Valley of Gold

Gallery: LandscapePosted November 9, 2010207 views16 comments

My Dad and I spent this past weekend in Yosemite to catch a little fall color. The Valley was absolutely stunning with black oak and maple putting on an amazing display. Soon after we arrive the sky darkened with clouds gave us some nice soft light.

For the most part I really like this comp. My biggest concern is the snag that sits directly behind the left oak. Do you find it to be a distraction and if so is it a deal breaker?

Nikon D300 / Nikkor 18-200

LARGE version is also included so please take a look for better detail. Compression is really high on both images in order to get below the file size limit. Thanks for looking and/or commenting!

Comments

16 comments

Comment posted by John Williams on November 9, 2010 at 12:14 AM

I didn't even notice the snag until you pointed it out. I really like the rich colors. Nice depth peeking between the trees. What was the view like wider? I'd kind of like to see more of that big guy on the left.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on November 9, 2010 at 12:35 AM

Mike,

Simply wonderful. I recall these trees from two weeks ago just starting to turn and wishing I had the time to return. The snag does not bother me.

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

Comment posted by Dean Sauskojus on November 9, 2010 at 1:44 AM

If you can tone down the whites of the background tree that would help immensely. Not a deal breaker but a real nice shot of some lovely fall color. Nice work Mike.

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

Comment posted by Dorin Bofan on November 9, 2010 at 4:14 AM

The snag is a minor distraction and doesn't take away from the simple beauty of the scene. Great one, Mike!

Registered on April 30, 2007, 122 Posts, 3086 Comments

Comment posted by Brigitte Lorenz on November 9, 2010 at 4:33 AM

very nice autumn scene, no problem with the snag...

Brigitte

Registered on January 10, 2009, 187 Posts, 1507 Comments

Comment posted by Barbara Graham on November 9, 2010 at 5:13 AM

The larger photo makes me feel like I'm right there. Beautiful.

Registered on July 27, 2010, 1310 Posts, 5035 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on November 9, 2010 at 7:47 AM

Mike, lovely image and composition. I love the color in the oaks. The dead snag is slightly distracting. Instead of trying to remove the snag you might try just touching up the hot spots (white areas) on the dead trunk.

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

Comment posted by Arnab Banerjee on November 9, 2010 at 10:47 AM

Not too distracting - you can tone down the white parts of it. Outstanding comp

Registered on January 3, 2007, 313 Posts, 2270 Comments

Comment posted by Steve Sieren on November 9, 2010 at 4:18 PM

I didnt' even notice the snag until after I read your thoughts on it. I like the simple comp

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

Comment posted by Eric Good on November 9, 2010 at 4:34 PM

Beautifully composed scene here. I particularly enjoy the way the branches and leaf formations throw my eye back into the image with that large oak on the left. Very nice work, start to finish!

Registered on March 17, 2007, 116 Posts, 4764 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on November 9, 2010 at 6:19 PM

Great composition and wonderful color. A very pleasing fall image to look at. Very nice work, Mike. Snag does not bother me much. As mentioned tone it down some and I think you are good.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

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

Comment posted by Jason Kim on November 9, 2010 at 6:53 PM

I think this is a really good comp, and I didn't notice the snag, at first. Only upon closer inspection (i.e. looking for things to criticize). Really nice color and balance in this, and I wouldn't worry about the snag if I were you!

Registered on July 1, 2006, 60 Posts, 1233 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Wong on November 9, 2010 at 7:06 PM

What a beautiful scene! I like the foggy atmospherish type of light against the granite in the background.

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

Comment posted by Arild Heitmann on November 10, 2010 at 5:20 AM

I think you framed this very nicely. When i viewed it large i was able to appreciate all the details..

Great work!

Registered on October 13, 2010, 27 Posts, 378 Comments

Comment posted by Brian Gallagher on November 10, 2010 at 3:16 PM

I like the way you framed this scene. I do not mind the snag at all.

Registered on April 21, 2007, 7 Posts, 54 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on November 10, 2010 at 3:58 PM

Mike,

Ahhhh, El Cap Meadow Black Oak #27!

I do recognize the spot and I must say that this is a beautiful capture! I love the black oak autumn color here. I also really like the comp and how you've included a portion of bigger meadow and background trees. Also, I like that you didn't include more up top - the comp really focuses in on the trees and meadow. Nice work Mike.

Lon

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