Rugged Tree before Dawn

Gallery: LandscapePosted September 7, 2012128 views6 comments

This was taken on Point Sublime about an hour before sunrise. The tree was illuminated by the full moon. I searched for a tree that stood apart from the surrounding pinon and junipers but didn't have any luck finding one. Does it seem too dark? All suggestions welcome.

Nikon D200, Nikon 17-55 2.8, 10sec@f4, ISO800, tripod.

BTW- I notice the little part of a limb on the top border that should be fixed.

Comments

6 comments

Comment posted by Peter Coskun on September 8, 2012 at 12:51 AM

Like I mentioned on FB I really like the gradation of the sky with the addition of the scattered stars. There was a tree closer to the point that would have been great for this, very gnarled and stood apart from the surrounding vegetation. My only nit looking back at it is I wish there was a bit more separation from the surrounding trees.

Registered on October 31, 2011, 170 Posts, 1240 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Williams on September 8, 2012 at 1:22 AM

It is definitely not too dark for my tastes Bob. Interesting story and nice job with this setting.

Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on September 8, 2012 at 8:59 AM

I think this is has intrique and beauty in giant doses. Very natural looking and a lovely scene.

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

Comment posted by Gerald Liddelow on September 8, 2012 at 9:06 AM

I doin't think it's to dark. I like it. But I keep going to that bright spot on the horizon.

Registered on August 10, 2011, 30 Posts, 40 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on September 8, 2012 at 9:58 PM

Bob,

I really like this old tree - it's almost spooky, especially in the dark setting. And I think it's combined very nicely with the night sky. I don't think it's too dark at all, considering the time of day and all. As a bonus, you still have detail in the tree as it's not a complete silhouette. I think very well done.

My suggestion, not a nit really, would be to eliminate the ground completely. There's a bit more light there than I might expect, almost as if it's unnatural light (car lights, light painting or just processing.) Personally, I think this would be a much stronger image if you just had the tree against the sky (including the brightness along the horizon.) Just my .02 though.

Lon

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

Comment posted by Chikku Baiju on September 10, 2012 at 12:40 AM

Sweet shot Bob! I am gonna echo Lon's comment about removing the ground. I think that will balance the image much more nicely.

Registered on January 9, 2010, 31 Posts, 246 Comments