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Scar Ridge
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Scar Ridge

by Harry Lichtman

Gallery: LandscapePosted May 6, 2011129 views6 comments
I'm finally getting to process some images from the last winter storm in New Hampshires White Mountains. WHile NH doesn't have the dramatic ridge lines that can compare with the west, this is one of the better ranges when conditions are right. This is near the Waterville Valley area. While I had hoped frost and snow would have coated the lower elevation trees, the blustery winds would have none of that. The snow was wet enough to coat the highest trees. This is a stitch of 2 images, 2 stop ND filter, f16. Surprisingly, the scene was particularly colorful for a winter, as the trees trunks take on a reddish hue. Backlighting created some nice fringe lighting on the ridge to create separation in tones in those areas. I think the sky may appear to have some blown out areas, but larger files look much better. I hesitated to darken these areas as I'm trying to avoid an HDR look. These thick clouds take on that surreal apearance as it is.

Any suggestions appreciated.

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by Michael J Greene, on May 6, 2011 at 3:16 PM
I think this black and white makes a nice impact Harry. The clouds really bring the scene to life.

Michael
Registered on June 18, 2009, 86 Posts, 2317 Comments
Comment posted by Eva McDermott on May 6, 2011 at 7:02 PM
I like your B&W conversion and processing Harry. I don't think the center sky looks blow at all. It looks very natural for this kind of light. The fringe light on the ridge is beautiful and complements the clouds. While we don't have dramatic ridge lines, the weather is more treacherous. I always loved the White Mountains and respect their fury. My 2 sons love these mountains as well especially my youngest who is an Outdoor Education major at UNH.
Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments
Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on May 7, 2011 at 12:03 PM
The clouds here have as much appeal as the mountains, I think. The foreground ridge seems a bit devoid of much variation so I'm wondering about just burning it down to create a sense of layering here.
Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments
Comment posted by Scott Smorra on May 7, 2011 at 11:11 PM
This is very nice Harry. The clouds look great to me and I like the b/w processing.
Registered on November 2, 2009, 161 Posts, 2143 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Metternich on May 8, 2011 at 12:01 AM
Must be viewed via LARGER PHOTO!

Very nice job here Harry. :toast:
Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments
Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on May 8, 2011 at 5:02 PM
Thanks for the feedback - Tony, I see your point about adding a layer by adjusting the brightness. I guess my thought was to keep things brighter, as I didn't want to diminish any of the detail there in a large print. I think the color version might create another layer. as the trees in this area are a redish brown. I included the color for comparison.
Registered on September 17, 2010, 304 Posts, 3507 Comments