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Grand Viewers
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Grand Viewers

by Harry Lichtman

Gallery: LandscapePosted April 17, 2017184 views9 comments
Large View Recommended

I don't think I've ever posted 2 photos so close together, but since they are similar comps. I figured it might be useful.  This image was taken later in the day when the colors of the canyon were washed out, but the tonalities were really nice and I thought might make for a better BW.  I was most interested in getting some of the Western Bluebirds in the image, as at time up to 5 were buzzing around this tree.  I managed to get 2 of them on the pine and added more interest as they took in the canyon view.  This is a more traditional view that shows more of the canyon, and since its layers were better revealed with the lighting, I opted to include more of it.
D810, 24-120mm, polarizing filter.

Comments

9 comments
Comment posted by Harley Goldman on April 17, 2017 at 1:41 PM
I am very much enjoying both the composition and the killer cloudy light. My eye heads to the tree, then nice and easily slides back to the depths of the canyon. I might burn down or clone out the tree top on the bottom right edge, but pretty minor to the whole scene. Real nice. 
Registered on November 19, 2003, 586 Posts, 11271 Comments
Comment posted by Lon Overacker on April 17, 2017 at 2:14 PM
Harry,

Tough call between the two versions. They both are excellent and stand solidly on their own.  Here, same tree, nearly identical scene, you two different impressions.  The composition is still very strong and I think the inclusion of the two birds really tops this off; sure they're small, but their presence is bigger than their size. ;-)

Agree with Harley that the eye easily moves from the tree(and birds) to the open canyon and those soft rays of light.  I was tempted to suggest increasing the contrast in the clouds, but I think that would conflict with the hazi-light in the far canyon (which in this case is NOT a detriment.)

I would also agree with Harley with a possible slight burn of the tree top LR.  But also maybe a burn of the large, and smaller, slivers of light on the left edge.  Minor, but just a thought.

Well done!

Lon
Registered on November 24, 2006, 521 Posts, 19147 Comments
Comment posted by scott lanz on April 17, 2017 at 7:35 PM
Very nice, Harry. Lots to look at and enjoy, from the tree, to the canyon, to the clouds, and even the birds, which are a nice touch. It's like they are enjoying the view as well. My only suggestion (about the top of the tree orbush in the LRC) has already been mentioned by Harley.
Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments
Comment posted by John Williams on April 17, 2017 at 11:57 PM
Love the top 2/3rds Harry. That upper right depth is great, and the birds add a lot to the left. I'd crop it to a pano and lose the less interesting bottom 25-30%.
Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments
Comment posted by Dan Kearl on April 18, 2017 at 12:14 AM
I like this comp better with the tree a bit more to the left..
Agree with John that some could go off the bottom.
Registered on September 2, 2013, 209 Posts, 1514 Comments
Comment posted by Matt Anderson on April 18, 2017 at 8:47 AM
Harry great conversion!
Love the layering of the peaks in the distance.
Registered on September 6, 2007, 346 Posts, 2696 Comments
Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on April 18, 2017 at 9:22 AM
Thanks for the thoughts. I do like the pano crop idea and burning down the RLC.  Thanks!
Registered on September 17, 2010, 304 Posts, 3507 Comments
Comment posted by Eva McDermott on April 18, 2017 at 8:57 PM
Wonderful tonal range Harry.  I like the light on the tree and brush.  It provides a nice contrast to the canyon backdrop.
Registered on January 4, 2009, 1015 Posts, 13229 Comments
Comment posted by gary phillips on April 20, 2017 at 10:57 PM
Excellent Harry.  The burning suggestion on the brighter parts of tree and canyon on the left edge is all I can see to improve.  Sweet conditions.
Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments