Beacon of Hope

Gallery: LandscapePosted March 21, 2010391 views42 comments

Well folks, I must apologize for not being around here much - for what has been almost 2 months now. But there come times we all face where photography simply takes a back seat.

The night of my 50th birthday... my father took a nasty fall and suffered a traumatic brain injury; hemorrhaging, brain contusions and multiple skull fractures. After 6 days in critical care, he was moved to a rehab facility and with good fortune, he is being released this coming week. And while his recovery has been steady and even though he is being released from therapy, he is not yet clear to do things like driving (he's only 75) and it may still be months before he can be completely independent. But we are all thankful, as it could have turned out much differently.

Perhaps it's fate, who knows, but this is the image that I had been ready to post here before the accident. And while it's really just a personal anecdote for me, it shows how much and image can be shaped by a meaningful title.

This was captured in Yosemite at the end of January during my trip with Dan Baumbach. It's also one of those rare occasions where a fleeting moment gets captured with the large format.

I hope to get back in to the swing of things and commenting on the great work that gets posted here on a daily basis. I'm still here, checking the forums... I missed you folks.

Thanks,
Lon

Comments

42 comments

Comment posted by Rick Lundh on March 21, 2010 at 9:14 PM

What an amazingly detailed wintery scene... Have to say that I like this a lot. I am sorry to hear about your dad, but glad he is on the mend. What a birthday present for you (empathetic sarcasm)! Life is wierd...like a roller coaster filled with peaks and valleys. Those who can learn how to embrace the seatbelts seem to make it to the end of the ride more often than not. I'm glad you seem to be in that group, Lon. I lost my mom to the same thing as your dad went through. She fell, and hemorrhaged and lasted about 4 days... so I know what you were faced with. Scary stuff!

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

Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on March 21, 2010 at 9:22 PM

It's good to see you back here, Lon and I'm so happy that your father is doing better. I was wondering around Red Rocks in Boulder this morning and thinking if would be fun if you were there with me. We did have fun in Yosemite.

Oops, I forgot to add, but you already know I like this image.

- Dan .

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

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on March 21, 2010 at 9:24 PM

Hey Lon, I almost sent another email today looking for an update. This was a good post to see and the update I was looking for was included here as well. Glad to hear your Dad is progressing along well after his severe injury several weeks back now.
As for the image it obviously represents one heck of a lot of snow overall. The El Nino really made up for some lost time and added to the total water content in the sierras this year. This image can testify to that fact. The detail at the larger size seems excellent and should make a nice print too. Good to see you back.....take care.

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

Comment posted by Mark Shephard on March 21, 2010 at 9:38 PM

Great shot Lon but more importantly I hope and pray for a speedy recovery for your dad.

Registered on February 23, 2010, 62 Posts, 132 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on March 21, 2010 at 9:47 PM

We missed you too, Lon. I was wondering where you were. So sorry to hear about your father. Sounds like you're close enough to help, which is just great. I hope he recovers well.

Great scene. I love how the snow and trees sort of look the same, but also different. It's great at this size and no doubt awesome enlarged.

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on March 21, 2010 at 9:59 PM

A beautiful winter image. "Beacon of Hope" is a wonderful title. Good to hear your Dad is doing better. Wish all the best to him, you and all your family.

Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments

Comment posted by Jeremy Kessler on March 21, 2010 at 10:13 PM

Fantastic photo, hope your father gets well soon.

Registered on September 13, 2007, 36 Posts, 1283 Comments

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on March 21, 2010 at 10:53 PM

Lon,

Stunning! Its scenes like this that LF was made for. The detal in a large print must be staggering.

I am glad your father is on the road to recovery. I would print this one for your father and hang it in his room. You would be amazed how much it might help.

We missed you and its great to have you back.

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

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on March 21, 2010 at 11:06 PM

Sorry to hear about your dad Lon. I am glad he is on the road to recovery. .......and you were definately were missed by me.

I like the complexity of your image. A lot of detail and cool tones except for that one tree to the left which seems to have caught some warm light.

BTW - I empathize with what your are going through Lon. My mom has chronic breathing issues and while visiting over Christmas ended up in the hospital for several weeks. Everything turned out OK but it was pretty stressful. In two weeks she will be returning for Easter, her 80th B-day, and the graduations of her 2 grandsons - one from college and one from HS. I guess I never realizied what being 50-ish meant 'till now.

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

Comment posted by Morris McClung on March 21, 2010 at 11:19 PM

Missed your images and input, Lon, and it's good to have you back. I have a similar story of God's mercy. My oldest daughter who is now 38 was in a terrible car crash 2 years ago. Also suffered TBI. A month in ICU after the early stages of not thinking she would live. The right side of her brain had no folds. It was completely smooth from the pressure on the other side. She was back teaching at her college professor's job 9 months later. Miracles do happen! Needless to say, photography was the farthest thing from my mind.
The spotlit tree is a great element here. Excellent comp, texture, and light.
Welcome back.

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

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on March 21, 2010 at 11:19 PM

Welcome back! Glad to hear your dad is doing better. It's been a wierd, and tragic year for a lot of us in so many ways. It's good to hear that this looks to turn out okay.

The image is great! I love the uniformity in color and subject matter here. The one tree bathed in light makes such a statement.

Chris

Chris

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

Comment posted by Dean Sauskojus on March 21, 2010 at 11:20 PM

Hope your dad recovers soon and nice to see you back.

I like the little highlighted tree on the left. It adds a little something to the image. Beautiful winter shot.

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

Comment posted by Vance Gese on March 21, 2010 at 11:31 PM

Absolutely stunning image Lon, made for LF. The exquisite texture, detail, contrast, composition is impeccable and with that area including the lone tree lit up, this becomes superb art. Gorgeous, Lon.

Very glad your father is doing so well. Had to be a scary time for you and your family. Oh, and welcome to the over 50 club.

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

Comment posted by Catherine Reilly on March 22, 2010 at 1:16 AM

Aw, Lon… So sorry to hear about your dad's terrible fall. It's good, though, that you were in a position to be able to devote time to his care. I missed you here, too. And I hope for all of your family that Dad has overcome the highest of the hurdles on his way to more complete recovery.

That one tree looks like a pillar candle even surrounded as it is with its own kind. The light was so right. It is an inspirational image.

Registered on August 16, 2006, 603 Posts, 9192 Comments

Comment posted by Hamed Musharbak on March 22, 2010 at 1:34 AM

welcome back Lon

nice to see you again man

I hope that your father is fine now

amazing work as usual Lon

i like the details

Hamed

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

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on March 22, 2010 at 4:57 AM

superb image, love the wild details here.

glad your father is doing better, lon.

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

Comment posted by Paulo A.Lopes on March 22, 2010 at 6:04 AM

Great moment, like a painting, well seeing and captured.

All the best.

Registered on October 14, 2008, 122 Posts, 836 Comments

Comment posted by Emmanuel Coupe on March 22, 2010 at 7:01 AM

All the best to your dad for a complete recovery and I love your photo.

Registered on March 17, 2007, 83 Posts, 341 Comments

Comment posted by Anthony Vincent on March 22, 2010 at 8:07 AM

Sorry to hear about your father, prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Beautiful shot Lon and its such packed with detail from corner to corner. Would love to stare at a larger version for a while. Great work

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

Comment posted by Nick Moore on March 22, 2010 at 9:17 AM

This is a really great image Lon, I particularly like how you composed with the one smaller, snowier, brighter tree bottom left. I bet there is a ton of detail in this image on the slide. Sorry to hear the story about your Dad, hope he has a speedy recovery!.

Registered on May 23, 2006, 93 Posts, 2228 Comments

Comment posted by Robert Dayton on March 22, 2010 at 9:35 AM

Lovely, Lon. I never tire of your tree/forest scenics. I'm glad to hear that
your father is doing better.

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

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on March 22, 2010 at 9:39 AM

Wow, so sorry to hear about your Dad, but so thankful that his recovery is working out so positively.

As for the image, I like the layered look of the FG,MG, BG. Like someone else said, it kind of looks the same, but different. Very pretty.

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

Comment posted by John&Patty Benway on March 22, 2010 at 10:41 AM

Very sorry to hear about your father, but glad to hear he is on the road to recovery Lon.
Gorgeous winter scene in every way. Take care.
John

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

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on March 22, 2010 at 11:18 AM

This is beautiful, Lon. I am very happy to hear that your father is doing well.

You have been missed!

