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Light Bearer
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Light Bearer

by Sairam Sundaresan

Gallery: LandscapePosted June 20, 2016143 views13 comments
Another image from my Redwoods trip. The search for foggy forests at sunset proved to be a bust, but as we hiked up the slopes in a mosquito laden environment, I chanced upon this tree that was being lit by the setting sun. Almost a beacon in a dark forest. The opportunity was too good to pass up, and I quickly made three exposures of the scene. Back at home, I settled on this one which showed the beautiful tree in contrast to it's dark surroundings. 

Appreciate any thoughts you may have on this. 

Sairam :)

Comments

13 comments
Comment posted by Daniel Rappaport on June 20, 2016 at 11:34 AM
Beautiful scene.  The sunlit tree really does glow in the dark.  
Registered on September 9, 2009, 294 Posts, 2006 Comments
Comment posted by gary phillips on June 20, 2016 at 11:52 AM
Nice catch, Sairam.  I can see why this glowing trunk inspired you.  Love the ferns and wonderful greens.  Another very nice image from you.
Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments
Comment posted by Sairam Sundaresan on June 20, 2016 at 5:28 PM
Thanks guys. I guess it was worth being eaten alive by mosquitoes ;)
Registered on March 14, 2013, 100 Posts, 643 Comments
Comment posted by scott lanz on June 20, 2016 at 9:11 PM
This is a beautiful woodland scene even without the nice light on the tree trunk, Sairam. The tree trunk provides a focal point of additional interest, but I especially like the lush foreground ferns.   
Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments
Comment posted by Dave Dillemuth on June 20, 2016 at 9:54 PM
Gorgeous image. The foreground ferns and warm side lighting on the center tree provide some strong visual elements. Well done!
Registered on December 10, 2015, 104 Posts, 1112 Comments
Comment posted by Ed Williams on June 21, 2016 at 12:54 AM
Wow! Really nice Sairam. You nailed the light on this single tree and I really like your placement in the center of the forest to bring total attention to this one tree in the composition. The rest of the forest is also beautiful and mysterious. Almost has a magical feel to it.
Registered on December 28, 2010, 636 Posts, 3499 Comments
Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on June 21, 2016 at 10:22 AM
Your quick action paid off.  Looks so lush in there.  I guess there are foggy forests even in the afternoon there?  Though it would be more of a morning thing.  The ferns create a nice base.  Really sweet.
Registered on September 17, 2010, 304 Posts, 3507 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on June 21, 2016 at 10:30 AM
The lighting here really does a fine job of letting that one tree stand out, Sairam, it creates a nicely mysterious view.  In the larger version, I can see why you centered the lit tree, but I am thinking that a crop from the left to move it off center would be good.
Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments
Comment posted by John Williams on June 21, 2016 at 11:52 AM
Excellent! These forest scenes are hard too pull off, and I'm enjoying that you caught such a perfect understory to go with that wonderful tree scene.
Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments
Comment posted by Luke Ormand on June 21, 2016 at 12:14 PM
That bit of warm light on the tree makes this image stand out.  I just don't know if I like it dead-center
Registered on February 4, 2009, 1093 Posts, 7035 Comments
Comment posted by Dan Kearl on June 22, 2016 at 11:38 AM
Exquisite lighting... I am also of the opinion that decentering the tree would work better for me.
Registered on September 2, 2013, 209 Posts, 1514 Comments
Comment posted by Sairam Sundaresan on June 22, 2016 at 12:52 PM
Thanks all! Appreciate the feedback. Harry, in this forest, as long as the marine layer shows up, there's a good chance of fog morning or evening :)
Registered on March 14, 2013, 100 Posts, 643 Comments
Comment posted by Ryan Shain on June 22, 2016 at 3:06 PM
I ove the balance between darkness and light in this excellent capture Sairam! The darkness of the forest works so very well in complimenting the sliver of light on the lone Redwood. Such a lush, dark and moody image, love it!
Registered on February 20, 2007, 226 Posts, 4571 Comments