Yosemite Moments #1

Gallery: LandscapePosted November 14, 2012749 views47 comments

Finally, I have some new images to share. Just got my film back and I'll be posting some images from a recent trip to Yosemite at the beginning of the month. Camped and photographed with Kyle, Preston, Youssef and Chris. Fall color was especially brilliant this year in the valley, especially the Big Leaf Maples. I've never seen them so rich in color. It was another special visit.

As I usually do, I'm gonna try and post these in the order as they were captured. This was the very first exposure of the long weekend and as it turns out, one of my early favorites. What is really amazing though is that this post is literally a straight scan. The ONLY thing I've done to this image is resizing and sharpening for the web. Now I'm not one who claims that the scene is exactly how it was caught on film - after all, this is Velvia... I'm just saying that I didn't have to adjust anything to make it presentable. Anyway, that just doesn't happen.

Don't have a title yet for this one. Any ideas? One thought I have is "Emerging." But we'll see. Open for suggestions.

Your comments, honest critiques always welcome.

4x5, 300mm, V50, f/45 @2s
Large version, but saved at quality 6.

Thanks!

Comments

47 comments

Comment posted by Andreas Resch on November 14, 2012 at 12:14 PM

Wow ... now that's some 3D effect. Great colors and (of course) details.

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

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on November 14, 2012 at 12:14 PM

Gorgeous!!! Wonderful glowing light, great colors and scene. I would call it "Glow". Great stuff, Lon.

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

Comment posted by Eva McDermott on November 14, 2012 at 12:24 PM

Yes indeed this is glowing Lon. What gorgeous color! I really like your chosen composition as real. Spectacular detail in the large version especially the textures in the tree trunks.

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

Comment posted by Peter Richter on November 14, 2012 at 12:48 PM

A convincing composition for me, Lon. I admire the way you show that subtle glow on the one centered trunk in the midground, just a tad brighter than the ones in the foreground. Furthermore, the beautiful foliage complements and counteracts the conifers appealingly to me.

Peter

Registered on November 10, 2010, 218 Posts, 2723 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Chambers on November 14, 2012 at 12:53 PM

Lovely shot Lon. You certainly nailed the exposure. Wish all mine came out of the camera so pristine. Can't wait to see the rest of the images.

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

Comment posted by Dan Roberts on November 14, 2012 at 1:09 PM

I love the bands of color and the texture of the tree bark. Nicely done.

Registered on March 9, 2011, 69 Posts, 501 Comments

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on November 14, 2012 at 1:40 PM

Lon, as we have already communicated on this exceptional scene & capture I can only add that this straight off the scanner is amazing. Hard to obtain quality like this on a first hot off the "press" type scan with little or no post processing. It certainly holds that strong V-50 punch factor we have appreciated over the years. I cannot imagine the photo world without it whether one liked the look or not, it has it's moments like this that really are a classic look it can provide.
Truly a wonderful photo of this fairly contained area with great contrasting colors with the red, green, and highlighted yellows.

Registered on February 25, 2006, 525 Posts, 8448 Comments

Comment posted by Russell Colletta on November 14, 2012 at 1:51 PM

Lon this is really amazing. The light is captured so incredibly, the colors are saturated perfectly, and the content is sublime. The essence of nature photography. It also represents the best of blending of film and modern technology. The image is on the transparency, the presentation was by technology. Nice, really nice!

Registered on October 31, 2009, 114 Posts, 1008 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seawell on November 14, 2012 at 1:55 PM

Straight no chaser! This is just a brilliant capture. The different textures and contrast are very nice indeed. Would make a great mono but I'm prejudice.

Mark

Registered on December 5, 2011, 197 Posts, 237 Comments

Comment posted by Bob Miller on November 14, 2012 at 2:05 PM

Wow. The detail is stunning. The ridges in the bark really stand out- like 3D. Also like the yellow and brown together. At first, looking at the thumb, I felt it needed a more lengthy vertical crop with the trees and all but looking at the screen size it looks great.

Registered on January 24, 2005, 152 Posts, 405 Comments

Comment posted by Robb Hirsch on November 14, 2012 at 2:11 PM

Outstanding! Love the composition, texture and color contrasts. Looks like you had to be very careful to position the trees to get the most separation out of them. Nicely done.

Registered on February 15, 2011, 16 Posts, 70 Comments

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on November 14, 2012 at 2:13 PM

What a beautiful photograph! The light is wonderful and this comp works so well. I love the soft glow! A great shot Lon!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on November 14, 2012 at 2:20 PM

The large version is incredible. I love the depth in this image, so real I keep waiting for a nuthatch to land on one of the trunks. Beautiful job...I'd call it Yosemite Gold.

