Yosemite Chronicles #14

Gallery: LandscapePosted January 4, 2012705 views33 comments

The Parting Shot. I want to thank everyone for their comments on my previous image and for all the images in this series. Judging from the response to the last image, I think the series has about been played out and this is the final image; not only of the series, but this literally was the last image I captured during the wonderful weekend in Yosemite back during the first weekend in November.

Two images of the iconic El Capitan in one series. I normally avoid the classic views, but one of the alluring attractions of Yosemite is the constantly changing conditions and the opportunities that arise simply by a change in light, clouds and mist hanging around the valley walls. Couldn't resist this classic scene.

Your thoughts and honest critique are always welcome.

4x5, 300mm, Velvia 50 f/45 @ 1/4s

Thanks!
Lon

Comments

33 comments

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on January 4, 2012 at 3:31 AM

Lon,

No matter how many times I see this view it is always refreshing. Its like seeing an old friend again. My only nit with this photo is the overly dark shadows in the LLC in the pine. Otherwise a wonderful parting photo.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 474 Posts, 5555 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on January 4, 2012 at 3:45 AM

Thanks Youssef. Yeah, was wondering about that corner. Velvia and shadows aren't a good mix and I don't know what can be done. We all know we can't extract detail from where there isn't any... ;-( Perhaps I'll look in to some creative, but subtle cloning.

An old friend indeed.

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Art Escobado on January 4, 2012 at 4:02 AM

There's nothing wrong with the classic of classics - El Capitan!

Registered on January 7, 2007, 0 Posts, 775 Comments

Comment posted by Abdullaziz Bin Ali on January 4, 2012 at 6:12 AM

I have seen many images for this location, I wish to visit it one day

i love the framing here where you apply the bottom trees as a frame

Excellent

Registered on May 31, 2009, 112 Posts, 1590 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on January 4, 2012 at 7:43 AM

Beautiful!! What an amazing scene. I'm really glad you didn't resist this one Lon. Almost takes my breath away. A good way to start my day looking at this.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Daniel & Loana on January 4, 2012 at 8:38 AM

I like this view a lot. I like composition and atmosphere.
We dream a visit to these places!

D&L

Registered on October 7, 2008, 166 Posts, 3044 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Duval on January 4, 2012 at 8:56 AM

Lon,

Actually in some respects the chronicles took us on a trip through your Yosemite, for the lucky ones among us who have been there we all hold our own Yosemite in our hearts and minds. Thanks for including us. There is something very special about El Cap covered almost completely in veils of mist with a kiss of light illuminating the granite buttresses. Thanks again for sharing.

Paul

Registered on June 30, 2009, 508 Posts, 1907 Comments

Comment posted by Dorin Bofan on January 4, 2012 at 9:23 AM

This is beautiful Lon, but not as beautiful as the other, more intimate shots from the series. But I believe it works well to close it. I see a slight halo around the trees. But it's very minor.

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

Comment posted by Russell Colletta on January 4, 2012 at 9:44 AM

Captures the essence of landscape images IMO Lon. Powerful subject in great light captured to feel like I'm right there, experiencing the place. I'm partial to images that celebrate the subject, rather than celebrating the image itself. This accomplishes that in grand style.

Registered on October 31, 2009, 114 Posts, 1008 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on January 4, 2012 at 11:11 AM

Beauty, Lon! Love the fog and the snow topped trees. Might be the only snow those trees see this winter, the way things are going. But I digress. I might consider bringing down the whites in the clouds on top right or doing a little selective cloning. That spot pulls my eye a bit, but minor. Love the image.

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

Comment posted by Jeffrey Sipress on January 4, 2012 at 11:52 AM

Been a lovely series, Lon, this is a fine wrap up.

Conditions there have been so-so since then but I'll bet you're back up there when that long awaited storm finally shows up.

Registered on February 17, 2004, 236 Posts, 1197 Comments

Comment posted by Phil Pogledich on January 4, 2012 at 12:22 PM

You certainly did justice to this classic scene. I like that you always present Yosemite in a new and different way, but it certainly can't hurt to have some of the more classic stuff in your portfolio as well. Especially when it's captured this well.

Registered on August 24, 2009, 123 Posts, 3099 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on January 4, 2012 at 1:20 PM

Your parting shot might be your best shot Lon. As Youssef Said, this scene never gets old, especially when it's as well captured as this.

The soft light is wonderful, and the mist just tops it all off. This could be mistaken for an Ansel shot if this were B&W! Great series, I've enjoyed it very much!

Registered on November 24, 2008, 304 Posts, 3211 Comments

Comment posted by Jorne de Bruin on January 4, 2012 at 1:38 PM

Superb! Love the way the clouds obscure the rock and how the trees frame the bottom, looks like a stunning print to be

Registered on June 26, 2008, 178 Posts, 2136 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on January 4, 2012 at 2:34 PM

Great atmosphere here on the classic Lon! Now lets go climb it!

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

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on January 4, 2012 at 3:49 PM

I haven't been commenting much lately because I've been so darn busy, but I had to pipe in on this one. Really sweet shot, classic or otherwise. The golden color of the cliff face is so nice, and the clouds kind of give it a sense of mystery. Beautiful capture.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on January 4, 2012 at 3:59 PM

Classic take on El Capitan, Lon!

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

Comment posted by scott lanz on January 4, 2012 at 4:26 PM

Sweet.

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

Comment posted by Kurt Budliger on January 4, 2012 at 5:34 PM

Wonderful blend of compositional elements and amazing atmosphere, really nice image Lon!

Registered on June 11, 2006, 113 Posts, 2116 Comments

Comment posted by Jeff Hackett on January 4, 2012 at 5:37 PM

Atmospheric activity around El Cap never gets old to me! Awesome image.

Registered on March 13, 2006, 65 Posts, 1119 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on January 4, 2012 at 7:02 PM

El Capitan looks like an apparition here Lon. I love the ethereal mood in this one (and who cares if it is an icon..... only other photographers). I first saw this place in 1993 with family in tow (mine and my sister's who lives in Danville). I really want to get back out to this beautiful place for some real photography I could not do back then.

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

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on January 4, 2012 at 7:15 PM

Startling clarity and beautiful misty mood. It may be a classic but they become classics for a reason and this image is a great example of why. Simply lovely.

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

Comment posted by Jim Greenwood on January 4, 2012 at 8:05 PM

A classic scene, expertly composed, perfectly executed. Well done!

Registered on November 9, 2003, 229 Posts, 1523 Comments

Comment posted by Jared Atencio on January 4, 2012 at 10:31 PM

I never tire of views of El Cap Lon! This one is all about the detail in the wall and personally, I could see cropping even a smidge tighter on the sides. If we ever get more snow in the forecast, I'm Yosemite bound!

Registered on June 23, 2009, 21 Posts, 422 Comments

Comment posted by David Edwards on January 5, 2012 at 12:34 AM

A classic scene, Lon, but so very well captured. I like the trees framing the lower half, while the mist creates a nice shroud of mystery and allure. Fabulous light to top it all off.

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

Comment posted by Vance Gese on January 5, 2012 at 12:56 AM

I don't care if this is iconic or whatever folks label it, this is flat out incredible, Lon. That subtle light on the cliff face is gorgeous, the breaking clouds are amazing, and the snow covered trees in the foreground frame this perfectly. Don't know how this could be any better. What an exquisite image to end your series with, a series that is a fitting testament to your vision as an artist. Hope you print this mega-size.

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

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on January 5, 2012 at 3:50 AM

Beautiful image, Lon, the intimate composition combined with the fog creates a pleasing mood. Looks like some haloeing around the tree on the far right hand side, possibly from web sharpening..

Registered on January 28, 2010, 343 Posts, 2257 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on January 5, 2012 at 11:55 AM

A classic look at this great icon, Lon. Sorry to be so late in getting any input on your recent collection from the YNP trip, but then again, I was very lucky to have been there with you at the time some of them were being captured......

Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on January 5, 2012 at 1:12 PM

Sorry Lon, I am late on this one. But I wanted to add my compliments. It is a classic, but it is just beautiful and your version shows that well. The fog layers and the light from the side are all it takes to make it "magic". A great addition to your huge and ever growing portfolio of Yosemite photographs.

Registered on January 26, 2007, 360 Posts, 9876 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on January 5, 2012 at 1:39 PM

Thanks everyone for your comments! I appreciate it.

Mark M: "Now let's go climb it."

NOT gonna happen. Scares me to lean over a 2nd story balcony!

Lon

Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on January 5, 2012 at 3:12 PM

Awesome series, Lon. Sorry for the lameness of not posting recently. I love this one more than the others. Great subject...duh...but the light, framing with the trees and sweet fog really tie it all together.

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

Comment posted by Tom Hilton on January 5, 2012 at 8:02 PM

Lon,
As you said in another C&C.. "I wish it were mine"

This is an outstanding image, with the mix of the 3 basic elements...
well done, a beauty

Registered on September 19, 2011, 68 Posts, 668 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on January 7, 2012 at 9:05 PM

Extremely classic, extremely beautiful. The framing pines put this one OTT.

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