Surviving Together

Gallery: LandscapePosted February 10, 2011424 views8 comments

Above is an image from Taylor Pass near Aspen, Colorado I took last summer. The two tree saplings (or extensions of the same bushy conifer) caught my eye. They looked like people in conversation while viewing the sunset. These plants live astoundingly at the edge of treeline. I can’t help but think of the harsh conditions that must be occurring at this tundra location right now in the middle of winter. They must indeed “survive together.”

The image has a slight amount of shadow recovery on the bottom quarter of the composition. I’m not sure if it really helps or hinders either way in making this image “work.” Perhaps it’s just a matter of opinion in this case. The topic of shadow recovery vs. silhouette has interested me lately after viewing differing takes on the question in other image critiques. Check out my latest blog post Shadow detail or die: Have we forgotten the art of the silhouette? for more.

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Joseph Rossbach on February 10, 2011 at 3:26 PM

Black is beautiful baby! Sweet image Joshua!

Registered on November 25, 2005, 484 Posts, 1377 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Stough on February 10, 2011 at 3:54 PM

Very nice Joshua. That sky is wonderful and I agree that especially with this light you were wise not lighten those shadows too much.

Registered on November 20, 2010, 26 Posts, 273 Comments

Comment posted by Koveh Tavakkol on February 10, 2011 at 4:11 PM

Joshua, I think each image must be evaluated individually on this particular subject. In this case the scene you have captured is in my opinion perfect for the silhouette. I don't mind a little bit of details in the mountains, but I would actually go a little darker in the foreground grass area, just to draw your eye immediately into the silhouette and the amazing sky. Nice image my friend.

Registered on September 1, 2009, 41 Posts, 608 Comments

Comment posted by Wick Smith on February 10, 2011 at 6:40 PM

Great shot. I'd agree to keep the foreground dark - I would clone out the light spot (rock?) on the hill on the right to preserve the silhouette.

Registered on June 12, 2009, 91 Posts, 379 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on February 10, 2011 at 11:09 PM

Even before reading your narrative, I was going to mention that the hint of shadow detail helps this image IMO. There are some image on your website where the silhouette is perfect. The detail here seems like the right way to go.

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

Comment posted by Morris McClung on February 11, 2011 at 10:42 AM

Incredible sky, perfect hint of detail in the foreground.

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

Comment posted by Raymond D Smith on February 12, 2011 at 9:00 AM

You have some great colour sky there Joshua, I could see cloning out the snow on the right. I am sure if those trees are strong enough to anchor this scene though. I do like the shadow detail you have left. Cheers

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

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on February 12, 2011 at 9:24 PM

Wow...now that's a killer sky! I'm really liking the silhouette. I'll second the idea of cloning out the snow, as it draws my eye there. Minor nit.

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