Final Words

Gallery: LandscapePosted January 7, 2012365 views13 comments

This was one of the last photos I made this past October in Yosemite. Its the light, its always the light that gets me to stop. In any photo, in any picture, photos, painting etc... If the light is right it makes all the difference.

The light on the leaves was reflected off of El Capitan mid morning. Three years ago in the fading light in the Valley I made a photo photo that I titled No More Words. You can see it HERE. The thought of leaves being words came back to me when I saw these leaves and realized they still had one last thing to do for (or say to) the world. My thoughts are HERE

4x5, Nikon 300mm f/9, f32.5, 8 sec, Fuji Provia 100F

Comments

13 comments

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on January 7, 2012 at 1:40 AM

That's some nice light for sure, the placement of the tree is a distraction for me however. While it does add some context I feel it would be better if more of the tree was included, as is there just isn't enough there and being so close to the edge of the frame it draws my eye there. If it were mine I would crop from the right and remove it altogether. IMO the leaves could easily stand on there own here.

Registered on January 28, 2010, 343 Posts, 2257 Comments

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on January 7, 2012 at 9:33 AM

An interesting image with wonderful light, I'm on the fence about the tree truck but I wholeheartedly applaud the tuft of green grass. such a nice little surprise within this image.

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

Comment posted by Dan Baumbach on January 7, 2012 at 10:24 AM

This looks so much better than the thumbnail! I do agree with Zack, however, about the tree. I love the leaves with the subtle colors and lighting, but I find the tree a distraction.

BTW, your links don't work on my Mac with Firefox.

- Dan

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

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on January 7, 2012 at 11:31 AM

Wow, I absolutely love this Youssef! The dappled light and the subtle coloration is so attractive. I agree with the others about the tree, but don't think it would hurt anything if it were cropped out. Beautiful shot though!

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

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on January 7, 2012 at 12:09 PM

Thanks for the feedback so far. I never thought the tree to be a distraction. I will look at some crops now. Dan, thanks for letting me know about the links. The work now.

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on January 7, 2012 at 2:57 PM

Beautiful light, colors and the detail looks fantastic. I like this alot Youssef. I actually like the tree where it is. Just adds some extra interest for me. I'm sure it would work well without it, but my feelings would be to leave it. I could also see it a bit farther in to the frame but it works for me as is.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by John Tobias on January 7, 2012 at 3:30 PM

I feel the trunk supports the image very well. No trunk=no leaves. Well done, really like the details. TFS

Registered on September 12, 2009, 2120 Posts, 6455 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on January 7, 2012 at 3:44 PM

Youssef,

I love this, not only for it's simple beauty, but also because it's what I see too. Uncanny how we are so often on the same wavelength yet separated by time and distance. I have a very similar image.

I don't mind the tree so much and don't see it as a distraction either - but understand how others might see it that way. I look at it in terms of context. In other words it helps place the image, if that makes sense. I crop of just the core, central part of the image would work too considering the soft dappled light seems concentrated there.

Beautiful Youssef!

Lon

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

Comment posted by Wayne Willison on January 7, 2012 at 5:30 PM

Youssef, trees have played major roles in life since the beginning of time. And I like your premise wondering what if leaves could talk? Yep. There would be a torrent of words.
I like this image not just for the spot on techs, but that you left the tree trunk in the URC. After all, it's where these leaves came from.

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

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on January 7, 2012 at 6:55 PM

This is really special, Youssef. The textures and light here keep me completely engaged.

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

Comment posted by Vance Gese on January 8, 2012 at 1:37 AM

Love that wonderful dappled light on these leaves Youssef. So many details for the eye to explore. Tree or no tree, a beautiful image.

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

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on January 8, 2012 at 10:13 AM

Love the leaves but I would prefer the tree cropped out. The tree pulls my eye there and holds it. The leaves make a fine abstract.

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

Comment posted by John Williams on January 10, 2012 at 6:44 PM

Love the golden highlights. As you say, it's the light. I too would prefer the tree cropped out.

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