Yosemite Chronicles #4

Gallery: LandscapePosted December 3, 2011401 views22 comments

Scattered. This is being posted on the heals of Jimmy G's excellent aspen leaves on snow image, so I'm a little hesitant to post this, but it just happens to be the next in line, so here it goes.

This was found the morning after the El Cap sunset image in the higher elevations above Tunnel View. Chris Chamberlain had rolled in over night and we met up with Paul Breitkreuz for sunrise, which never materialized so we moved to higher elevations where there was lots of new snow. We spied a nice pink and orange dogwood covered in snow and decided to see what we could do. I messed up the exposure on the image I hoped would turn out. Instead, I got this one with the leaves on the snow. A bit messy, but simple enough.

Your impressions and critiques appreciated.

4x5, Velvia 50, 210mm, f/32 @1/4

Thanks!

Lon

Comments

22 comments

Comment posted by Michael Lowe on December 3, 2011 at 6:05 PM

Wonderful shot. Nice comp and pleasing color pallette. Wonderful texture in the snow.

Registered on February 11, 2004, 777 Posts, 5252 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on December 3, 2011 at 6:06 PM

Lon, Maybe the shot you wanted didn't turn out, but this one sure did! A beautiful shot of the changing seasons. I love the colors and the snow looks wonderful! This also has a really nice feel that I quite enjoy. Excellent!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Vance Gese on December 3, 2011 at 7:29 PM

You may have messed up the exposure on another image but you sure nailed it on this one, Lon. Beautiful details and color in the leaves plus you have retained incredible, wonderful texture in the snow. So many superb nuances for the eye to explore, especially on the larger image. Love it.

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

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on December 3, 2011 at 7:50 PM

Perfect exposure on the snow (a feat I struggle with) and nice color. The twigs and stems emerging from the snow add a tantalizing element. Hinting at more warmth (warm colors, at least) just below the surface. Very nice

Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on December 3, 2011 at 7:52 PM

Lon,

I feel that this image has nice qualities, but I don't feel that it approaches what I know you are capable of. I hate saying things like this, especially in a public forum but I figured you'd rather hear from me instead of my usual habit of not commenting on images that don't move me.

I hope that this doesn't offend your or hurt your feelings.

- Dan

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

Comment posted by David Chauvin on December 3, 2011 at 9:00 PM

The exposure, color and detail are all beautiful. The composition is nice but I feel the lower right group of yellow leaves look clipped. It may have been impossible to get, but I keep wanting to see that entire third leaf.

Registered on August 5, 2004, 1007 Posts, 5595 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on December 3, 2011 at 11:29 PM

Thanks for the comments so far.

Dan, no problem what so ever. In fact I appreciate the honesty. It's always great getting kudos, but I think we all need the different and alternative feedback. So certainly no offense taken, I'm glad for your opinion!

All opinions welcome!

Lon

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

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on December 4, 2011 at 12:32 AM

Real nice little intimate scene, Lon. Very understated, with great muted tones and excellent snow detail. I like it a lot. The bottom left leaf being cut off is not ideal, but no telling what was beyond. Not a biggie.

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

Comment posted by Andreas Resch on December 4, 2011 at 3:19 AM

Very nice, Lon. Not as powerful as your usual stuff but it shows well that we sometimes get lost in ideas and views which just are part of our creative mind. I appreciate that and experience this often myself. There are shots that speak to yourself and it's not too important if other people to connect with the shot in the same way. Composition-wise the upper right corner could just be a bit more filled to help the balance.
Having this one on film with the option to bring it big is a big plus that might enhance the power of the image. Seeing all the fine details in there could help the shot to shine.

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

Comment posted by Ian Cameron on December 4, 2011 at 5:35 AM

This is very pretty Lon I like the autumn mix and snow more to the point it achieves that hard to mimic "found" rather than conjured / adjusted appearance of the twig and leaf elements that keep it real rather than artificial. It is only the snow for me that lacks the sculpted perfection look, the random appearance of the rest is great.

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

Comment posted by R.Bill Moser on December 4, 2011 at 7:48 AM

Lon, this is a wonderful shot. I love the color contrast and the textures in the snow.

Registered on January 29, 2010, 285 Posts, 4281 Comments

Comment posted by Julian Barkway on December 4, 2011 at 10:35 AM

A beautiful little intimate, Lon!

Registered on January 18, 2007, 344 Posts, 1961 Comments

Comment posted by Monica Siri on December 4, 2011 at 11:37 AM

Very appealing comp, Lon.

Registered on September 20, 2009, 132 Posts, 3764 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on December 4, 2011 at 11:47 AM

well, that's what i get for boasting i never miss a comment

Honest? I don't think it stands up to your standards. Im totally capable of appreciating the 'ordinary' scenes, but this is just a bit too ordinary. I think if the snow were a bit whiter (looks a tad gray here) that would help--and i also think maybe a much tighter view of some of the leaves--especially the llhc--also would have been interesting. It's all good, just doesn't meet my high expectations.
He who hesitates...is lost

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

Comment posted by Bruce King on December 4, 2011 at 12:58 PM

Nice colors Lon and I like the details but unsure about the twigs in the center. The textured snow makes a great bg.

Registered on January 14, 2010, 276 Posts, 2212 Comments

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on December 4, 2011 at 1:05 PM

This works well for me, Lon. The soft colors, excellent details throughout, and the variety of elements make for a wonderful understated image. While not as strong or bold as many of the shots you post, this has its place for sure.

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

Comment posted by Anil Rao on December 4, 2011 at 2:27 PM

I am really enjoying this one, Lon. Perhaps it is because I can appreciate the beauty here, that has been captured with a deft and gentle touch. The placement of the leaves in particular is simply delightful.

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

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on December 4, 2011 at 4:37 PM

For known reasons, I can appreciate this. Admittedly, it looks less perfect and more "raw" than almost everything I have seen from you. But there is still enough balance and interesting subject matter to make it work. It is that feeling of "coincidence" and crudeness that has appeal to me.

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

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on December 4, 2011 at 5:04 PM

Well, I like it, but it's not my favorite either. I think because I might have been anticipating this one more. But, I don't have any frames from this spot that came out worthy of processing imo. I diidn't want to just come over and use you tripod holes you know! The thing is, I don't thi nk it needs to be your best to worthy of merit. Maybe the subdued light and lack of bold color is the main reason, but hey it was overcast. I like the subject matter and the situation enough to enjoy this image.

Chris

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

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on December 4, 2011 at 5:09 PM

I like the muted colors Lon as well as the translucency of some of the leaves. Nice array of twigs and leaves. Reminds me of NH after our rather earlier Halloween snow storm that kept us without power for several days.

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

Comment posted by Robert Dayton on December 5, 2011 at 8:32 AM

I agree with the critiques of Dan and Stan.

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

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on December 5, 2011 at 10:55 PM

Lon,

I am not sure this works for me. The left yellow leaves seems out of place and I wish they were not cut off. The concept is great, but its missing something.

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