Emergence

Gallery: LandscapePosted June 8, 2009886 views53 comments

Thanks very much for all the comments on the previous image - very much appreciated.

This is one of my favorites from the Yosemite trip now over a month gone by. I was attracted to the amazing variety of "emerging" spring colors found throughout the valley. It was still quite early for the black oaks as they were just beginning to sprout their leaves. But it's at this very time that these magnificent trees show their best color - I think even better than autumn. The baby oaks leaves go through an amazing color transition from red to orange and finally to green and catching them in the transition is wonderful.

I used Tony's saturation masks, selective masking and painting to get the final look and I would love to know if this looks good or overdone? Also, I added a faint Orton layer near the end which more than anything just bumped the contrast a little.

Would love to hear your thoughts and critiques. Honesty welcome. :-)

Chamonix 4x5, Nikkor 300mm, V100f, f/32 @ 1/2s.

Thanks!

Lon

Larger version saved at quality 5...

Comments

53 comments

Comment posted by Benjamin Glatt on June 8, 2009 at 12:18 AM

Dang...this is good! Phenomenal in every aspect, Lon. I can't think of anything to critique.

Registered on July 15, 2007, 171 Posts, 3566 Comments

Comment posted by Younes Bounhar on June 8, 2009 at 12:21 AM

Benjamin is bang on, this is as good as it gets. Just brilliant!

Registered on November 25, 2007, 81 Posts, 1234 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on June 8, 2009 at 12:23 AM

Damn! I took a lot of these and got nothing like this. I told you about my camera troubles, and I think this contributed to a general lack of good detail in all of these type shots I tried. A general lack of contrast as well. I have a few comps that look good, but not worth the effort to process

This is awesome. Like Ben says, there is nothing to nit at all. Beautiful colors, even the green mosses on the tree trunks. Hard to believe this is spring! Congrats.

Chris

Registered on March 13, 2007, 500 Posts, 8365 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on June 8, 2009 at 12:27 AM

You know what, I'll take a 16x24, please!!! Er, I guess I should make that a 20x24, huh

Chris

Registered on March 13, 2007, 500 Posts, 8365 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Dawson on June 8, 2009 at 12:36 AM

Very unique, has almost fall color theme in spring. Quite nice!

Registered on February 4, 2006, 364 Posts, 8872 Comments

Comment posted by Todd Caudle on June 8, 2009 at 12:37 AM

Whoa! I love this! The subtle Orton effect really works, too.

Registered on November 9, 2003, 472 Posts, 3705 Comments

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on June 8, 2009 at 12:39 AM

Oh, wonderful Lon! You know I like how you do this kind of images and here it offers such great colors too. Just great. One observation - but not a negative one: There is this tree-trunk just left of the main tree. Reminds me of one other images where people commented on the "pole".... Is this the same tree? Again I don't think at all its distracting just noticed that there was a similar looking trunk.

I understand Chris why he wants a print...;-)

Registered on January 26, 2007, 360 Posts, 9876 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on June 8, 2009 at 1:14 AM

Thanks for the comments so far!

Chris - PayPal address is ljrack@.....

Mike - yeah, I was going to title this something like "Spring or Fall?" as I had the same feeling about this.

Dietrich - not sure about your reference to the "pole." Was that from one of my previous images? I think I remember, so no it's not the same area. But it's interesting that you mentioned that tree. I had to selectively paint the saturation of that tree down, reducing the red to try and minimize it's presence.

Oh, and I wanted to ask about a crop. I thought about cropping from the right to get back the 4x5 ratio, but I didn't want to lose any of those reds in the trees. Anyone think this should be cropped?

Thanks,
Lon

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

Comment posted by Kory Lidstrom on June 8, 2009 at 1:17 AM

Wow, this is really damn good for such a seemingly ordinary subject. The perfectly diffused lighting, the beautiful colors and tones -- awesome. That horizontal branch on the right is a bit distracting to me, but not too much. Overall, a very fine image.

Registered on November 19, 2008, 49 Posts, 1035 Comments

Comment posted by Tien-Chien Chen on June 8, 2009 at 1:40 AM

Lon,
If the larger version saved at quality 5x, I can't even image what the original looks like! I love everything in this image and think the background green sets off the color of the sprouting leaves nicely. If I really have to pick something, I'd be interested to see if there's any chance to de-saturate the "pole" even more. Regarding the crop I really like the current version and wouldn't change it. All in all, this is a "wow/damn/dang..." type of image.

Registered on September 2, 2005, 34 Posts, 225 Comments

Comment posted by Mike Ryan on June 8, 2009 at 1:49 AM

Wow Lon this is fantastic. I had know idea that the oaks in Yosemite went through this transformation in spring. Absolutely fantastic. Your processing has really made this image sing. Very nice work.

Registered on June 29, 2008, 85 Posts, 636 Comments

Comment posted by Giovanni Allievi on June 8, 2009 at 1:55 AM

Hi Lon,
it doesn't look overdone to me.
Indeed it is a very good capture.

Giovanni

Registered on March 26, 2008, 87 Posts, 379 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Wong on June 8, 2009 at 3:21 AM

This is awesome Lon. I was thinking perhaps Zion when I first opened this image and was very surprised to find out there was this much color in Yosemite.

Registered on February 2, 2006, 79 Posts, 2629 Comments

Comment posted by Ian Cameron on June 8, 2009 at 3:40 AM

Superb Lori. The only aspect I don't like quite so much is the strength and weight of that second reddish trunk in close proximity to the main sweeb of the darker trunk and limbs. I guess I just wish that one wasn't there as for me it is less pleasing - not a lot you could have done about it though.

Registered on August 6, 2004, 1125 Posts, 3318 Comments

Comment posted by Prashant Khapane on June 8, 2009 at 4:09 AM

This is my kind of image, will print big and hang on the wall.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 492 Posts, 4580 Comments

Comment posted by Andreas Resch on June 8, 2009 at 4:48 AM

It's not hard for me to be honest here. This is an amazing shot and I love the composition as well as you brought out the little blossoms here. As always it's a ridiculous compromise to watch such an image on the screen instead of a big print. But we get the idea of it's power. For me one of your best shots in recent times.
I'd like to thank you as well for your elaborate comments on my images. They are always very inspiring for me.

Registered on November 14, 2007, 322 Posts, 6101 Comments

Comment posted by Guy Tal on June 8, 2009 at 7:58 AM

Wow, Lon. This is a serious contender for my all time favorite image of yours. I love the range of subtle colors and intricate detail in the trees. I'd love to see a print of it some day.

Guy

Registered on November 1, 2003, 566 Posts, 15507 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on June 8, 2009 at 8:31 AM

Lon, this is a stunning piece. The moss and light create a modelling effect on the fg tree, that bring it into a dimension of its own. All this on a pastel palette.
Wayne

Registered on April 10, 2009, 292 Posts, 3967 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Goldwasser on June 8, 2009 at 8:56 AM

Very cool - you really have to view the large version to appreciate it. The light/color/detail on the trunks and branches on the right is stunning.

Registered on May 10, 2009, 127 Posts, 970 Comments

Comment posted by Eric Vaughan on June 8, 2009 at 9:04 AM

Very nice Lon, I really love the soft pastel color in this scene. It is a little bit busy, but still works great creating some really nice patterns from tree branches.

Registered on April 29, 2009, 57 Posts, 670 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on June 8, 2009 at 9:16 AM

Spring color is definitely giving fall color a run for it's money. I often find it tough to figure out which elements to isolate in a scene for the final composition. There were probably a gazzillion trees around this area, and I think you did a pretty fine job of isolating one that makes a strong focal point for the scene. Beyond that, however, the contrasting warm and cool colors do a great job of filling out the rest of the frame. Wonderful addition to your portfolio.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 364 Posts, 22328 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Kayne on June 8, 2009 at 9:43 AM

Lon, I can see why it is one of your favorites!!!!!

Good Photography!!

Joe.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 573 Posts, 2619 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Beiser on June 8, 2009 at 9:47 AM

Hi Lon,
Love it - the flowing lines of the trees, all of the emerging colors, and of course the granite in the background (just the right amount) to speak "Yosemite". I think it is just right.

Registered on July 16, 2005, 0 Posts, 46 Comments

Comment posted by Joel Hazelton on June 8, 2009 at 11:57 AM

Lon, this is amazing. No nits here, great work.

Registered on August 6, 2008, 194 Posts, 1315 Comments

Comment posted by Larry Gloth on June 8, 2009 at 12:00 PM

Superbly crafted image. Well seen and composed. The graceful arching of the branches is so well backed up by the beautiful colors behind. A pleasure to look at. I wouldn't crop it.

Registered on August 29, 2007, 96 Posts, 1003 Comments

Comment posted by Vance Gese on June 8, 2009 at 12:13 PM

Stunning, Lon, absolutely stunning. The leaves have such an incredible glow and the lines and design of the main tree set against that wonderful palette of color are outstanding. I would not crop this at all if at all possible. This image of yours has really captivated this old guy. Gorgeous, exquisite, beautiful. A print of this must be a spectacular sight.

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

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on June 8, 2009 at 12:13 PM

Lon - This is magnificent! I would not change a thing.

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

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on June 8, 2009 at 12:25 PM

Hi Lon - thanks for the direct reply -I went to your website and I am quite sure it was this image:
"#39018SV Yosemite Winter Luminance". Someone commented on the "telephon-pole"...

Registered on January 26, 2007, 360 Posts, 9876 Comments

Comment posted by Frank Winters on June 8, 2009 at 12:35 PM

Lovely -- just absolutely lovely!!

Registered on January 5, 2006, 123 Posts, 717 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on June 8, 2009 at 1:25 PM

You have quite a talent for seeing compositions in trees. You amaze me. This is sweet! I am looking forward to seeing it at home on the big monitor.

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

Comment posted by Reno DiTullio on June 8, 2009 at 1:52 PM

A striking image, wonderful colors

Registered on November 14, 2003, 130 Posts, 1644 Comments

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on June 8, 2009 at 1:54 PM

Amazing is right! One of my new favorites from you, Lon. Love the colors in those trees and the composition is perfect.

Registered on July 26, 2007, 244 Posts, 2807 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on June 8, 2009 at 2:55 PM

Pure art, Lon. The color glowing in the background is magnificent. Also the color emerging in the main tree repeats the colors in the background. Brilliant!

Registered on May 7, 2007, 670 Posts, 19650 Comments

Comment posted by Scott Lawson on June 8, 2009 at 3:01 PM

Beautiful mix of colors. The large version is exceptional.

Registered on March 3, 2008, 29 Posts, 337 Comments

Comment posted by Darren Barclay on June 8, 2009 at 3:04 PM

Wow Lon- absolutely gorgeous image! The colours, textures and details are awesome.

Registered on November 23, 2008, 17 Posts, 153 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Anderson on June 8, 2009 at 3:32 PM

Gorgeous colors Lon !
Great gads of detail.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 346 Posts, 2696 Comments

Comment posted by Rick Lundh on June 8, 2009 at 3:33 PM

Lon...this is fan-fricken-tastic! That tree is gorgeous!

Registered on April 28, 2004, 774 Posts, 4351 Comments

Comment posted by Igor on June 8, 2009 at 4:27 PM

Wonderful image Lon. I can see why it would be your favorite from this past trip. The composition is right on. Any crop diminishes the whole. If the pine at the bottom could be darkened to the level of it's shadows that would be good as it is an attention getter.

Registered on February 22, 2009, 12 Posts, 618 Comments

Comment posted by Igor on June 8, 2009 at 4:27 PM

Registered on February 22, 2009, 12 Posts, 618 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on June 8, 2009 at 6:16 PM

Lon, this is a perfect example on the comment I made in my email earlier. I had not seen this image prior to our exchange, but this fits my message perfectly.
As far as this particular image I would have to classify it as possibly your best, among many extremely fine captures from past posts here at NPN. I would also think the only thing to make it better is to see it in a large print.
For me, it is the subtle range of light on display throughout the colorful leaves and various limbs. A truly gorgeous scene overall.

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

Comment posted by Steve Sieren on June 8, 2009 at 6:36 PM

Great choice of minimal processing Lon. It's so real looking it's just like being there. Congrats!

Registered on January 2, 2008, 360 Posts, 5321 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on June 8, 2009 at 6:41 PM

WOW!!! This is outstanding Lon. My eyes popped out of my head when I saw this. Superb in every way! Great work.

Registered on April 10, 2005, 753 Posts, 21216 Comments

Comment posted by Sam Chrysanthou on June 8, 2009 at 7:44 PM

Gorgeous. Perfect combo of detail and softness.

Registered on December 18, 2007, 71 Posts, 1191 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Marcellini on June 8, 2009 at 8:42 PM

What else to add, its got your touch on comp and the color contrasts really set it apart for me. Top notch Lon.

Registered on November 27, 2007, 250 Posts, 2468 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Dayton on June 8, 2009 at 9:05 PM

I really like this, Lon. If you ever give a workshop on photographing trees, I'll
take it. I had no idea that you could get those colors in the spring.

Registered on November 11, 2008, 281 Posts, 3958 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on June 9, 2009 at 5:58 AM

super photo ... actually, when i looked at it, i thought 'dang, how the heck does him compress all that for it to fit for these web presentations?" then i saw the 'qulaity 5' comment! yep, there it is! great colours and comp!

Registered on December 7, 2007, 247 Posts, 4792 Comments

Comment posted by Cory Freeman on June 9, 2009 at 9:08 AM

this is a magnificent image Lon! I love the hint of color in the bg and detail in the trees. The effect of the color is powerful in its subtlety as a color image should be, IMO.

Registered on December 16, 2003, 107 Posts, 1341 Comments

Comment posted by Anish Desai on June 9, 2009 at 11:54 AM

You've done a beautiful job capturing and presenting this one! The subtle colors are a treat and the composition is perfect. -Anish

Registered on May 23, 2009, 49 Posts, 410 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Crabbe on June 9, 2009 at 12:22 PM

This belongs very big in a very nice art gallery. Yeah, the Ansel Adams Gallery... that's it. That's the ticket... Yeah.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 182 Posts, 1840 Comments

Comment posted by Pedro Bento on June 9, 2009 at 1:15 PM

Nothing more to add here...real ART!

Registered on September 2, 2007, 45 Posts, 761 Comments

Comment posted by Laurent Baig on June 9, 2009 at 6:31 PM

Oh, man, Lon, this is beautiful!

Registered on January 12, 2005, 206 Posts, 6784 Comments

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on June 10, 2009 at 12:08 AM

Lon,

I'd swear this was an autumn image based on the color. It is absolutely captivating! Your work truly humbles me as a photographer.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 474 Posts, 5555 Comments

Comment posted by Pam Colander on June 10, 2009 at 5:04 PM

I wouldn't crop or do anything to this Lon. his is strong and delicate at the same time. Your comp with the paler colors shining throught the darker limbs is perfect. Your processing rendered a very eye pleasing, detail loaded gem. Looking at the thumb I thought this was Guy's

Registered on December 7, 2006, 210 Posts, 1062 Comments