The Core

Gallery: LandscapePosted January 12, 2012458 views19 comments

Some of you may recognize this tree. Yup, Yosemite. I came up with the title because this one focuses so much on the structure or core of this magnificent black oak. The snow doesn't hurt either.

This wasn't captured on my last trip to the valley, or the one before that or even before that. Was perusing some old images and decided to re-work this one. From 1994, 18 years ago. 35mm. I think it still holds up, what do you think?

Don't remember, but it probably was Nikon F4, 80-200 on Velvia

Thanks!

Lon

Comments

19 comments

Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on January 12, 2012 at 8:25 PM

The detail it pretty incredible. The soft warm light in all of the right places gives it a very 3D feel - the most we can ask for in a shot. The other thing that helps add depth is the small dark areas of the trunk - separates it nicely from the rest of the scene. A beauty. I wouldn't change anything.

Registered on September 17, 2010, 304 Posts, 3507 Comments

Comment posted by Kyle L. Krause on January 12, 2012 at 8:54 PM

Lon, this is magical,you know I love this tree. Fantastic job on the processing. The details and composition is right on the money. Definitely is one of your best. See ya soon!

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

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on January 12, 2012 at 10:59 PM

Looks like a light explosion Lon. The angle of the trunk works well..... but truthfully, it is the light on the branches that really draws me in. Excellent!

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

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on January 12, 2012 at 11:13 PM

Nice! the play of light and shadow really adds depth and mystery to this image. wonderful detail also helps. It's a keeper, but you knew that 18 years ago.

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

Comment posted by John Williams on January 12, 2012 at 11:33 PM

Holds up nicely IMHO. I wish I had photos going back to '94! Love the tangled web this weaves Lon, and the strong trunks of this tree ground it nicely.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Goldwasser on January 13, 2012 at 12:10 AM

I really like all the chaos here - well seen. I don't think I even knew what a camera was in 1994!

Registered on May 10, 2009, 127 Posts, 970 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on January 13, 2012 at 10:31 AM

Its beautiful Lon! Great comp (even back then)

The light is just wonderfulful and I very much enjoy the feel.
We finally got new snow yesterday!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on January 13, 2012 at 11:15 AM

Hi Lon, this is great. I wanted to mention that this could be the best of the series, then I read this is from 1994...

The composition is really strong. This window into the background adds a lot. It si great to see a secong layer in the background. The light is fantastic. This glows.

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

Comment posted by Ned Fenimore on January 13, 2012 at 12:21 PM

Man, I love tree images! This one is just awesome..the bit of color and light are just fantastic..

Registered on November 1, 2003, 467 Posts, 2803 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on January 13, 2012 at 1:01 PM

Beautiful image, Lon. It holds up at a small size, but the larger version seems to lack the popping detail of your 4x5 images.

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

Comment posted by Phil Pogledich on January 13, 2012 at 1:22 PM

Very fine image, Lon, and it certainly holds up. The composition and conditions captured are superb. There's even a bit of a blue-gold color contrast, at least on my monitor, and the lighting is ideal for this type of shot.

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

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on January 13, 2012 at 1:52 PM

Lon, I've said this before, but you have a special connection with the trees in Yosemite Valley. You always seem to bring out their character and grace during the different seasons. And yes, this definitely still holds up.

Registered on February 7, 2004, 414 Posts, 7115 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on January 13, 2012 at 3:55 PM

I'd have to agree Lon, it does still hold up! The light on those branches is wonderful! Beautiful winter image.

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

Comment posted by Rick Lundh on January 13, 2012 at 6:52 PM

Wow Lon... looks like you had the mad photo skills way back yonder as well! this is framed absolutely perfect! Im really diggen the detail and light here too...such a great crafted image

Registered on April 28, 2004, 774 Posts, 4351 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on January 13, 2012 at 8:31 PM

Absolutely lovely. I'm glad you found it.

- Dan.

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

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on January 13, 2012 at 8:40 PM

Yeah, I was assuming that you took this on friday, before I arrived. Would have never thought this was from over a decade ago.

So, I copied you???????

Chris

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

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on January 13, 2012 at 11:14 PM

This is really good, Lon. I like the way the lighter patches of snow add focus and variety to the frame.

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

Comment posted by David Edwards on January 14, 2012 at 3:25 AM

Works very well for me, Lon, and I love the way you've processed it in an almost fantasy art genre. I think this is one of my fav's of yours for a while because it really plays on my imagination. Exceptional I reckon

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

Comment posted by Peter Richter on January 18, 2012 at 12:38 PM

Lon, it is stunning to me how you put together this chaotic pattern by the strong elements of the trunk and branches. The subtle colors and lighting reflect the atmosphere wonderfully to me. The result of your rework is worth the effort without doubt.

Peter

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