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

Comment posted by Kyle L. Krause on November 14, 2012 at 2:25 PM

Hey Lon,
This came together so beautifully. The glow and 3D effect is amazing. Nicely done as always.
TK is doing great, CT scan came out good and he is back playing baseball.

Registered on June 15, 2010, 29 Posts, 605 Comments

Comment posted by John&Patty Benway on November 14, 2012 at 2:32 PM

Beautiful Lon, what a pretty forest scene, so pristine, and you gotta love the glow, do you think you could ship a couple of acres down my way. What can I say, love it.
John

Registered on May 12, 2006, 626 Posts, 8700 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on November 14, 2012 at 2:34 PM

Wow, thanks for the early comments, I really appreciate it.

Interesting about the 3D comments - I hadn't considered that or had that impression. But I do now! Great observation folks!
Same with the glow. There's certainly that quality and it shows nicely in the transparency.

Good title suggestions too. Thanks Harley and Nancy Lea - I like Yosemite Gold.

Robb: "Looks like you had to be very careful to position the trees to get the most separation out of them. "
Another great observation. Yes, I did spend some time inching side to side looking for the best compromise. And it was a compromise - there was no single position that was perfect, but I did try and maximize the presence of the various tree trunks. In addition, in full disclosure, I had to gently tie down a taller sapling in the front of the image to get him out of the way. Thanks to Preston for loaning me a cord since my bungee cord went missing... ;-)

Glad to hear Tyler is better Kyle - and just to be clear to folks, TK is not to be confused with the Luminosity master! ;-)

Thanks Folks!

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

Comment posted by Matt Anderson on November 14, 2012 at 2:41 PM

"Buttery Delish"

NPN weekly pick !

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

Comment posted by Robert Dayton on November 14, 2012 at 2:48 PM

Great color and well composed. I also like the detail in the tree bark.

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

Comment posted by Paul Gasior on November 14, 2012 at 3:34 PM

Wow
Amazing shot I like color and textures great comp.

Registered on March 7, 2010, 99 Posts, 502 Comments

Comment posted by Aaron Feinberg on November 14, 2012 at 3:44 PM

The light and depth are unreal...cloudy morning? Great shot sir

aF

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

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on November 14, 2012 at 4:29 PM

Hi Lon,
so great to see some fresh work finally and after having just expressed my thoughts on this image by mail, the more often I visit this one, the more my heart frequency increases...

As mentioned, I find the compostion is flawless, very well designed. The strong verticals and the three horizontal layers create that graphic character for me. And perhaps I can now put my finger on it: I think this clear segmentaion into horizontal and vertical lines is what makes this one a bit harder to digest for me. Perhaps I like it a tad more curvy. So we are back to the reference I used in the mail.

Light is great in this one!

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

Comment posted by David Chauvin on November 14, 2012 at 5:56 PM

The clarity and richness of this image is just amazing as is the layers of color and lines. Wonderful work!

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

Comment posted by William Gillis on November 14, 2012 at 6:16 PM

Lon,

Absolutely a superb image in all aspects. All other comments posted I can ony echo.

William Gillis

Registered on November 28, 2011, 17 Posts, 204 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Moore on November 14, 2012 at 7:42 PM

You really nailed this shot! Some really special light here ...

Registered on January 12, 2010, 84 Posts, 388 Comments

Comment posted by Jeremy Calow on November 14, 2012 at 7:50 PM

Love this Lon! Great vision for this capture.

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

Comment posted by Morris McClung on November 14, 2012 at 8:28 PM

Yep the first word out of my mouth was "3D". Great capture of a wonderful section of this forest. I really like all of the layers and details. I bet this is one that will end up on your own wall.

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

Comment posted by scott lanz on November 14, 2012 at 9:09 PM

Beautiful, Lon.

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

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on November 14, 2012 at 9:23 PM

Incredible glow among those trees! It really does have a 3D quality to it. And straight out of the scanner! That's a good exposure for you. Awesome Lon, it has me really excited for my films now. I hope to see them tomorrow.

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

Comment posted by Tony Kuyper on November 14, 2012 at 9:50 PM

Love the color and the fact that this is very three dimensional with vertical and horizontal layers. What a great start to your trip. Will look forward to the rest of the images.

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

Comment posted by Vance Gese on November 14, 2012 at 10:04 PM

I am in awe of this image, Lon. The stately, bold lines and textures of these pine trees set against that autumn color makes this simply stunning. The subtle glow seemingly emanating from the pine trees adds an incredible mood as well. Amazing that this a straight scan with minimal PS work. My vote for a title would be simply Autumn Glow, although I like your 'Emerging' as well. Fantastic work.

