Spirit Forest

Gallery: LandscapePosted June 8, 20122,765 views52 comments

A special place. A very special place for which no words are quite adequate. I spent more than two weeks backpacking through it recently. What you're looking at here is days from roads or even trails. It's also something of a spiritual place for me, and this was one of those rare mornings when it showed its magic in a way I could capture. The rainforest is a very difficult place to photograph but in this place there usually seems to be a little magic.

Thanks for any comments.

Some new work from the last month or so is up on my website HERE. I just added it onto the other new stuff below from March and April. If you have a moment you might check it out. Hope you enjoy!

Comments

52 comments

Comment posted by Adam Gibbs on June 8, 2012 at 3:16 PM

Magical! Well done Marc.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 168 Posts, 870 Comments

Comment posted by Matt Anderson on June 8, 2012 at 3:25 PM

Exceptional.

Registered on September 6, 2007, 346 Posts, 2696 Comments

Comment posted by Nicolaus Wegner on June 8, 2012 at 3:32 PM

Truly amazing photograph Marc.

I know you did not ask for critique on this, but I feel like part of the sun star needs to be just a bit brighter. It seems too neutral compared to the rest of the image.

Speaking of the star, that's some of the most blades I've seen in one...due to the new camera? I've been considering moving to Nikon for landscape as well but keeping my portrait gear Canon. Would you recommend the D800? Completely disappointed with Canon's new releases. Radically overpriced and lacking any new real improvements.

Back to the photo. This is a truly magical location. I'd but this up there with your other awesome rain forest shot last year.

Registered on February 21, 2010, 133 Posts, 1509 Comments

Comment posted by Marc Adamus on June 8, 2012 at 3:41 PM

The sun star is not uncommon for the 14-24 and is accomplished just by putting the sun between objects and tonally adjusting correctly before blending. It looks the same here as in the RAW. On my monitor it's as close to blown as it can get all the way around without being blown pretty significantly. Thanks for the evaluation though. Just different interpretations, monitors, lighting, etc. I'm sure. I would absolutely without hesitation recommend the D800 for landscapes ahead of any Canon camera I know about now, and it's not particularly close. At least not for what I'm doing. I even heard rumor of a Nikon 70-200 f/4?? That would be sweet.

Registered on September 17, 2005, 780 Posts, 8091 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Coskun on June 8, 2012 at 3:43 PM

I saw this on 500px and was blown away, thank god you put a larger version, because now I am even more impressed. The colors and light in this are just fantastic and the overall landscape is just perfect. I hope I can accomplish something of this caliber during my trip. Well done and can't wait to check out the new stuff.

Registered on October 31, 2011, 170 Posts, 1240 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on June 8, 2012 at 3:49 PM

Interesting reading your comment on the rain forest and Nicolaus' comment. To me, light is a spiritual accent in the rain forest. If anything, I would be inclined to go the other way. This is a place of shadows and greenery, predominantly. But I won't second guess, as this is marvelous as is.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Michael J Greene, on June 8, 2012 at 4:02 PM

Great shot Marc. It reminds me of a what I'd consider a sister image from you - Radiance - that's probably one of my all time faves of yours. Your processing techniques lend well to this type of scene and great shutter speed on the water. Thanks for the link on the new gallery. Short and sweet. I'd favor Sunset Symphony as the best with this and a couple others very close behind. Congrats.

Michael

Registered on June 18, 2009, 86 Posts, 2317 Comments

Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on June 8, 2012 at 4:34 PM

Quite spectacular lighting - looks like Thomas Kinkade is alive and well

Just magical.

Registered on September 17, 2010, 304 Posts, 3507 Comments

Comment posted by Tom Hilton on June 8, 2012 at 4:40 PM

Marc,
Sounds like you "earned" that image...
The trek paid off, handsomely.
Beautiful image, as usual from you.

(BTW I have had a D800 for about 2 weeks now,
it is one wonderful tool...
the Nikkor 14-24 is my favorite lens on it... so far)

Registered on September 19, 2011, 68 Posts, 668 Comments

Comment posted by Grant Collier on June 8, 2012 at 5:44 PM

Sublime. That's about all I have to say here...

Registered on July 29, 2005, 73 Posts, 430 Comments

Comment posted by Yiming Hu on June 8, 2012 at 5:46 PM

Saw it on 500px. Stunning.

Registered on April 28, 2011, 38 Posts, 733 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on June 8, 2012 at 6:29 PM

I saw this already and WOW! This is right there with "Paradise Forest" These two images are the most spiritual images of yours for me! I didn't think Paradise could ever be approached again, but this does that. You have too many incredible images to list, but these two give me that awestruck wonder kind of feeling more than the rest. Where i'm at in my life, and where I want to go, has me appreciating moments such as this even more. Even if it's vicariously through your expressions!