--P

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

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on March 22, 2010 at 1:09 PM

Welcome back. This is really a nice, winter image made even better by that little bit of light. Glad your dad is making progress.

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

Comment posted by Rafael Rojas on March 22, 2010 at 1:20 PM

We really missed you here Lon! Sorry to know about your father, but i am happy in the end he is still there. This is life...and sometimes these accidents go along with aging. Really glad to hear that in the end everything is much less serious than it could have been Lon...Take care and a hug for your father!
This image is sooo special Lon...but you know it already!! ;-)

Registered on March 1, 2009, 56 Posts, 623 Comments

Comment posted by Kevin Trinkner on March 22, 2010 at 1:20 PM

Beautiful image Lon, and it's great to see you posting again. I wish good fortune for you and your family, and a speedy recovery for your father.

Registered on June 30, 2008, 203 Posts, 2641 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on March 22, 2010 at 1:36 PM

Thank you everyone for your kind words and well wishes!

Lon

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

Comment posted by Zack Schnepf on March 22, 2010 at 2:51 PM

Lovely winter scene Lon, the detail is wonderful. I'm very sorry to hear about your dad, I hope he can make a full recovery. My heart goes goes out to you and your family.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 403 Posts, 2528 Comments

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on March 22, 2010 at 4:38 PM

Wonderful winter scene in the typical Lon style. Very elegant! I love that touch of light on the single pine. Great to hear that the recovery is going well. And it's also great that you are in the mood for participating again...

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

Comment posted by Aaron Burdick on March 22, 2010 at 6:26 PM

Hi Lon. I'm so sorry to hear about your father. Glad to hear that he is healing though and it sounds like he will be ok. Nice photo!

Registered on May 1, 2009, 31 Posts, 197 Comments

Comment posted by Wayne Jones on March 22, 2010 at 7:28 PM

Lon,
Even without your narrative, this image is both beautiful and inspiring. What a wonderful moment in time you have captured. Here's hoping you and your father will also enjoy many more wonderful moments. Your thankful attitude reminds me of one of the most memorable lessons from my mother. She often said "I cried because I had no shoes until I saw a man who had no feet." Treasure all that you have, from the fleeting beauty of a ray of light to the everlasting comfort of your family.

Registered on April 18, 2007, 953 Posts, 6435 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on March 22, 2010 at 7:38 PM

Looks terrific, Lon--great detail especially in the large version. That one lit tree puts it over the top. Give your father my best wishes for a speedy recovery. My own Dad had a fall just after the holidays and has been in rehab ever since for a fractured ankle, followed by a bout with pneumonia, so i can relate too!

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

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on March 22, 2010 at 11:15 PM

Cool image, Lon. The bigger, the better with this one to make that one area really pop.

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

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on March 22, 2010 at 11:29 PM

Beautiful image, with grand detail. Gotta love that large format.

Registered on November 25, 2003, 380 Posts, 4647 Comments

Comment posted by David Edwards on March 23, 2010 at 7:02 AM

A beautiful image, Lon. I'm sorry to hear about your Dad, I hope he gets well soon.
I'm always amazed how well you are able to pull together a busy scene in a meaningful way, and this one is just stunning. Beautiful work.

Registered on December 6, 2008, 142 Posts, 2623 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Gordon on March 23, 2010 at 1:23 PM

Sorry to hear of your woes Lon but its great your Dad is making a recovery.

Love the beautiful gentle feel of the fresh snow..

Registered on May 31, 2007, 224 Posts, 1490 Comments

Comment posted by Anand Narayanan on March 23, 2010 at 6:04 PM

very pretty winter landscape.
Wishing your dad a complete and speedy recovery !

Registered on October 25, 2009, 110 Posts, 835 Comments

Comment posted by Mat Malone on March 23, 2010 at 7:00 PM

Lon, glad to hear your dad is getting better. I'm sure it must have been a painful experience for everyone involved.

I can't believe I didn't see this image before. Amazing scene. The texture is so detailed and complex but it all works together.

Registered on December 15, 2008, 91 Posts, 882 Comments

Comment posted by Floris van Breugel on March 24, 2010 at 2:38 AM

I'm glad to hear things are looking up for your father, Lon. As to the image.. well, this is superb. The single illuminated tree takes this from 'nice', to fantastic, with a deeper meaning (particularly for you!). Now, did you have that title picked out before as well?