Undergrowth Clouds

Gallery: LandscapePosted August 24, 2016256 views10 comments

I'm above the Arctic Circle now. The lichens dominate the landscape here. What is most impressive beneath the spruce trees are these carpets of puffy lichens that look like the clouds below when you fly over them. Although they are everywhere, catching their 'spirit' on film proved to be evasive. This is my favorite attempt so far. I used a slightly warm white balance to complement the few berries and leaves. Let me know what you think.

Canon 6D, 24-105mm@78, F16.0, ISO100, tripod, etc.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on August 24, 2016 at 10:31 AM

That is quite the nice carpet of the lichen. It looks a little on warm side to my eye, but that is strictly personal preference. The whites and reds compliment each other nicely.

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

Comment posted by Tom Falley on August 24, 2016 at 11:21 AM

Ah, Cladonia, a favorite food of Caribou. A luscious photo when the eye can roam the detail, a lot goes on in the macro we miss.

perhaps the image would be more dynamic with the tree positioned off center?

Cheers. Tom

Registered on November 21, 2014, 189 Posts, 454 Comments

Comment posted by Ed Lowe on August 24, 2016 at 2:52 PM

I am really enjoying this miniature landscape, Igor. The large version showcases the details in the scene and lets the eye wander throughout and savor them. Excellent image.

Ed

Registered on February 7, 2004, 414 Posts, 7115 Comments

Comment posted by Dave Dillemuth on August 24, 2016 at 4:12 PM

This is very nice, Igor. The contrast of textures between the lichens and tree trunk work well. Processing looks good but I do detect a bit of a greenish cast. I'm not sure if will improve the tonality or not but I would experiment with pulling back on the green channel a bit.

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on August 24, 2016 at 4:48 PM

What an amazing find this was and I really like how you showed it with this composition. I do notice the greenish cast but at the same time enjoy the looks of it this way. Very cool capture Igor!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

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

Comment posted by scott lanz on August 24, 2016 at 7:56 PM

Fascinating groundcover, Igor. I am not sold on the inclusion and placement of the tree, but this is very nice with or without the tree. Maybe some closer comps as well?

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by gary phillips on August 24, 2016 at 8:11 PM

I really like what you have here, Igor. The lichen is incredible mixed in with reds and greens. I don't mind the placement of the trunk at all, but I would clone the branch from the right side. It just looks out of place to me, with everything fitting so nicely in the rest of the image. Nice find.

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

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on August 24, 2016 at 8:30 PM

I like this a lot Igor. A lot to enjoy with the lacy lichens and sporadic rust colored plants. The tree truck serves as a wonderful anchor. The only suggestion I have is to clone out the thin branch top and center. It causes the eye to stop there. I am really enjoying this regardless.

Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on August 28, 2016 at 1:10 AM

Love this image, Igor. Love your composition with the tree in the center and the sea of lichen filling the frame with their delicate beauty. Fantastic. The larger image is truly a joy to view.

Registered on November 13, 2008, 298 Posts, 6629 Comments

Comment posted by Igor Doncov on August 31, 2016 at 2:01 AM

Thank you all for your thoughtful comments. I will see if I can do something about that greenish tinge that some are noticing. I didn't see it myself but sometimes you get so absorbed in your work that colors (especially) go unnoticed.

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