Fallen Giant

Gallery: LandscapePosted November 15, 2011188 views7 comments

I had walked past this fallen cottonwood at least a half dozen times in about a week without realizing its potential, prior to the day I took this photograph. On my last afternoon in Zion this year, I decided to spend a few more hours in this area. The light was great, there was not a breath of wind. Towards the end of the day, I wandered by this location again, and this composition graciously presented itself to me. I stood there in awe and humility, witnessing the power and beauty of the scene before my eyes … the mighty cottonwood, alive and proud, keeping watch over its fallen comrade. It was a good day.

Canon 5D II
Canon 16-35mm f/2.8L II
27mm, f/20, 1/4 second, ISO 50

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on November 15, 2011 at 8:31 PM

love the way you composed this image. The living tree seems to be tending to its fallen brother. Wonderful sharpness and detail throughout. The sandstone cliff makes the perfect backdrop for this. Nicely done

Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on November 15, 2011 at 9:13 PM

Great composition, and shot! I too notice the exceelent detail and sharpening. It's a though to ponder that the living tree will someday be lying next to the fallen one.

Chris

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

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on November 15, 2011 at 11:25 PM

Good eye for including the unusual element in a good comp with good light. Sounds like you connected with the cottonwoods on a very deep level here.

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

Comment posted by Peter Richter on November 16, 2011 at 11:07 AM

Jim, this is a strong composition for me that really draws me into your image. The textures in the foreground keep my attention as the main area of interest to me. They are wonderfully counteracted and complemented by the rocks in the distance to my eye.

Peter

Registered on November 10, 2010, 218 Posts, 2723 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on November 16, 2011 at 4:39 PM

Jim, This is a beautiful image expertly captured! I love it. Great comp, wonderful color and detail. A scene I really enjoy looking at. I enjoyed your feeling about this shot as well. Excellent work!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Vance Gese on November 16, 2011 at 11:30 PM

Excellent image, Jim. The contrast in emotion between the living and dead cottonwoods is extraordinary and the design of your composition has really emphasized the difference and speaks clearly to the viewer. Wonderful.

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

Comment posted by Dorin Bofan on November 17, 2011 at 3:48 PM

Interesting composition that works very well, Jim. Might not seem like much, but I find the radiating blades of grass in the center very important here. They fill important space in the frame and they match the shape of the wonderful tree in the back. Great work!

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