Dogwood Dreamin'

Gallery: Photo ArtPosted July 5, 2013217 views7 comments

I think maybe this is the first image I've posted in Photo Art. Maybe I have way back when, but I can't remember.

I wanted so badly for this image to work for a straight Landscape image, but try as I might, the scene is just too "hard" for such a delicate and graceful tree like the dogwood. I wanted this to work so I started adding things that took this beyond what would be acceptable for Landscape; and in the process I started liking this more than the original. Multiple blur and glow layers, among other things. I think it's getting closer to more elegance than harshness.

What do you think? Sorry for the multiple posts, but I have this in both b&w and color, as well as two different crops. Do you have a preference?

All comments, and suggestions welcome!

This is from 4x5, Fuji Provia 100f film, f/32 @ 1s

Thanks!
Lon

Comments

7 comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on July 5, 2013 at 10:36 PM

Here's the b&w. Does this work?

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

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on July 5, 2013 at 10:38 PM

pano b&w crop. I have the color with the same crop as well. I think I'll hold back on the unaltered original, unless someone wants to see it.
Thanks!

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

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on July 6, 2013 at 10:18 AM

Hey Lon, I like the idea of working images with a bit of experimentation in order to meet ones own likes. In this case especially when it has a great subject such as the dogwoods here.

I do prefer the color one over the b&w images, I think more in contrast for my eyes to grasp the individual buds or flowers better. I think you're on to something with regard to possibly posting the original too as a bit of before and after look.

I really do like the vertical capture on this one also. Typically I lean toward horizontals but we know certain scenes just don't fit one mold, and this one I doubt would ever meet that configuration unless a smaller isolation of the scene possibly. Was this the "monster" 450 lens or the 300? Regardless, it looks wonderful in this configuration.

The only thing I might do, and maybe it's just my eyes this morning, is just a very slight burn on the one water? highlight about mid page on the right side. Only other observation on my part is the bit of warmth from the Provia is a pleasant surprise. Of course you might have just worked that out in PS too. Beyond the one idea I have no other suggestions overall. Looks very nice.

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

Comment posted by Marc Ward on July 6, 2013 at 5:08 PM

Lon, thanks for posting in PA... I prefer the 1st B&W of the three. I feel the tighter crop works better at highlighting the dogwood flowers. Very dreamy and ethereal.

Registered on February 26, 2009, 304 Posts, 1365 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on July 9, 2013 at 11:23 AM

I've looked at these images several times and had a really hard time picking a "winner". They're all really nice. I've finally decided that the first b&w version is my favorite with the color version a close second. I really like the overall dreamy glow and the sense of flow that the branch at the bottom adds.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Mohammad Hosseini on July 20, 2013 at 10:25 AM

Hi Lon,
I have the same opinion as Mark. First B&W is my first choice and the color one the second.

Registered on May 16, 2011, 15 Posts, 301 Comments

Comment posted by Howard Cheek on July 22, 2014 at 8:52 AM

I like the pano/vertical B&W conversion best Lon.
It's the BG that ties it together for me..

Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments