Beautiful Day!

Gallery: LandscapePosted February 7, 2011254 views24 comments

This is my take on Taft Point, and the surroundings on a beautiful January day. Like Lon said, it was a balmy 32 degrees, and just a great day to be out in the valley shooting with a friend. I went with a compromise from the bluish shadows of the original, and a complete removal of those blues. larger version included. I hope you enjoy it, and thank you for your thoughts.

Now that it's posted here, I think the shadow area looks too blue/cyan???? Not so much in the larger version though. Thanks

D200,
18-70mm,
GND,
1/20th, F/11,

Thanks
Chris

Comments

24 comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on February 7, 2011 at 9:56 PM

You're right, a beautiful winter scene too. So much detail that you really need to view the larger version to appreciate it. Looks so peaceful and nice that you forget it's cold. Nicely captured.

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

Comment posted by Raymond D Smith on February 7, 2011 at 10:17 PM

I think everything looks good overall Chris. This photo and Adam Gibbs are great reminders that good photo's can be had outside of the golden hour. The details are stunning it seems you really have your technique down. Must be incredible being surround be those sheer cliffs. Cheers

Registered on January 22, 2009, 12 Posts, 479 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on February 7, 2011 at 11:07 PM

Chris: Wonderful light management and a superb capture of a beautiful scene. The larger version is just a pure delight.>=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on February 7, 2011 at 11:19 PM

Real pretty winter scene, Chris.

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

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on February 7, 2011 at 11:38 PM

Very nice. Lots to look at in this frame, and it's well-lit and composed.

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

Comment posted by Steve Sieren on February 8, 2011 at 2:45 AM

Those darn shadows in the snow are always something I stare at too long when processing so I know how you feel and of course it didn't even cross the mind until after reading your scenario. Can't really nit pick this one, oh I found something, that tree on the left looks lazy. I like the scene and hope to make it out this winter since it's so hot down here!

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

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on February 8, 2011 at 6:07 AM

Such a magnificent looking location Chris, beautiful winter landscape. Sharpness and detail throughout is top notch.

Gary.

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

Comment posted by Stan Rose on February 8, 2011 at 8:17 AM

Pretty winter scene, Chris! Nice crisp and cold feel. I would have preferred a bit more of the pond, cause i like that element here, but thats my sole nitpick.

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on February 8, 2011 at 9:25 AM

This is a beautiful winter scene, Chris. Really enjoy looking at the large version. The shadows look just right to me. Very well done.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Michael J Greene, on February 8, 2011 at 10:43 AM

Pretty scene Chris and wonderful conditions. I think the shadows look good. Tree barks look a tad dark on my monitor and maybe a slight crop in on the right side. Those are my insights. Another consistently fine image...Michael

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

Comment posted by Luis Argerich on February 8, 2011 at 10:56 AM

Beautiful scene, maybe a tad dark if I have to say something but I like it a lot as-is.

Registered on December 22, 2009, 91 Posts, 1349 Comments

Comment posted by R.Bill Moser on February 8, 2011 at 11:54 AM

The large version is a must see here to really appreciate this image. This is a very beautiful and tranquil winter scene. Very well composed. i am amazed by all the details. The shadow colors are ok to me.

Registered on January 29, 2010, 285 Posts, 4281 Comments

Comment posted by Jason Kim on February 8, 2011 at 12:13 PM

Very nice winter scene. The light on Taft Point helps to bring this comp together. I just barely notice the cyan.

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

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on February 8, 2011 at 12:29 PM

Gorgeous view Chris. Fantastic detail in the large version and the color looks fine on my monitor.

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

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on February 8, 2011 at 2:09 PM

A very beautiful winter scene Chris! Lovely pristine conditions. Would have been cool to have some of that nice snow covered rock in the bg reflected in the water, but the composition is very balanced and enganging as it is presented. Maybe you can try to lighten the trees and the snow covered river banks just a tad? Just a suggestion, I just always like it when snow in such winterscapes is almost completely white. I know, the areas I mention are in the shade, just a little bit brighter? Ok Ok, I stop it...

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

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on February 8, 2011 at 3:25 PM

Chis,

T'was a great morning indeed. And I can't recall every having seen such a great winter landscape from this spot. It's not a secret spot, but certainly less visited.

I think you did a great job with the processing Chris and I think you have just the right amount of blue in the snow of the valley walls.

I'm regretting not borrowing your tripod holes now...

Lon

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

Comment posted by Dorin Bofan on February 8, 2011 at 3:53 PM

You chose a really good viewpoint that basically puts me there, Chris! Super!

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

Comment posted by Eric Good on February 8, 2011 at 4:51 PM

Not familiar with Taft Point images myself, but I can see why it would be a popular place to photograph... particularly after viewing the larger version. The shadow area is a little too much cyan/saturated for my tastes, but ask me again in a few months and my opinion will probably be different.

Very nice work!

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

Comment posted by Vance Gese on February 8, 2011 at 9:52 PM

Beautiful indeed, Chris. Your image seems a perfect 'celebration' of the wonderful day you experienced in the park. Outstanding work.

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

Comment posted by Morris McClung on February 8, 2011 at 11:05 PM

That's a grand scene and one I am not familiar with. Beautiful image, Chris!

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

Comment posted by Daniel Rappaport on February 9, 2011 at 1:30 AM

The large version really reveals the crispness of the day. Like the way the pond-side trees are all waving me toward the mountain.

Registered on September 9, 2009, 294 Posts, 2006 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on February 9, 2011 at 1:17 PM

Chris, this is another one of those images that the thumbnail just does not provide a good preview of the excellent detail overall. This is not a bad comment, just an observation that it's always best to provide the Larger version IMO. This is a prime example of how much an impact those can make.
Although I do not shoot many winter scenes I can share in your overall processing thoughts on the shadows and such. However, again in review of the Larger image this comes across exceptionally well all around.

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

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on February 9, 2011 at 6:00 PM

Nice! Gotta love Yosemite in the winter. No nits from me.

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

Comment posted by Matthew Goldsmith on February 10, 2011 at 9:37 PM

Sweet shot. I agree, the mountain peak really makes this image.

Registered on June 29, 2010, 37 Posts, 286 Comments