Bold Birch +alt

Gallery: LandscapePosted October 25, 20178,711 views8 comments

First, thank you so much for the comments and suggestions on my last post. I was starting to struggle comparing the subtle changes between the versions, viewing them. But back at home PS CC, I think I'm settled on the processing.

Thought I would post something a little different. Unique? no. But not your typical autumn fare. This is a Water Birch hanging over a creek. This tree also has yellow leaves in t he autumn, much like the aspen and in fact are shaped similarly, only the edges of the leaves are slightly jagged.

I wanted get all the fine detail and color of this wonderful limb over the softness of the rushing water below. Took some time setting up, jockeying to get the tripod in good position, gently moving some distracting small branches (laid jacket down temporarily.) As I just started shooting (and was doing 2 images for a stack for the length of the limb,) the sun began rising over the surrounding ridges. I don't normally want the direct sun, but it was so filtered and dappled from the overhead canopy of aspen, birch and pine that a nice glow started to appear. I grabbed a few shots before it got too hot. In doing so, I abandoned the focus stack thoughts and shot this at f/16 1.3 s.

Would love to hear your thoughts on this one.

thanks!

Comments

8 comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on October 25, 2017 at 7:39 PM

The detail, textures and colors of the trunk are beautiful. Something about the background water lines is throwing me off only a little bit. I think it is because the bold water lines are going different directions, almost forming a rectangle. It will be interesting to see if anyone else has the same reaction. It is not a big deal, but I might try toning down the line parallel to the trunk with the 15% cloning technique IF it bothers you at all. It might not even phase you. But like I said, not a biggie and I like the image.

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

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on October 25, 2017 at 11:31 PM

Lon, a wonderful take here. The detail is outstanding. The trunk has some really foreboding looks to it. Like it would be a tough tree to shinny up.... sad

Some of my favorite photo scenes posses some kind of diagonal look and or flow to them. This one is real obvious, others not so much. I think Harley's cloning idea on the parallel to the trunk water line is a sound idea too. At least for another look see there.

A very solid image overall...... laugh

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

Comment posted by Vance Gese on October 26, 2017 at 12:45 AM

What strikes me about the image, Lon, other than the amazing detail and subtle warm light on the bark, is the remarkable contrast between the strong detail of the bark and the soft blur of the flowing stream in the background. That contrast in textures makes the image work in my opinion, so much better than simply a detail shot of tree bark. Excellent seeing as always.

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

Comment posted by Mattia Oliviero on October 26, 2017 at 4:05 AM

This is really interesting, Lon. The diagonal trunk has some very good light and I love the background as well with the contrast between movement and stillness. I would consider to crop a little to cut the dark area in the background which is a little bit distracting to me. This in order to have a more homogeneous background. And considering also a B&W version which might have a very strong power. Well seen and executed.

Registered on August 24, 2016, 43 Posts, 254 Comments

Comment posted by Craig Moreau on October 26, 2017 at 9:29 AM

Lon, I really like the dappled light on the tree, and the contrast of the sharp detail in the tree versus the softness of the water. On the whole though, the diagonal tree isn't working for me. It's creating a divided image.

Registered on April 21, 2015, 64 Posts, 584 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on October 26, 2017 at 1:45 PM

The details in the trunk stand out very well here, Lon. The oof, moving water makes a great background. The sharpness along the trunk looks good.

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on October 26, 2017 at 2:13 PM

Thanks for the comments and observations!

Mr. H. - I didn't see the "rectangle" until you mentioned it! Now I see what you see. grrrr. ;-) Actually, I'd call it a trapezoid...

And to Mattia's and Craig's comments, here is an alternate version (I have about 6) where the water flow is slightly different. I've also cropped a bit to remove the dark top and put the trunk off center. Yeah, still divides the image and in the long run this isn't more than a nice picture of Water Birch limb.

Thanks for looking and any additional comments!

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

Comment posted by Rudy Ruberti on October 26, 2017 at 11:05 PM

I think I prefer the original and really like the light and detail on the branch. The only thing I would consider is to increase the brightness on some of the darker areas of water long the top. Nice image.

Registered on October 28, 2008, 179 Posts, 1875 Comments