Oak tree,you're in my wy

Gallery: LandscapePosted March 14, 2017246 views14 comments

I really have no idea what triggered this, but I was looking over images I wanted to post next and deciding on this one, this title came to mind. Actually it should read "Oak tree, you're in my way" (one character short.) I'm guessing you could have figured that out.

I was just looking at the image, and was reminded of a song... the title here is the second line of the first verse... Can you guess the song and the artist? The year? The first correct answer receives an all expense paid trip to your very own computer where you can comment on this image, for free! sad

(btw, the content and lyrics of the song have nothing to do with this image... but might say something about my music tastes... say 40 years ago. crap, really?)

In all seriousness, Preston, being the terrific host and tour guide took me to a great overlook of the New Melones reservoir in the CA foothills and gold country. Spring has sprung and we had a great view of the hills, the reservoir and yes, more intimate views of oaks. The clouds had started breaking and the light was getting hot. Fortunately it was one of those times where the sun danced in and out from behind the clouds creating some nice lighting opportunities. I captured at least 6 or 8 images of the fleeting light. And this is actually a blend of two of them; combining shadows in the immediate foreground with fleeting light in the midground,. There is also a slight crop from the top eliminating an open area.

As always, appreciate your honest opinions, critiques and suggestions. Especially looking for feedback on processing.

Thanks!

Lon

Comments

14 comments

Comment posted by Harry Lichtman on March 14, 2017 at 4:50 AM

Spring feel to this - is this what it looks like your way out there? Not possible! I think the processing looks good, the slight magenta tone of the tree makes me think of Easter, for some reason. The trees stand out well, the shadows helping to define the hilly topography. Really nice work, you have way with portraying trees!

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

Comment posted by scott lanz on March 14, 2017 at 9:19 AM

Beautiful, Lon. The spring green makes a great bg for the oak tree, and the oak tree has a really nice form. Comp and processing look great, and I can't see any way to improve on them.

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on March 14, 2017 at 12:13 PM

lon, I like the composition with this oak being placed perfectly in the frame. It has a very pleasing look and feel. Very nice greens in the grass with the light and shadows really making the difference here. I'm getting ready for some green grass here but yesterday we had 5" of new snow and this morning it was 3 degrees...so I'm enjoying this scene!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

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

Comment posted by gary phillips on March 14, 2017 at 12:17 PM

What's the saying, ARAT (another rock, another tree). I was reading an editorial by Brooks Jensen from Lens Work, and he was relating an overheard conversation from a gallery owner that was approached by a landscape photographer. He overheard her say, "What is it, another rock or another tree?". Sad that with the proliferation of photography,, that's what it's come to. I'll take another tree like this any day. Love the complex branching of these oaks and the carpet of green below. No nits from me Lon, other than I can't guess the song.

Registered on October 24, 2013, 185 Posts, 4136 Comments

Comment posted by Preston Birdwell on March 14, 2017 at 2:43 PM

This came out nicely, Lon. The oak and grass look perfect to me. I like that you were able to maintain nice detail and the subtle light in the oak. No nits, here.
--P

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

Comment posted by Dave Dillemuth on March 14, 2017 at 3:52 PM

Very nice, Lon. Lovely lush greens provide a wonderful backdrop for the branching oak. Compositionally, I like your choice for placement of the tree. I think the small patch of green in the upper right really helps to balance the image. As usual processing looks great.

Registered on December 10, 2015, 104 Posts, 1112 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Gavin on March 14, 2017 at 8:36 PM

Can only think of "You're in my heart; you're in my soul . . .."
This image reminds me of the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge in spring where lots of green and beautiful oaks exist. Just another WONDERFUL tree. Never tire of them. Be a good one for March 17. Probably a pot of gold under it.

Registered on August 14, 2008, 293 Posts, 1250 Comments

Comment posted by Mark Seaver on March 15, 2017 at 11:14 AM

Lon, I remember the line, but can't place the song... I really like the bottom 2/3rds here, where the bright green grass sets of the shape of the tree's trunk beautifully. The top is easy to see also, even as it's surrounded by all of the other trees. The greens in all of the recent views from CA are just wonderful. BTW, I just took advantage of modern technology and let the internet tell me the song...That Smell by Lynyrd Skynyrd sad

Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments

Comment posted by Rudy Ruberti on March 15, 2017 at 2:33 PM

You guys are killing me with these green grass/oak tree images. Everything is so green down here but I haven't been able to get out with a camera, and I know brown season is only a few weeks away. I like how the bright green shines through the tree branches. Nicely done.

Registered on October 28, 2008, 179 Posts, 1875 Comments

Comment posted by Lon Overacker on March 16, 2017 at 2:43 AM

Thanks for your comments on this one folks! And thanks for playing the musical game - Mark, you are the winner! (even though you cheated...) sad

Lynryd Skynryd indeed.

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

Comment posted by Anil Rao on March 16, 2017 at 4:27 AM

Fascinating subject and portrayed in your usual excellent fashion. The fine detail in the branches is a joy to study. I am also enjoying the contrast offered by the spring grass.

This has to rank among you best oak tree images.

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

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on March 16, 2017 at 10:04 AM

Another fine tree portrait. You certainly have an eye for these. I have tried them and my generally suck. This is real nice.

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

Comment posted by John Williams on March 17, 2017 at 12:21 AM

I agree with Jim, this reminds me of the Columbia Hills in spring. Beautiful grass to back up the tree. (I assumed you meant "Oak tree, your in my Wyoming" in your title enlightened

)

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

Comment posted by Peter Richter on March 20, 2017 at 12:35 PM

A wonderful portrait of the tree, and the greens just make the difference for me, Lon.

Peter

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