Looks like those 12 stops of dynamic range are working nicely for ya!
I'll be looking to get mine as soon as it becomes available to me. Looks like it might be a bit of a wait.

Chris

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

Comment posted by Daniel Rappaport on June 8, 2012 at 6:36 PM

Feels wet and green and bright all at once. Perfect capture.

Registered on September 9, 2009, 294 Posts, 2006 Comments

Comment posted by Nicolaus Wegner on June 8, 2012 at 6:38 PM

For sure Marc, eye of the beholder and what not. ;]

I did not mean the center of the sun itself, but the area just outside of it...seems flat compared to all of the magic happening around it. Could be my monitor though. Have not calibrated in a bit...I edit somewhat dark.

Registered on February 21, 2010, 133 Posts, 1509 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Windom on June 8, 2012 at 7:55 PM

Spectacular, as always.

Curious as to why you chose the 800 over the 800E.? I did the same but I'm not doing much landscape anymore....

Registered on November 1, 2003, 176 Posts, 2302 Comments

Comment posted by Marc Adamus on June 8, 2012 at 7:58 PM

I got the 800 sooner. I'm getting the E also. There's not a big huge difference though, that's for sure. Thanks.

Registered on September 17, 2005, 780 Posts, 8091 Comments

Comment posted by Scott Smorra on June 8, 2012 at 8:20 PM

This is just awesome Marc. One of your best forest images to date in my opinion. I've been staring at the larger version for a long time...it really takes my mind away to a different place! Well done.

Registered on November 2, 2009, 161 Posts, 2143 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on June 8, 2012 at 8:23 PM

Beautiful! Amazing light and awesome mood! Very, very nice, Marc.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by scott lanz on June 8, 2012 at 9:11 PM

It's been said, but I'll repeat: pure magic. Wow.

Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on June 8, 2012 at 9:38 PM

Superlative!

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

Comment posted by Anil Rao on June 8, 2012 at 9:43 PM

The composition is wonderful as usual but its the light here that really makes the image sing. Fascinating stuff.

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

Comment posted by Stan Rose on June 8, 2012 at 9:55 PM

Nice. Ur right the rainforest is tough, and you did real well with it here i think. My only (minor) nit is that the branch on the rhs is a bit disruptive/busy, but everything else here works great.
EDIT: actually, by mentally erasing that branch it would have been a top 10 shot for you without it--so you blew it, man

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

Comment posted by Marc Adamus on June 8, 2012 at 10:19 PM

I got the 800 sooner. I'm getting the E also as a backup but there's not any sort of huge difference, that's for sure. Thanks.

Registered on September 17, 2005, 780 Posts, 8091 Comments

Comment posted by David Edwards on June 8, 2012 at 11:17 PM

Super-sensational blend and amazing control of the light. One of your best imho! It has a strong painted/fantastical look to it, but I understand this is part of your special style and it is done exceptionally well. Very nice comp too in arranging busy rainforest elements. The focus of light towards the stream and angle of the stream is wonderful.

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

Comment posted by Pramod Viswanath on June 8, 2012 at 11:33 PM

Fabulous and pristine! Not just this I have loved all of the your new work from March and from the latest additions, Piece of pieces is my favorite!

Registered on December 4, 2008, 60 Posts, 697 Comments

Comment posted by Leo Collazo on June 9, 2012 at 12:33 AM

Wow, just beautiful! The glowing greens are spectacular, and the sun burst adds a mystical feeling to the image. I can't see anything that needs improvement here. Great job!

Registered on August 4, 2011, 19 Posts, 69 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on June 9, 2012 at 1:08 AM

superb handling. i'd crop out the trunk in the upper left. otherwise perfect and yes finding cohesive compositions in rainforests is possibly as challenging as it gets.

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

Comment posted by Dean Sauskojus on June 9, 2012 at 1:47 AM

Beautiful work Marc! Love the little bend in the creek and the atmosphere.

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

Comment posted by Aaron Feinberg on June 9, 2012 at 4:13 AM

Yea...that doesnt suck either....ha!

Registered on October 26, 2009, 399 Posts, 2789 Comments

Comment posted by Cindy Garwood on June 9, 2012 at 7:31 AM

One Word! WOW!

Registered on April 7, 2011, 46 Posts, 141 Comments

Comment posted by Jared Atencio on June 9, 2012 at 10:33 AM

Magic light indeed. The range of light here is incredible and masterful work in the highlights here in particular

Registered on June 23, 2009, 21 Posts, 422 Comments

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on June 9, 2012 at 12:17 PM

This has a Thomas Kinkade quality to it, and I mean that in a way meant to both flatter the image and his spirit. Very lovely.

