Forest Lines

Gallery: LandscapePosted June 9, 20171,492 views10 comments

Happened upon this mixed hemlock/Douglas fir/cedar forest near our home a couple of years ago and was really taken with the beautiful lines of the moss draped branches and trunks. A couple of unsuccessful attempts to make an image with the 4x5 were stymied by wind, until one morning last November when I was finally able to make this image after a drenching rain. Subtle mist floated in through the more distant trees; a real gift, as was the absolute stillness. The rain soaked moss, ferns, and trees seemed to glow in the diffuse early morning light. Your thoughts, ideas, and suggestions would be very much appreciated.

4x5, 120mm, Provia 100F, warm polarizer, f32.6, 4 minutes (and a few prayers). M1 flatbed scan, Tony Kuyper's masks and other techniques.

Large size image provided.

Thanks.

Comments

10 comments

Comment posted by gary phillips on June 9, 2017 at 10:57 PM

I have learned a lot from the photographers on this site. One of the things I've learned is, if you have an idea for an image, stay with it until the conditions are right. It might take a couple of visits, or it might take months or even years. I appreciate that premise whenever it is articulated as the basis for making an image. I love the glow of the moss, the greens are so vibrant they almost pulse. A simple forest scene transformed into so much more. Beautiful Vance.

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

Comment posted by Ken Smith on June 10, 2017 at 12:08 AM

That 4 minute exposure with prayers.... yeah for you...it worked!

The low light equalized and subdued the contrasts leaving the colors to hold the attention of the viewer. The vibrant moss on branching that was not too busy worked well. So often the branching is train-wreck of multiple angles and overlaps that become the classic dog-hair thicket and mush. This is sparsely branching and well seen. Congrats!

Registered on September 5, 2008, 449 Posts, 2444 Comments

Comment posted by Jim Zablotny on June 10, 2017 at 7:31 AM

Hi Vance,

Love the color depth of this image. 4 minute exposure without a raven jumping into the scene is awesome. Excellent image devil

.......................Jim

Registered on January 17, 2004, 705 Posts, 3594 Comments

Comment posted by scott lanz on June 10, 2017 at 2:11 PM

4 minutes? Wow. The large version has beautiful, rich color in the diffuse light and excellent detail. Very nice, Vance. Would make an excellent, vibrant print with amazing detail.

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

Comment posted by Nick Bristol on June 10, 2017 at 3:54 PM

Vance, Really nice job making this image and that 4 second exposure worked out great for you. This composition looks great and I'm really enjoying the light and color in this scene. Wonderful details!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock,WI.

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

Comment posted by Igor Doncov on June 10, 2017 at 4:54 PM

I love the richness of the green hues in this image, from lime green to almost blue. And the large version is amazing in quality.

Registered on November 22, 2014, 189 Posts, 2733 Comments

Comment posted by Genny K. on June 11, 2017 at 11:44 AM

This is really beautiful. It is super difficult for me to make an image like this, and I think you did a really good job on this one. The DOF, the comp, the exposure, they all come together. Those greens are just lovely, and the mixture of greens and browns through the trees and moss-covered branches is a peaceful, calming combination. It was a good 4 minutes!!
Nicely done.

Registered on June 5, 2006, 132 Posts, 2001 Comments

Comment posted by Dan Kearl on June 11, 2017 at 5:34 PM

Those were some calm conditions...
Excellent intimate scene with implied movement when there was none at all.

Registered on September 2, 2013, 209 Posts, 1514 Comments

Comment posted by Harley Goldman on June 11, 2017 at 5:47 PM

Excellent. I am really enjoying the rich color and the controlled chaos of the comp.
Beautifully done.

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

Comment posted by Peter Richter on June 13, 2017 at 4:02 PM

Vance, there is an amazing subtlety to your image for me, a wonderful mixture of elements and a lot of delicate details to explore. Congrats on this one.

Peter

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