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

Comment posted by Danny Laureys on November 14, 2012 at 10:13 PM

Excellent Lon, Love the color.

Registered on January 5, 2008, 590 Posts, 1261 Comments

Comment posted by Chris Chamberlain on November 14, 2012 at 10:29 PM

I know where this is! Between the bridge, and Awhanee Meadow, right. If so, I always see that glow going on in there in the mornings. Almost had to stop a couple of times this last trip. The light is perfect here, and the colors, and details, along with the depth of the scene really all work perfectly. A real beauty!

Chris

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

Comment posted by Albert Darmo on November 14, 2012 at 10:30 PM

Hi Lon

The horizontal layers of luminous color, against the bold vertical lines of the tree trunks, make this a 3D masterpiece

Albert Darmo
Canada

Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments

Comment posted by Jeffrey Sipress on November 14, 2012 at 10:31 PM

Lon, you are the master of the intimate forest scene. This does not disappoint!

Registered on February 17, 2004, 236 Posts, 1197 Comments

Comment posted by Joseph Campisi on November 14, 2012 at 11:54 PM

Not much to say that hasn't already been said Lon...and straight out of the camera! This really does have a 3D feel to it. Excellent image!

Registered on November 24, 2008, 304 Posts, 3211 Comments

Comment posted by Martin W. Quinn on November 15, 2012 at 1:09 AM

Very nice Lon, great light and depth.

Registered on November 1, 2003, 28 Posts, 189 Comments

Comment posted by Peter Coskun on November 15, 2012 at 1:40 AM

This is just beautiful Lon. It is so simple, but complex with amazing detail in the trees and foliage. This really makes me miss the Sierras. Looks like I will have to return at least once next year, or maybe twice. Looking forward to more like this.

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

Comment posted by Tom Roper on November 15, 2012 at 12:17 PM

I don't think I can add anything new to the comments already made. This is a great shot Lon, enjoyed looking at the large version and the details that are there.

Registered on January 19, 2012, 5 Posts, 46 Comments

Comment posted by Ant on November 15, 2012 at 6:06 PM

Splendid. "Glow" I like a lot.

Registered on April 13, 2009, 27 Posts, 474 Comments

Comment posted by Stan Rose on November 16, 2012 at 12:21 AM

Sweet, Lon--im definitely liking this!
I'll call it "Five"
if you can figure out why, drinks are on me...

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

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on November 16, 2012 at 12:45 AM

Thank you so much everyone, what a terrific response, I'm very thankful for all the comments.

Stan - all right, you're on. It's kinda like trying to figure out someone's pin code for their ATM card... nope, not their anniversary, their kids, birthday or number translation for their dogs name - or their street address? Maybe the last 4 of my social? Hmmm, can't figure any odd number of things adding up to 5 in my comments - wait, except for those I spent time with in Yosemite. Kyle, Preston, Youssef and Chris. but wait, that's only 4... ah, until you add me, that's FIVE. Did I guess right? If not, I'm way off and no longer thirsty.

thanks for your comment Stan, appreciate it.

Lon

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

Comment posted by Jimmy Gekas on November 16, 2012 at 11:54 AM

Love the simplicity and great glow that this scene provides. The colors are perfect and I am really digging the green to yellow to green again

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

Comment posted by Richard Hartmann on November 16, 2012 at 4:14 PM

Wow, 300 mm really compresses the layers of color together. Love it! This must be one of my recent favorites from you.

Emerging....? Maybe the established trees are robbing the little ones of light. Maybe they'll never stand a chance..

Oppression

just kidding.

Registered on January 15, 2009, 13 Posts, 772 Comments

Comment posted by Adrian Klein on November 16, 2012 at 4:18 PM

As much as I like my DSLR I have not met many fine crafted images on Velvia I have not liked and this is certainly one that falls into that category. Love it! I think what takes this up another notch for me is the two sets of threes. One set for the different layers of foliage and the other for the three main tree trunks. As usual very strong comp Lon.

Registered on June 10, 2007, 112 Posts, 1506 Comments

Comment posted by Bill Fach on November 16, 2012 at 11:05 PM

Lon: The larger version just jumps off the screen! What a beautiful scene superbly captured and rendered. >=))>

Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments

Comment posted by Zack Clothier on November 17, 2012 at 9:37 AM

Absolutely beautiful scene, Lon, well composed and the color and light are both spot on. Can't wait to see more of your recent work from here.

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

Comment posted by John Williams on November 19, 2012 at 9:10 PM

Just a beautiful mix of elements Lon. Nice!

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