The Ogre

Gallery: LandscapePosted February 4, 2016242 views12 comments

I woke up to a fog a couple of weeks and wasn't sure whether to get up or just wait for it to burn off and warm my camper. You see, I had planned on a sunrise shot. Testing the temperature I found it tolerable and decided to give it a try. I climbed this bluff with the goal of shooting large cactuses in the fog. I thought looming cactuses would make an interesting subject. I shot them to the right of this 'thing' and to the left but nothing stirred my imagination. I couldn't find the image. Finally, I sat down for a break and when I looked up I realized the image was right in front of me. Staring me in the face all that time and I didn't see it. I had blocked out what was there because I had a preconceived idea of what I wanted. I bring this up because it happens very often.

Canon 6D, 24-105mm@50mm, ISO 100, F8.0, 1/4 sec, tripod, Self-Timer Operation

My initial thought was to warm this up but as I did so the creature became less ominous, less threatening. In fact, even adding contrast changed it's emotional impact for me. So here it is - blue.

Comments and Criticism is welcome. This image is not 'pretty' so I'm interested if people think less of it because of that.

Comments

12 comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on February 5, 2016 at 10:00 AM

Real nice mood and cool formation. The fog works really well and so does the blue in this one. Oddly, what really adds hugely to it for me is the flowering plant lower left. I am not sure why, but I find it anchors the whole thing. It is not the kind of image I would want to hang in my living room, but I like it a lot.

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

Comment posted by Igor Doncov on February 5, 2016 at 11:08 AM

I'm glad you noticed that plant. In my world of imagination it symbolizes new life and hope. There were a few others along the margins but I cloned them out. I

Registered on November 22, 2014, 189 Posts, 2733 Comments

Comment posted by gary phillips on February 5, 2016 at 1:54 PM

This is a very evocative image, Igor. Your description only adds to that. At first I thought the low contrast was a detriment, but the more I looked the more I liked the fact that you presented it this way. I also liked and noticed right away how my eye was drawn to the small plant lower left. It is a very effective anchor and a point in which to proceed through the image. Your point about preconception is well taken. For me, the best moments often come when I am open to all possibilities and sort of let the scene wash over me. I have given up trying to force an image or inspiration. If it happens, great, if it doesn't that's great too.

Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on February 5, 2016 at 3:57 PM

Igor, I enjoyed reading your thoughts on making this picture. I have done the same thing many times! It may have taken you awhile to see it, but you did and then captured it beautifully. I love the mood with the fog and misty blue tones. I also think this comp works very nice. This has a great feel and I'm glad that "thing" didn't eat you.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on February 5, 2016 at 6:47 PM

Very nice, Igor. I think the color balance you've chosen fit the objects and the mood. I like the little plant, too. Well seen.

--P

Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments

Comment posted by Dave Dillemuth on February 5, 2016 at 8:28 PM

Igor,
This is very nice. Strong comp. and the fog adds a mysterious feel to the image. Agree with the selection of a cool temperature rendering. Not everyday that you get fog in a desert landscape, so a bit unique. Processing looks spot on.

Registered on December 10, 2015, 104 Posts, 1112 Comments

Comment posted by Kathy Barnhart on February 5, 2016 at 10:37 PM

I like this very much as is, blue and all. It's a weird rock, and I don't expect to see fog in the desert, so it all adds up to a unique shot.The title is perfect and I like the sweet little white flowers in the foreground. You succeeded at making an other-worldly image. I agree that often when we open up to the possibilities in front of us instead of having a rigid, preconceived idea, good things happen.

Registered on November 11, 2011, 404 Posts, 1639 Comments

Comment posted by Roel Wijtmans on February 6, 2016 at 11:02 AM

This is excellent! The mist is absolutely perfect for isolating the rock, while still showing the background setting. And man, that is one neat looking rock! No nits for me.

And I agree about overlooking the things we are not looking for at that moment, happens very often. Makes you wonder what opportunities you have been missing in the past.

Registered on September 30, 2012, 116 Posts, 2257 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on February 6, 2016 at 12:09 PM

Igor,

The fog really makes the image for me, and the colors, I like that you've kept it as presented. But the fog has taken an otherwise static image with the "ogre" almost like just a portrait, and made this a very moody and engaging scene. I like this a lot.

And, to add to my comment on your previous image, I think your composition is well thought out, especially given the conditions presented to you.

Lon

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

Comment posted by David Schoen on February 6, 2016 at 1:22 PM

Quite a fascinating image with fog, the cactus and that rock. Mood wins out over pretty.

Registered on November 6, 2006, 1213 Posts, 4587 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on February 7, 2016 at 11:13 AM

Igor, you have hit a true soft spot for me with this image. I'm a huge fan of geological images of all kinds. This one is just perfect in oddity all around. The formation is the main subject no doubt, but the fog and surrounding cacti just tops everything off......very well done...!!

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

Comment posted by Ryan Shain on February 7, 2016 at 12:45 PM

Igor,

I love the foggy environment and what it adds to the evocative feel in this image. The rock formation is nicely placed in the frame, and I enjoy how the Cacti are visible; then, fade slowly into the fog. The foreground grasses add a lot for myself, and this scene is an original vision that I very much enjoy Igor. The rock's character is on full display, and nicely seen and captured.

Registered on February 20, 2007, 226 Posts, 4571 Comments