Yosemite Cottonwood +RP

Gallery: LandscapePosted November 24, 2013260 views15 comments

I have always liked this tree and its reflection in the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. I wanted to convey the soft light of the early morning and the quiet mood.

Chamonix 4x5
Nikkor-M, 300mm
Astia 100F
October 30, 2013

Please see large version.

Your comments and/or critiques are always appreciated.

--P

Comments

15 comments

Comment posted by John&Patty Benway on November 24, 2013 at 12:45 PM

The scene has a very natural peaceful mood, and right off that appeals to me, the colors and comp couldn't be any better, I like this alot. Beautiful work Preston.
John

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

Comment posted by Ian Wolfenden on November 24, 2013 at 1:06 PM

The range of tones and textures is exceptional, Preston, the motif a delight with those lovely yellow leaves topping the cottonwood, and the light perfect. Very beautiful image !!

Registered on May 18, 2007, 1108 Posts, 7647 Comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on November 24, 2013 at 3:08 PM

Peaceful and lovely, Preston. My only regret is not being able to see it really, really large.

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

Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on November 24, 2013 at 5:43 PM

the reflection is stunning. If you rotated the image 90 degrees, it would be an outstanding abstract with the tree/reflection as a directional arrow. Of course it's beautiful as is, but I like to see all the possibilities. Very nice work

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

Comment posted by Marc Adamus on November 24, 2013 at 5:52 PM

Beautiful range of forest here. Nice balance. I might make an effort to darken the left edge somewhat or crop it more vertical as an alternative without the bare branches over there.

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

Comment posted by Kane Engelbert on November 24, 2013 at 6:02 PM

Preston, this is very beautiful. I do agree that a slight crop removing the dead tree on the left would keep my eye from migrating left.

Registered on June 14, 2009, 63 Posts, 291 Comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on November 24, 2013 at 6:55 PM

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Marc, thanks for the suggestion. I'll burn that left edge down a bit, rather than crop.

--P

Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments

Comment posted by Stephen Weaver on November 24, 2013 at 7:41 PM

Really Nice Preston!

Registered on November 1, 2003, 226 Posts, 623 Comments

Comment posted by Stuart Williams on November 25, 2013 at 6:24 AM

preston - works well for me - the reflection makes the most of your tree and renders the rest dark. super!

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

Comment posted by Bill Reid on November 25, 2013 at 10:08 AM

Very relaxing mood and wonderful colors and reflection Preston. A wonderful scene and very well done.

Registered on January 27, 2013, 65 Posts, 2460 Comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on November 25, 2013 at 11:20 AM

Thanks for all your kind comments and suggestions. I went back and made some minor changes to the image. I burned the left edge, including the bare tree, and also did a slight burn of the willows and grass near the cottonwood.

Does this reposted image work better for you?

--P

Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments

Comment posted by Dietrich Gloger on November 25, 2013 at 11:58 AM

A lovely scene Preson. Astia works well here to convey a subtle and quiet feeling.

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

Comment posted by Youssef Ismail on November 25, 2013 at 4:16 PM

Preston,

I love the symmetry played out by the small cottonwood and its reflection. I too admire that tree and have never been able to photograph it to my liking. Nicely done.

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on November 26, 2013 at 12:03 PM

Beautiful!!! I love this shot, Preston. Although it is hard to see much difference by scrolling up and down I do think the repost is even better.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

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

Comment posted by Paul Breitkreuz on November 26, 2013 at 7:55 PM

Preston, I can see a significant change for the upside here with the burn work. I especially like the results in the lower grasses and willows? I might be tempted to hit the leaves in the cottonwood too, but not so much to lose the punch it supplies as the main character in this scene. Well done with the repost.

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