This is sort of a departure for me. We took a drive to escape the heat here in Ivins, Ut into the mountains north of Zion. It was 110 degrees when we left town and less than 2 hours later it was a beautiful 65 degrees. Storms continually passed by threatening rain but only tempting us with moisture. As we topped one of the higher ridges, this scene presented itself and I could finally get the tripod out. Initially it was for a blanket of wildflowers but I liked this image as a b/w , if you can imagine that. 
I really liked the isolated stand of aspens and the low clouds from an approaching storm.
5d2, iso100, f/8, 70-200mm @ 100mm, 1/80s
larger is better
I would appreciate your comments and critiques
Comments
17 commentsThe "lone grove" and those very threatening clouds make for a fine scene that seems perfect in b&w, Gary. I remember southern Utah in summer....low 80s in Bryce and low 110s in Zion the next day four thousand feet lower.
I like this a lot, Gary. Very cool imgae. Minor thoughts come to mind of a slight CW rotation ? and perhaps cropping a bit off the bottom to put more emphasis on the trees and sky? But like I said, very minor. Looks great as presented. Excellent.
Excellent find, Gary. This turned out to be a good drive all the way around IMO. Think of the outings that we really have to work things out, and then there are those by chance excursions that really payoff very nicely......
I like it all, and the cloud layer was a perfect "cap" to this wonderful isolated grove of aspens.
Good to see you stepping out of your comfort zone and experimenting a bit with B+W, haha. I absolutely love this one, and I can not see anything wrong with it. Even the title is spot on. Phenomenal!
Gary: there's a certain magic to b/w which let's us forget about color. Now we get to appreciate the textures, shapes and the nearness of the impending storm. Congrats. Richard
Gary, this is a great, moody B&W. I love the composition and it tells me a great story (along with your title) of these trees out there braving the monsoon storms of southern Utah. Great work!
I'd love to see the color version of this, simply out of curiosity, because you mentioned the blanket of wildflowers there.
I like this a lot Gary. Perfect placement of all the elements. Wondering if this is anywhere near Kolob Reservoir? Lots of open country with some aspens around. I frequented these mountains a lot growing up. Beautiful area.
Cool! I like the centered grove, and how the the lower edes of the clouds point to the trees. You might consider bringing up the higher values in the foreground. I really like textures and the starkness of the composition.
--P
The Aspen stand out against the brighter sky and that to me makes this image a winner. Love the drama, and the composition!
Gary, This looks great and I'm really enjoying it. Perfect b&w processing for my taste and just an excellent composition. I like the story this tells and the dramatic mood. Really nice work!
Nick Bristol Lone Rock, WI
This is simply awesome. Great image. Love the black and white conversion, the dramatic sky and the comp is just awesome. Excellent work
Hi Gary,
This image is thought provoking to my spirit, and it is excellently executed. It simple, beautiful, and well balanced. The tension created by the tranquil Aspen, and the stormy sky invokes something in the spirit, something primal.
Excellent work!!
Excellent composition Gary; works well as a BW.
Love the almost geometrically perfect composition here.
Makes a bold statement, and the title's sure fits Gary
The dark low clouds and bottom frame the lighter band of sky & aspens perfectly..simple & effective.
You have a great eye for what works in B&W, with this being a prime example
First look, I would say that the trees won't stay there long riped by the big chain saw from the sky. Beautiful dramatic scene where the B&W is a must, nice details in the clouds and on the ground. Everything for a success story. I love it.
Congrats on your WP Gary, well deserved!