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In it's Element
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In it's Element

by Lon Overacker

Gallery: LandscapePosted February 26, 2017289 views17 comments
Thanks to everyone who commented on my previous post.  Some very helpful and observant comments and critiques.  ALL the comments are appreciated - even when you tell me why an image doesn't strike you.

Here's yet another take on one of my favorite trees in Yosemite Valley. Previous version was a more intimate portrait in some diffused light.  Here, a broader view in a little different light, although still indirect (El Capitan is such an immense reflector of light.)

I chose the title simply because this shows the trees literally in their element, with the inclusion of the sheer granite walls, which puts a whole different perspective than just an image of an oak tree in autumn.

Your comments, critiques and suggestions always welcome!  thanks for looking!

Lon

Comments

17 comments
Comment posted by Kathy Barnhart on February 26, 2017 at 2:44 PM
Love this one, Lon. The colors are wonderful, as is the granite wall behind. You can see just enough of the lines of the tree trunk, and I like how you placed it in the frame. Gorgeous.
Registered on November 11, 2011, 404 Posts, 1639 Comments
Comment posted by Doug Koepsel on February 26, 2017 at 3:26 PM
I like your composition and the granite wall as a background. Maybe try a very slight bump of saturation in the yellow channel in luminosity mode so the main tree has a tiny bit more pop.
 
Registered on April 1, 2010, 196 Posts, 1592 Comments
Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on February 26, 2017 at 3:28 PM
You definitely have a love affair with this tree. And that's a good thing. The light, color and processing look really nice. My only suggestion is to crop just a bit from the top so that the main oak is a little more dominant. I like how you managed to have Middle Cathedral to look nice and neutral, and you pulled some nice reds out of the leaves of the other oaks. Nicely done!
--P
Registered on November 1, 2003, 471 Posts, 5188 Comments
Comment posted by Nick Bristol on February 26, 2017 at 3:59 PM
Lon, I like this composition and love the colors you have in the leaves. The soft reds add such a nice touch with the yellows and that granite wall makes a wonderful background. Very nice!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.
Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments
Comment posted by Stephen Stanton on February 26, 2017 at 4:25 PM
Great composition with soft colors, nice textures in the granite, another beauty from the Valley. 
Registered on March 1, 2015, 54 Posts, 453 Comments
Comment posted by Aaron Feinberg on February 26, 2017 at 5:25 PM
Simple and effective.  Dig the feel.

aF
Registered on October 26, 2009, 399 Posts, 2789 Comments
Comment posted by Genny K. on February 26, 2017 at 8:20 PM
I like the layers of trees in this, with your favorite tree right there in front.  I also like how the trunk and branches are so dark, and show up really well through those bright leaves.  Having that big rock wall back there makes a heck of a nice BG, too.  If you're gonna have a love affair with a tree, this one's a good candidate!!
Registered on June 5, 2006, 132 Posts, 2001 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on February 26, 2017 at 10:10 PM
This view really shows of this tree and it's fall colors well, Lon.  The arch of the branches and leaves is nicely dynamic and setting it against the stone wall in the background adds some fine texture back there even as it acts like the sky.
Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments
Comment posted by Peter Richter on February 27, 2017 at 6:33 AM
Lon, I think you are in your element - that is just your cup of tea and also mine. Your subtle presentation of this scene shows me your closeness to these elements.

Peter
Registered on November 10, 2010, 218 Posts, 2723 Comments
Comment posted by Dave Dillemuth on February 27, 2017 at 10:58 AM
Another beautiful tree portrait, Lon. The soft lighting works wonderfully to display all the different tonalities in the foliage. The neutral gray of the rock wall makes a great backdrop. Processing and comp. look spot-on. Great work! 
Registered on December 10, 2015, 104 Posts, 1112 Comments
Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on February 27, 2017 at 8:43 PM
Lon - The overall comp isn't as compelling to me as the textural contrast of the tree and the rock wall. The  tree branches bending toward the upper rock area was a nice compositional touch.
Registered on September 17, 2010, 304 Posts, 3507 Comments
Comment posted by scott lanz on February 28, 2017 at 9:01 AM
Beautiful image, Lon. Well composed with all the branches bending inward and the rock wall in the bg. 
Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments
Comment posted by Prashant Khapane on February 28, 2017 at 5:07 PM
One day I'm going to visit this place. Lovely image from this area.
Registered on November 1, 2003, 492 Posts, 4580 Comments
Comment posted by gary phillips on February 28, 2017 at 8:53 PM
This image captures both the grandeur and subtlety of your favorite location.   I'm not sure that's an easy thing to do.  Love this Lon.  It totally displays you familiarity with these surrounds.  Really solid. 
Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments
Comment posted by Gerald Emery on March 3, 2017 at 3:07 PM
I like this, I like trees especially in the fall, nice composition

Jerry
Registered on January 2, 2017, 65 Posts, 25 Comments
Comment posted by John Williams on March 6, 2017 at 12:40 AM
I'd also vote for Preston's crop. With that said, I love the rich deepness of the oak. That muted orange in the background really sets up the foreground tree nicely.
Registered on September 6, 2007, 221 Posts, 5985 Comments
Comment posted by Bill Fach on March 6, 2017 at 9:56 PM
Lon: Being familiar with a location is such a blessing and your images of Yosemite show your love for the place. I can see why this is one of your favorite trees. Marvelous comp and a top notch shot.>=))>
Registered on November 1, 2003, 1805 Posts, 26981 Comments