Yosemite Chronicles #13

Gallery: LandscapePosted December 31, 2011254 views12 comments

By the Light of the Silvery Moon. Those old enough may recognize the old song. I only thought of it because of the "silvery" nature to this scene. There is no moonlight involved here. ;-)

Our next stop of the day after Leidig Meadow, Chris and I stopped along a section of the Merced that I hadn't photographed before. The snow was still clinging to the trees and there was fog coming and going along the river. The snow was melting fast.

I spied this tree and took several looks before deciding to photograph this. I knew this was beyond the capabilities of the slide film, but thought I would try anyway. I'm very curious to hear about your impressions and critiques of this scene.

4x5, V100F, 300mm, f/45 @1s

Thanks!

And HAPPY NEW YEAR to everyone at NPN!

Lon

Up Next: The parting shot.

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Genny K. on January 1, 2012 at 3:43 AM

I like it. I immediately look through the tree and try to see the scene beyond. Maybe I'd like to be able to see that scene better, I guess, but I like it anyway. I think it would be better as a print, where you could look right into the image. Even with the tree in the FG, there's lots of depth in there. Nice.

Registered on June 5, 2006, 132 Posts, 2001 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on January 1, 2012 at 7:27 AM

I like it as well, Lon. I particularly like the reddish and green leaves hanging like jewels against the silvery blue BG. Very artistic. I have a somewhat similar image of a beech tree in the snow with a frozen lake in the BG, and it has done pretty at the shows I do.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on January 1, 2012 at 10:42 AM

I am really enjoying the detail in the large version, but I am not sure the overall image is working for me all that much. I find my eye popping from detail to detail, but not really finding cohesion in the general scene.

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

Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on January 1, 2012 at 12:06 PM

I'm with Harley on this. I'm wondering if a black and white version might be better. Then you could emphasize the contrast more.

- Dan.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 473 Posts, 7980 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Richter on January 1, 2012 at 12:56 PM

Lon, I appreciate your composition based on the pattern of the tree with all the delightful details of the twigs. Furthermore, the subtle color spots of the leaves add a lot in my opinion.

Some details of the background appear a bit distracting for me. Maybe selective depth of field might help me to concentrate on the foreground elements as main area of interest for me. On the other hand, I can also imagine that this kind of distraction might be due to the rather small web presentation. Maybe viewing a large print, this minor matter would sort itself on its own.

Peter

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

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on January 1, 2012 at 2:05 PM

A+ for composition, Lon. Black trunk against white water, white branches again black rock, and a diagonal to create interest. If you ever write and ebook, this would make a good example. As always, I like the image, and prefer the subtle colors that are here.

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on January 1, 2012 at 3:10 PM

I like this Lon. Really an interesting view which I think works very nice. I'm enjoying focusing on that wonderful tree, and then my eyes start to explore the beautiful river in the background. I love the colors in this and think I would prefer it over a b/w. This was really well done! Beautiful look and feel! I also believe this would make a great print!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by David Edwards on January 1, 2012 at 8:08 PM

A very nice comp, Lon. I like the softness of the waterfall highlighting the shape and structure of the tree. The dusting of snow on the tree is also very nice. A fabulous addition to the series.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 142 Posts, 2623 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on January 1, 2012 at 10:14 PM

The detail is amazing Lon. I tend to agree with Tony on the contrasts. Wonderful image. Happy New Year! Wishing you and yours all the best for the coming year.

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

Comment posted by Stan Rose on January 2, 2012 at 2:19 PM

Happy new year, Lon!
I have mixed feelings about this one. I like the scene, its very earthy, and very well presented, very clean.
I get that 'spider web in my face' feeling though, like i want to clear out the branches so i can see the scene hidden behind it, cause that's what really intrigues me here. So, maybe not aesthetically pleasing, but intriguing. Hope that helps...

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

Comment posted by Kyle L. Krause on January 3, 2012 at 12:42 AM

Lon, this is beautiful. At first glance it appears there is a waterfall behind the tree, but I see the nice reflection from the river.
Maybe you could lighten up the tree trunk aIittle. Nice work!

Registered on June 15, 2010, 29 Posts, 605 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on January 4, 2012 at 2:36 PM

Going for a classic approach huh? Works great especially w the snow. Nice shot!

Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments