"Intimate Grandeur" I think is what I'll call this, although that could change.
So much I want to say about this image, but I'll try and keep it short. This may be my favorite image of the trip, at least in the top 3. The very first post #1 is in that top 3 also. This image for me captures just about everything I love above Yosemite Valley, and especially El Capitan meadow. The stately black oaks, grand, yet brittle. The grasses of the meadows colorful, graceful and delicate. The pines are like the guardians of the meadows and the granite walls are just simply humbling. Unseen and just beyond the oaks is the Merced river, the artery and lifeblood of Yosemite. As a photograph, a classic, unassuming composition that's not breaking any new ground, but it means everything to me.
I have to mention too, that I find this uncanny in light of Youssef's last wonderful image. This image is also a stitched 4x5 from two sheets of film (does this help Nathan?
) Just as interesting is that his image was captured from a vantage point where he stood directly under these oaks shooting across the river. Had this been the same day and time, he would have been in my frame. As I mentioned in his post, I'm continually amazed at how we all can be in the same place, witness the same elements, yet come away with so many different images. And that's a grand thing.
Ok, enough of that. Thank you so much for all your comments on these images and will be especially curious to hear your thoughts on this one.
Chamonix 4x5, Nikkor 210mm,2-image stitch, V100f, f/32@2s.
Lots of layers in this one! Working file about 974MB!
Large view saved at only quality 5, hope it looks ok.
Thanks!
Lon
Comments
32 commentsaF
Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI
Nick, I do plan on printing this one. If anything just to include in my print portfolio book. Thanks!
The separation of colors and the nuances are impressive, and amazing! The foreground grass is awesome, and I wish I would have explored over in this area. Really nice contrast with the tree trunks and limbs that also have beautiful structure.
I do notice that the background granite is much warmer in tones here than some previous posts. I don't mean it's off, or wrong, just an observation.
This is sweet, and definately in the top 2-3 for me as well.
Chris
"What's a 'print portfolio book'? you winked, so I'm not sure, but just in case. Try this one for example. Just a bound presentation case to show prints. I can only print 13x19 myself, so I use that.
I might split the difference on the two for saturation, but, I'm usually off on that all the time with my own stuff so just my 1/2 cent input.
I love the composition--of course I have my own love affair with these trees, but I like the way you've shown their glory.
Honestly, I think this image is too dark. I remember the light having a more luminous quality. Also, Middle Cathedral Rock looks too blue, for my taste--I remember it being warmer from the reflected light off of El Cap. The color of the leaves and the grass looks very good.
I think that with some tweaking, this will make a great print!
--P
Stitched 4x5?? No Wonder the original file is nearly a gig in size! I have to say, I prefer the original to the second, more saturated, version but then I'm always one for a bit of subtlety…
John
Peter
I'm impressed with your 2-image stitching from film. I never had any luck aligning film images after the scan. But that's been a few generations ago of PS.
I see this and it does two things to me. One it takes me right back there. I can fee the crisp air, smell the wet grass covered in the morning dew, feel at complete ease. Second it makes me want to go back right now. It looks exactly as how I recall it. It is all that the Valley has to offer. And not only that, but I remember stand right next to those trees making my panorama of the trees across the river. It is a sublime photo. If I were to change anything, I would brighten it just a bit. Kudos to you for this great photo.
Ed
And I can see why this works so well for you. I think it combines the great elements of that park into a wonderful composition. You have done that type of image often - even the same tree(s) I think, but this is sure one of the best versions.
Great to see so many keepers!