Winter Elegance/ With Edits

Stunning Chris,

Mono-chromatically perfect like that one note from a precisely tuned instrument that resonates through the air, time, space and memory with a singularity of beauty that is priceless. It's the opposite hushed end of the scale of those crashing beach cobbles at Pescadero, eh? You having a winter for the ages Ansel, Galen and John must be peeking over your shoulder as you make these images.

Paul

Oh that would be Adams. Clark and Muir, probably no room for George...George Fiske....familiar with him Chris? He was a contemporary of Carleton Watkins and lived in Yosemite. Winter images were his specialty as he lived in the valley year round. Wet Plate Photographer.

Beautiful scene Chris! The only thing I would suggest is converting to Black and White. As it is it seems to have a slight blueish cast. Not a deal breaker but I'd be curious to see how this translates to monochrome.

What a winter wonderland! I love the high key choice, and the breathing space around the tree. Perhaps a hair more space at the top wouldn't hurt.

Oh, and 27 is definitely warm for a snowy scene like that!

Awesome. Really, not much more to say. Nature handed you a wonderful scene and you captured it perfectly . . . nice job.

A splendid winter scenic, Chris! Well composed with wonderful
light and details in the trees despite the falling snow.

Absolutely Awesome!! Love the cool tones here.

Beautiful image in all regards. You sure have some nice Yosemite images.

Another great shot from Yosemite, Chris. There appears to be a slight greenish tint in the large version, at least to my eyes. It was snowing here in the Adks this morning to, winter is still holding on..

Just saw your comment on my post, Chris - if you ever happen to make it down south, do let me know. That will give me an excuse to make a big print. California is just too darn big a state, ya know?

Thanks Phillip,

I considered a conversion, and tried it. But with no real intense contrast in the scene, it seemed to loose something in translation. It seemed to go flat. I thought I could live with a slight color cast if there was one. To my eye, I wasn't sure.

Thanks,
Chris

When I was walking back across the lake this morning in 27 degree temps, I was stripping off layers and trying to keep from overheating...oh wait...you meant my thoughts about the photo. It's awesome. Yes, the scene is pure perfection.

Superb work Chris. Its just stunning!

Another excellent image, Chris! I have one from that area in vertical form that I've been working on but I just can't get it to pop for me.

Beautiful scene! I like the color cast, although, I think it has indeed some green tint in it. I would just try to remove that, to shift the color a little more to blue. But that depends on each one's taste. I'm adding sometimes a cast to my winter images if I feel so.

You have really had a stellar series of winter images and this is one is no exception. Looks a lot colder than 27 degrees.

Gorgeous Chris, and I love the high key look to this. Very well balanced. Personally, I'm glad you left this in color, but I would like to see a B&W version to compare.

Lovely and inspiring. I haven't missed CA since I moved to CO but I'll always miss Yosemite. 27 degrees used to be cold for me too.

- Dan.

This is beautiful Chris, so you did well with your capture. I see the blue/greenish slight cast, but that looks ok to me, actually I like it this way. I like that you left it in color too. Nice work Chris!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

This is SO relaxing to look at. Fantastic capture. Composition is spot on for my tastes. I can only imagine how this could look printed REALLY LARGE!

Absolutely gorgeous, like something out of a fairy tale. I love the wonderful detail, delicate lines and varied textures. Perfectly balanced composition as well.

This is magnificent Chris. I love the hint of color and the gracefulness. The delicate evergreens serve as a wonderful backdrop.

Wonderful shot Chris, strong composition.I like the hint of a blue cast. I am glad you had a great few days in the valley. This will look beautiful in a large print.

Chris, I simply enjoy and admire this scene. This subtle hint of the background is inimitable!

Peter

Hi Chris, thanks for the note - I will respond soon! Really beautiful work. Scenes like this make me wanna go out and get out of my recent photo-lethargy. But we have no Yosemite in Austria All brown and dormant here - but spring is arriving.

Chris,

Phenomenal! Perhaps the MOST photographed tree in all of Yosemite and you've pulled off a beauty. Although b&w would certainly be appropriate, I love the color version; the hint of green from the pines is a very nice touch of color. The foreground meadow makes for a wonderful and solid foundation. I have nothing to criticize or suggestion except to say, d*mn you!

Your friend,
Lon

Comp, color, and light. It's got all the best stuff for me. Outstanding shot.

It is a beauty, Chris!!

This is a fine study in making the best out of a situation. I am glad that the conifers also come into play along with the broadleaved one. Great mood conveyed well.

Thanks folks, I really appreciate it!

To be honest, I don't really see a color cast. If I can't see it, I can't really correct it. I have posted a very subtle adjustment to the color balance. Cyan/Reds +5 toward red. Magenta/Greens -5 toward magenta, and Yellow/Blues +5 toward blue. It makes a slight difference. I'm also posting a B&W conversion further below.

Thanks

The b&w.

Thanks

its a beauty, Chris.

Oh yeah. As nice as the B&W is, I still prefer the color version - so sweet!

Hi Chris,
The difference is subtle, but I can perceive it. The image is "colder" now, I like it more. I prefer the color version to the b&w, because it has more contrast between the branches of tree and the background.

This is gorgeous Chris, all three versions. Personally I'd stick with your original. Your comp is perfect. Winter at it's best.

Gary.

Chris, the greenish/cyan cast is gone in your second version, now it has a slight bluish tone that makes it feel colder. Personally I like the second version best, more so than the b&w which lacks contrast. Again, beautiful work.

I have to agree with you, Chris regarding the Black and white version. Just doesn't have enough umph! I do like the repost better. The original looks greenish to me and that is gone in the repost. Again, great shot!

I do love the color version Chris! I don't see a cast in the original either.

27 isn't bad at all until the wind comes and the faster it get the worse it is!

What a gogeous scene. The balance of the different elements captured in this frame is perfect. Outstanding work, Chris.

Another winner!

Stunningly beautiful! I wouldn't change a thing here. Great stuff!