nice abstract image Lon. Your processing and colors look good. My only suggestion is maybe a slight crop off the top of the sky. Have a great weekend.

Michael

Registered on June 18, 2009, 86 Posts, 2317 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on February 4, 2011 at 4:22 PM

Thanks for the comments so far folks!

Interesting about this view of Taft point and thanks for mentioning Barry. In trying to identify and title the image, I did a Google search for Taft Point, Yosemite. And you're right, all the images displayed are referenced from the top of the valley looking down, or towards Half Dome, etc. The ONLY image I could find to verify was a painting that came through in the search results. Fun.

Stan, very sorry to you and any others about any John Denver references. I hope it wasn't stuck in your head to long. You know, a "Country Boy" like you who loves venturing in to the "Rocky Mountain High" valleys and peaks, would enjoy a restful night's sleep on "Grandma's Feather Bed" and then dreaming about Annie "Leaving on a Jet Plane..."

Couldn't resist.

Lon

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

Comment posted by Hamed Musharbak on February 4, 2011 at 5:38 PM

extremely cold

very clean image Lon

i really liked the blue color

well done

Hamed

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

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on February 4, 2011 at 6:29 PM

I personally like - take me home country roads, to a place, I belong......

Well anyway this is a grand view and although it still has trees in it, has the right amount of sky, mountain and
woody folk. Great blue tones without being overpowering, nice touch.

Well done Lon

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

Comment posted by Paul Duval on February 4, 2011 at 11:48 PM

Yes Lon,

I know your images deny it but there is a sky out there somewhere? When I saw your name on the image I immediately thought YNP. Taft Point not an oft photographed landmark, but I think you in your inimitable fashion has done it the justice it does deserve. The thought of Stan having John Denver runnning around in his head for six hours did bring a smile to my face. Your image a very nice piece of cold Yosemite granite.

Paul

Registered on June 30, 2009, 508 Posts, 1907 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on February 5, 2011 at 12:27 AM

This is nice! I know I can't have something similar to this because I don't have a 450mm lens!

So the thought to zoom in on the point never entered my mind. I especially like the detail in all the snow dusted evergreens you were able to capture. I agree, the blues work nice here. I worked to nuetralize them in my shot from here. maybe should have left it alone.

Chris

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

Comment posted by Vance Gese on February 5, 2011 at 1:50 AM

The light and blue shadows really are beautiful Lon, and I love the patterns and details of the rock face with the snow and the trees. The composition works so well with the angles of the top of the rock face and the forest in the lower right, and the precipice on the left hand side. Fantastic work.

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

Comment posted by Anil Rao on February 6, 2011 at 1:59 PM

This photograph conveys strong feelings about desolation, frigid temperatures and height. I love the composition -- unique and really beautiful. The range of tones throughout the frame shows off the landscape in such a beautiful manner.

Its right up there among your best photographs.

Registered on November 15, 2003, 234 Posts, 4923 Comments

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on February 6, 2011 at 10:17 PM

Seems cold! Only 32?

The blue theme here is really nice. I like the bit of clouds on the top, as it helps to balance the overall scene.

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