Last week, in the rainforest of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, I found the most human tree I've ever seen. I tried hard to capture and evoke the spiritual, humbling feeling that this tree gave me. I hope you can feel it, too. Get the full story on my blog
here.
Please view large version.
5dMk2, 16mm, f/ 5.6, 1/30th, ISO 400, one file processed several times
Comments
26 commentsaF
I think your exposure, and processing are top notch here. No nits from me.
I must disagree with Matt Anderson's statement about the name of the photo. A proper name can help reveal an aspect of the photo that the viewer wasn't necessarily aware of. In this case, your chosen name helps convey what you felt when you saw this subject. It gives further meaning to the central composition, and the way the trees seem to bow in reverence. It gives the image a quality that the viewer can relate to, and makes an inanimate subject more "human".
I'm sure there have been many images over the centuries that have been given this same name. Just because one photographer selects a name for his photo, it doesn't mean that name is off the table.
When I name my own photos, I don't dig through the archives to see if anyone else has chosen the same name. I simply choose a fitting name that communicates what I wish to convey to the viewer. If someone else has chosen that name -- so be it. They must have had a similar feeling when they shot their photo.
(and I agree with Ben on the naming debate)
None-the-less, excellent composition and processing Kory.
Aaron F: The vignetting was added by me. I will consider your suggestion of adding even more vignetting -- perhaps it would further add to the mood I'm after. Thanks.
Dennis H: Yes, this tree said a lot. Even though it never moved. ;)
Ben O: The distortion was left on purpose. I feel it adds to the ominous feel I'm going for by putting further emphasis on the tree.
Matt A: Yes, of course I was aware of Marc's image of the same name. The thing is, this name just felt "right" you know? It's literally the very first thing that popped into my head when I saw the tree. Plus, when I chose the name, I occured to me that it would be a nice way to pay homage to my good friend and mentor Marc Adamus. He and I have had some damn fun times over the years, and he has done a LOT in helping my photography grow and prosper. Incidentally, Marc used one of MY image titles recently (Alien World), so it goes both ways.
Ben H: You nailed it, man -- right down to the reason for the distortion, compositon and name choice. Couldn't have said it better. Thanks!
Joe C: lol, yes perhaps that would've been the name to use.
Stan R: Yes, I agree with you about the clarity on the middle of the tree. The thing is, it was originally a lot less clearer than it currently is, and I already pushed it about as much as I can without introducing a ton of noise and/or making it look unnatural. So, it's just going to have to stay the way it is. Thanks for your observations, though, I appreciate them!
Mark M: Thanks, man. Your opinion means a lot to me. Incidentally, I just get a total kick out of hearing that you were able to view my image whilst way out in the very remote Escalante. What a world we live in!