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

Comment posted by Bob&Charly Nelson on June 9, 2012 at 12:51 PM

Wonderful light Marc, I can see why this area is special.
Bob

Registered on October 27, 2005, 289 Posts, 4202 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Pelton on June 9, 2012 at 1:47 PM

Absolutely one of the most magical, enjoyable images I have ever seen. Gorgeous and incredible use of shooting into the sun.

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

Comment posted by Tom Haxby on June 9, 2012 at 5:00 PM

What more can be said that has not already been said. Through this photo I can see that this would be a spiritual place.

Registered on July 6, 2006, 126 Posts, 647 Comments

Comment posted by John Mumaw on June 9, 2012 at 11:50 PM

This is one of the most beautiful photographs that I have ever seen. Thank you for posting a large version for us to savor.

Registered on September 9, 2005, 62 Posts, 2289 Comments

Comment posted by Nicolaus Wegner on June 10, 2012 at 1:12 PM

Tony Kuyper is spot on with his comment.

Came back to look at this again after working with my monitor a bit. I withdraw my previous suggestion, it was on my end.

Registered on February 21, 2010, 133 Posts, 1509 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Metternich on June 10, 2012 at 4:38 PM

I think the moment, light and processing is nearly magical. I'm not a sun star fan, so for me that aspect is a bit distracting.

Registered on June 19, 2009, 276 Posts, 6240 Comments

Comment posted by Tonia Graves on June 10, 2012 at 5:12 PM

Stunning image Marc!

Registered on October 29, 2011, 92 Posts, 1035 Comments

Comment posted by Morris McClung on June 10, 2012 at 10:54 PM

You just keep taking landscape photography where no one has before. Ruddy brilliant.

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

Comment posted by James Fougère on June 10, 2012 at 11:55 PM

I am a bit late on this one

What a place to clense the soul. You have captured this rainforest paradise in an amazing way to show your audience what a spiritual place this really is

Registered on October 25, 2010, 41 Posts, 831 Comments

Comment posted by Jeremy Calow on June 11, 2012 at 8:39 AM

Great capture! The sunstar isn't even needed as far as I am concerned. But it adds another dimension to this image for sure.

Registered on November 8, 2007, 39 Posts, 363 Comments

Comment posted by Shantikara Valuska on June 12, 2012 at 7:24 AM

Para-para-Paradise! Every time she closed her eyes....

I don't think I can add more here. Insteas I would like to thank you for shearing this beauty!

Registered on July 25, 2011, 38 Posts, 451 Comments

Comment posted by Ken Smith on June 13, 2012 at 3:23 PM

Late comment....another photo to blow-my-socks off! Inspiring...I have debated whether or not winter months is best for exploring the area...foliage leaves don't block distant views through tree trunks. But, the lush spring leaves shown here are a delight. In your case, winter/spring ...you'd find the composition. Great shot!

Registered on September 5, 2008, 449 Posts, 2444 Comments

Comment posted by SandyRichardsBrown on June 13, 2012 at 3:51 PM

Magical - congrats on the WP!
Sandy

Registered on November 24, 2003, 3937 Posts, 12909 Comments

Comment posted by Helmut Steidl on June 15, 2012 at 4:47 AM

Hello Marc

For me a perfect shot ... in technical as well as in the motif selection ...

Helmut

Registered on May 18, 2011, 17 Posts, 67 Comments

Comment posted by Debbie Yarra on June 15, 2012 at 9:02 PM

As always Marc I am in awe of your photographic ability and the amazing art that you produce. I'm so grateful I get the opportunity to take a tour with you in October. I have to say you rank #1 in my book of all photographers past or present. I haven't found anyone who surpases the beauty that you capture so creatively with the camera. When looking at this photo, I get the feeling that little fairies are waiting for me to look away so they can come out...just magical! Blessings,Deb

Registered on January 1, 2012, 5 Posts, 91 Comments

Comment posted by Gary McGhee on June 16, 2012 at 8:37 AM

It looks like a fairy tale landscape, amazing as usual.

Gary.

Registered on April 15, 2010, 142 Posts, 2416 Comments

Comment posted by Jenaya Launstein on June 16, 2012 at 1:46 PM

Wow, wow, wow! This is stunning! They say a picture's worth a thousand words...this one is about a million! Congrats on a highly deserved weekly pick, Marc!

Registered on February 8, 2011, 254 Posts, 1302 Comments

Comment posted by Richard Olsen on June 20, 2012 at 11:36 AM

Whew....this is pure magic!
I'd love a little info on how this photo came to be. Congrats on producing another work of art!

Registered on October 19, 2006, 306 Posts, 1571 Comments

Comment posted by Simon Bennett on July 9, 2012 at 5:44 AM

Remarkable!!

Registered on February 4, 2007, 350 Posts, 4614 Comments

Comment posted by Pavel Cakl on July 27, 2013 at 5:01 PM

A huge magic Marc

Registered on April 8, 2010, 7 Posts, 178 Comments