My First Time

Gallery: LandscapePosted December 30, 2009547 views40 comments

Happy almost New Year Folks!

Now you can take that title any way you want to, but I am here to tell you that I'm posting my first digital image to ES&S. No, it's not a dslr, but my wife got me a pretty nice Panasonic Lumix pt-n-shoot for Christmas and I gave it a test drive in Yosemite this weekend.

Yep, back in Yosemite. Jimmy Gekas was up in my neck of the woods for the holidays and he twisted my arm for a quick overnight trip to the Valley on Sunday. We had a beautiful flurry of snow for half of Sunday and this was captured in the El Capitan Meadow on our way home Monday. The background behind the oak tree is Cathedral Rock.

Oh, I did get this with the 4x5 too. Hope the film comes out!

Thanks to everyone for a great year!

Lon

Comments

40 comments

Comment posted by Debjit Ghosh on December 30, 2009 at 3:26 PM

Lon, I consider you as the master of Yosemite oaks and this is just what you had to prove once again. Awesome, I really like how you have utilized the tree branches to fill the frame. I wish I could take a look at the 4x5 print

Registered on May 11, 2008, 8 Posts, 211 Comments

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on December 30, 2009 at 3:42 PM

Hmmmmm, this looks familiar

I really liked it on the lcd, but I am sure it looked even better under the dark cloth

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

Comment posted by Barry Vangrov on December 30, 2009 at 3:44 PM

Pretty darn good image quality for a point and shoot! Canyon wall behind has an ethereal quality to it that really sets of the tree branches.

Registered on September 1, 2009, 148 Posts, 749 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Anderson on December 30, 2009 at 3:49 PM

I'll never forget ... "Oh what's her name ...."

Beautiful composition and detail.

This photo looks too "digital" for you ...

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

Comment posted by Matthew Jellings on December 30, 2009 at 3:58 PM

This is incredible, the light makes the leaves appear so delicate, beautiful composition too Lon. I'm particualrly liking the 5 major branches reaching out across the photograph, very organic.

Registered on November 1, 2009, 8 Posts, 97 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on December 30, 2009 at 4:03 PM

This photo looks too "digital" for you ...

Touché Matt!

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

Comment posted by John&Patty Benway on December 30, 2009 at 4:15 PM

This is gorgeous Lon, beautifully composed, and love the touch of color through. Have a great New Year.
John

Registered on May 12, 2006, 626 Posts, 8700 Comments

Comment posted by Bret Edge on December 30, 2009 at 4:17 PM

Just goes to show that a great photo can be made with any camera. This is a classic Lon Overacker image. Doesn't matter if it's on big film or tiny digital. Love how the tree and limbs arc through the frame & how those few last leaves still clinging to branches a like confetti. Gorgeous, Lon! Happy New Year!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 711 Posts, 6363 Comments

Comment posted by Roger Hayden on December 30, 2009 at 5:08 PM

I like the shape, color and texture of these oaks against the rock wall background, but I've had trouble contrasting the tree with rock in camera or post processing. Looks like you did a pretty good job, even with your point and shoot.

Registered on November 21, 2009, 41 Posts, 201 Comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on December 30, 2009 at 5:22 PM

Lon, It looks like you and Jimmy had a nice trip (to quote Mr. Gordon) to the "the happiest place on Earth."

I like the color and quietness of this, but feel it's just a tad tight compositionally. I really like the flow of the branches.

I am looking forward to seeing your 4x5's from the trip.

--P

Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments

Comment posted by Elliot Johnston on December 30, 2009 at 5:38 PM

Sure looks good for a point and shoot. I take it that some of them these days can produce images of surprisingly good quality. I can see bits of snow on the branches, if only the tree had another dusting of snow. Great image though, your portfolio from Yosemite is a joy to view.

Registered on November 11, 2009, 23 Posts, 288 Comments

Comment posted by Mel Ladewig on December 30, 2009 at 6:13 PM

I love my Panasonic LX3 for a companion to large format too. Great little cameras. If the 4X5 of this comes out you're gonna have a nice big shot, though the colors in this one are great already.

Mel-

Registered on July 24, 2005, 114 Posts, 1205 Comments

Comment posted by Guy Tal on December 30, 2009 at 6:13 PM

This is reminiscent of your other work from this place and every bit as excellent. In comparison with the intimate composition, the attention to subtleties of light and color, and the experience itself, the capture medium is an almost trivial consideration. I love it.

Guy

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

Comment posted by Todd Liotine on December 30, 2009 at 6:41 PM

Lon, great comp, nice colors, and really like the last few leaves hanging on to fall

Registered on July 1, 2008, 131 Posts, 671 Comments

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on December 30, 2009 at 6:49 PM

Lon,

Very nice. Please do show us the 4x5 when you get it back. I know this tree. Its the same tree in my 'No More Words' Photo from Autumn 2008. HERE. It was the first time I photographed that particular oak as well and I remember it well.

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

Comment posted by Doug Roane on December 30, 2009 at 7:09 PM

the detail and contrasts on this are wonderful, Lon - no nits at all.

Registered on December 12, 2008, 213 Posts, 2226 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on December 30, 2009 at 7:25 PM

What a beautifu scene...it's almost like it's calling out "ditch the film, Lon, go digital...go digital.."

Registered on September 15, 2005, 836 Posts, 17099 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on December 30, 2009 at 7:52 PM

Sweet image, Lon. I'll be there next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday collecting info for iFotoGuide-Yosemite.

Have a Happy New Year.

- Dan.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 473 Posts, 7980 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on December 30, 2009 at 8:17 PM

Lon, this has your signature all over it, whatever the media used for the capture. Very nice indeed.......

