Morning Mist & Maple

Wow! This is really sweet, Gary. The dramatic lighting and warm/cool contrasts make a feast for the eyes. One of the best Yosemite tree shots I've seen this year, and on this forum that's really saying something.
Funny that you always say right up front No HDR. Ever since people found out what HDR is, they assume everything is HDR. I get compliments all the time for having such natural looking HDR's

Thanks, Marc; yeah, it's called a frontal assault against the base assumptions re: many photographers sense of reliance on needing HDR to make a good image, or that if you have a good image, it must have been created using HDR. A sad commentary that it's having to become a mantra of sorts. (not always on NPN of course, but for consistency...)

Btw - appreciate your kind words re: the photo. Cheers.

Gary,

That light is simply delicious! I really like this.

How would it look processed with a slightly cooler WB to bring out more blues in the BG?

Re HDR: Of course you are assuming right off that HDR is a bad thing. I could care less how this image was processed, it works very well for me. Great work!

Richard: Thanks for the comments; Actually the color balance is pretty neutral, if you look to the shaded area of the tees in the LRC. It's actually haze (mist & campfire smoke) that is causing the BG to appear a bit warmer in the high shaded snow area.

As for HDR; (I've moved my reply on this and started a topic under General Discussion) - Cheers.

This is lovely, Gary.

- Dan.

This is really spectacular lighting and conditions. Nothing for me to analyze, just sit back to enjoy.

PS I also get compliments on my use of HDR.

Gary,

Very nice. The golden mist makes ths for me.

Gary, awesome image! When you view it larger I did not say HDR I was more inclined to say Bryce 3d software. The textures & mist are almost unnatural they are so amazing! Thank you very much for sharing.

That's a real beauty. Phenomenal light well captured. I particularly like the background trees and rock face on the left, the detail and clarity are excellent. Well done.

this is just gorgeous, Gary. Fabulous photo, though I would agree I would cool it down just a tad.

This is really nice. There's nothing like some backlit fog and nice trees in a canyon. Gotta love the conditions and the comp is just perfect.

Wonderful light great shot

Excellent use of light and atmosphere Gary, well executed.

Wonderful image all around, with great lighting.

Fantastin shot. The light in excellent.

See, this is what I'm talkin' about Gary! This is quality! Great shot man!!

She's a beauty, Gary. Love the highlights in the haze. Too bad you posted it so dang small.

Great light and color. The comp, and dof is strong, too.

I've spent all of about forty-five minutes in the Yosemite Valley in my life. I loved every moment, and I'm enjoying just sitting here staring at the larger version (and listening to ASU take an early lead against Arkansas in a midweek game). I'd love to get back there.

Wonderful shot Gary, the light in the mist is amazing. With that beautiful mountain backround it really shows the scale of things. If this was my shot I wouldn't change a thing.

Cory

This is awesome Gary. Incredible light and I love also being able to see the backdrop of the valley.

Fabulous Gary.

Beautiful shot Gary. The comp, lighting, and colors are perfect IMO.

Congrats.

Gary,

This ranks up there with some of the very best images of this Elm tree. That band of mist and the redish/brown folaige make all the difference. Beautiful capture!

Lon

Wonderful color and light Gary. Perffect composition too! I really like this.

BEAUTIFUL! The light is da chit!

Dang! Thats a stunner. Not too shabby for somethin' pulled out of the lost-and-found of your archives.

I really love the look of the compressed valley through the luminous mist. It creates quite a pleasing effect. My only critique would be the "harshness" of the lower areas that are out of the mist. I think the separation of the foggy/not foggy is a big part of the image but the lower portion seems a little to contrasty. I'd like to see a version that retains the separation, but slightly eases up on the lower frame contrast.

Gary, I know this tree well. This is just a fantastic image. Best Regards.

Outstanding image. The light on the trees and that mist is magical. Incredible. Don't see how this could be improved.

Sublime image Gary. Subtle mist on the left of the frame and gorgeous lighting makes this image for me.

Wow, this is beautiful!! One of the best from Yosemite I have ever seen. Hats off, Mister!

Gorgeous, Gary! The light and fog are exceptional but the background mountain rock really makes the scene special for me. Thanks for including the large version, it really puts you right there.

Beautiful image. The mist makes it magical as though it's there and not there, that if you touched it, it would disappear.

Wayne Willison
Miami, Fl

Fantastic Gary. Reminds me of Bierstadt's paintings.

Beautiful, Gary! Living only an hour and a half away from the Park, I should
spend more time there. It's easy to see why you won the most recent ES&S.

Exquisite detail and color; the background appearing through the mist is ghostly/great!

Beautiful light and contrast.

Fantastic images posted from Yosemite by all of you this Spring, but this one is REALLY special. Congrats for a well deserved Pick. Just love that beam of light that the mist brought to life.

Awesome, simply awesome. Congrats Gary!

Well done Gary