I was poking around in my RAW file archive and found this image of Leidig Meadow in Yosemite Valley. Of course I liked the early morning mist, but what intrigued me was the tones of the bare cottonwood trees against the deep background forest.
I am ready for Autumn!
Nikon D-7100
Nikkor 18-140mm
TK's Luminosity and Saturation Painting Masks.
November 2014
Please see the large version. Thanks!
Your thoughts are always appreciated. 
--P
Comments
12 commentsThe trees are set off perfectly in the image. The fog adds a lot to the atmosphere as well. Not much to change here, really subtle and delicate image, love it.
I love the fog. The trees almost grow out of it like ghosts, and the dark fir background provides both color contrast and depth. Very nicely done.
Beautiful image, the contrasting trees make such a strong impact.
That mist is really great! It creates a nice barrier between the upper and the lower part, while at the same time creating a nice atmosphere for the lower part. And on top of that mist is a fine collection of trees in different shapes and all! Definitely no nits for me, I like this a lot, must be an amazing print.
Superb Preston. I hope people will stop long enough to really study this image. There is so much here besides just a beuatiful image. There is much to be learned. You're correct, the tones of the barren trees really draw attention at first, but the shadow detail, the somewhat sparse color, and large dynamic range keep you looking and looking for more. This image is from someone who really understands exposure and how light works. A truly impressive image.
I like the composition and colors, but the white trees feel they need a stronger presence. They seem a bit overwhelmed by the other elements.
Thanks you for your comments, everyone!
Tony: I agree with you. So, I used a lights mask, painted the fog to an opacity of about 65% and then increased the brightness. This affected only the bare trees, and the mist to an extent, but kept the mist from blowing out. I am curious if you think this is just about right, or do I need to punch it up just a bit more?
Thanks again.
--P
This is a wonderful image Preston. Simplicity but complex. I really like the contrasts here. I think it is one of my favorites of yours.
Preston, for me the second one is the top ticket here. Although, I'd enjoy seeing it in the overall 1600 with a black border too....
Regardless, this is an area often photographed but conditions always seem a bit varied no matter what the season. In this case that layer of fog is a tremendous plus to the FG area as well as lending added support to the barren trees in the scene. Excellent image all around from this site in the valley......
Real nice recovery from the archives. I like how the one tree being whiter of trunk stands out.
Real nice Preston. The repost works for me. Nice find in the files.
That meadow looks vaguely familiar. I wonder why?
I think that I prefer the original post, Preston. While the tree standing out more against the background may be a plus, I don't like the impact on the misted part at the bottom. Other than that, just an outstanding image from Yosemite, made transcendent in your capable hands and eye.
I'm sure ready for some precipitation. Please!