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

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on December 30, 2009 at 9:29 PM

Hi Lon

Beautifully seen and captured, And with a point and shoot

Here is the proof, its the photographer, not the camara

The composition, color and detail are great

Albert Darmo Canada

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments

Comment posted by Jason Edlund on December 30, 2009 at 9:45 PM

Nice shot Lon! Im surprised to see the leaves still on but really add a nice touch. I really like the rockwall in the BG.

Registered on February 9, 2009, 21 Posts, 284 Comments

Comment posted by Sam Chrysanthou on December 30, 2009 at 10:34 PM

It's not your gear...it's how you use it! Nice illustration of that principle, Lon. Point 'n shoots are such fun, too!

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

Comment posted by Hamed Musharbak on December 30, 2009 at 10:49 PM

WoW!!

what a great details here Lon !!

i like the BG alot

all the best bro

Hamed

Registered on June 1, 2009, 372 Posts, 2282 Comments

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on December 30, 2009 at 11:12 PM

As soon as I read the title, I knew it was digital. The image is classic Lon and I love it...... but how does it compare to your 4X5 print quality wise?

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

Comment posted by Greg Cope on December 30, 2009 at 11:50 PM

Outstanding Lon...just outstanding. I love the centered comp with branches extending to the edges of the frame, together with the backdrop

Registered on January 22, 2007, 212 Posts, 2737 Comments

Comment posted by Dean Sauskojus on December 31, 2009 at 12:52 AM

What a way to end the year Lon, and then with a point and shoot no less. I'm not really surprised. Very nice shot. I must admit that I have a hard time pulling out my 4x5 anymore. Be careful you might get hooked

. Happy New Year.

Registered on September 29, 2009, 137 Posts, 2659 Comments

Comment posted by Andreas Resch on December 31, 2009 at 4:05 AM

Good Lord - this is so wonderful. Everything is perfect here - one of your best, Lon. This screams "BIG, BIG, BIG". Have a great 2010 with more images like that.

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

Comment posted by Bruno Silva on December 31, 2009 at 7:11 AM

lon, this is beautiful, as all you´re image from this place. great details all around and I like the centre with more leaf concentration. lovelly. a HNyear for you and you´re family.

Registered on May 6, 2009, 132 Posts, 1406 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Kayne on December 31, 2009 at 9:25 AM

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

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on December 31, 2009 at 9:44 AM

If I didn't read your description I would have thought you made this with your 4x5. Goes to show you that your style will come through regardless of equipment and or lack there off. I love this style Lon
Have a great New Year and many images for 2010

Registered on February 5, 2009, 199 Posts, 2775 Comments

Comment posted by Tom Nevesely on December 31, 2009 at 9:54 AM

This is stunning Lon! I love it even though it was shot with "digital".

Registered on June 14, 2005, 147 Posts, 1550 Comments

Comment posted by Jeff Hackett on December 31, 2009 at 11:42 AM

Excellent image Lon! The blues of the background wall are very nice. Forbidden fruit is sooooooo sweet.

Registered on March 13, 2006, 65 Posts, 1119 Comments

Comment posted by Anil Rao on December 31, 2009 at 1:19 PM

An excellent rendition, Lon. You know and understand these trees so well that (as Guy has already said) the capture medium is inconsequential.

I look forward to seeing more of your work in the new year. Best wishes for 2010.

Registered on November 15, 2003, 234 Posts, 4923 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on December 31, 2009 at 2:00 PM

I wouldn't have known if you had not said anything. But still, you're a sell out!!!!

You can't call me out on it, I've always been one. But this does have all the qualities that I love about your tree images. You know how I like the dead leaves that cling to the branches. It has nice structure/form as usual. And the snow highlites are nice too.

Chris

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

Comment posted by Michael R Reynolds on December 31, 2009 at 5:52 PM

Lon,
What an elegant image. The rock BG really brings it all out. Best Regards and have a happy new year!

Registered on February 26, 2008, 54 Posts, 812 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on December 31, 2009 at 6:30 PM

I guess it doesn't matter which viewfinder you look through. The eye for the composition is always there. Wonderful.

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

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on January 1, 2010 at 5:24 PM

Oh, oh. Careful, Lon. The digital slope is very easy to slide down real fast. Sure, it starts with a point and shoot, but then its an APC dSLR, then full-frame, and then upgrades. I know, you think it won't happen to you, but it can. My advice is to be very, very careful how you use that camera. Maybe a birthday party or wedding would be OK, but if you start doing nature work with it, you're gonna get addicted real fast. Don't get me wrong, I like the picture, it's totally you. But for you're own sake, I hope it's a jpg, because if this is from a RAW file, you're already gone.

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

Comment posted by Carlos Molina on January 2, 2010 at 7:08 PM

This is beautiful Lon. Well, there is a first time for everything, caution!, this may become and additct to digital!

Nice work as always and happy new year to you as well, all the best in 2010.

Registered on March 17, 2009, 40 Posts, 393 Comments

Comment posted by Jose Suro on January 2, 2010 at 7:50 PM

The dead leaves make a stark and beautiful contrast with the dark tree limbs and background. This image works really well!! I had a Lumix FX500 for a year and just it got replaced with a new a 12MP FX580 under warranty, and the FX500 warranty had expired! Minor issue with a dust spec on the sensor. For 8x10 prints it's perfect, not a trivial consideration though if print size is an issue. I keep it in my vehicle 24/7.

Best,

Jose

Registered on June 24, 2006, 267 Posts, 2273 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on January 3, 2010 at 1:23 AM

Very nice Lon.

I think this is one of those that needs to be seen bigger (with all that detail) to appreciate more.

Mark

Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments