Although I do not post here in the Landscape Gallery to often, I am a big fan and admire the beautiful work of all the talented regulars. I have just returned from a photo expedition through Arizona, Utah and Colorado were the landscape opportunities are unlike what is available back on my home turf. Although these areas have been photographed extensively, my thoughts were to look for opportunities that would show this area from a different and unique perspective. My first offering, 'Better Days' is an off the beaten path area on the east rim of the Grand Canyon with a subject that seems to have weathered a few too many storms over the years. The character, determination and history this old tree displayed as it hung on the the edge was very impressive to me along with the view. I got lucky with the light and the angle of the light for this composition as it completely changed minutes later. Not happy with the subject centered however, there were no other choices given the terrain. Full frame, hand held, one shot, fill flash used.
Please see Large Version for better detail by clicking on image - - Largest Version - HERE
File name RAMY_8658_SD7
Camera Model Canon EOS 7D Mark II
Shooting Date/Time 9/27/2017 8:12:40 PM
Author Michael Ramy
Copyright Notice CopyRight Rock Art, Ltd All Rights Reserved
Shooting Mode Shutter-Priority AE
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/250
Av(Aperture Value) 10
Metering Mode Evaluative Metering
Exposure Compensation -1 2/3
ISO Speed 400
Auto ISO Speed OFF
Lens EF24-70mm f/2.8L USM
Focal Length 24.0mm
E-TTL II flash metering Evaluative flash metering
Flash Exposure Compensation -2 1/3
Comments
9 commentsGreat to see a post from you in Landscape. I think this image is fantastic, for a number of reasons. First, you were successful in finding and capturing something a bit different from an oft photographed place. Second, the "character" as in both as a figure(creature) and as an adjective (is that right?) I find this old, weathered tree to be a fascinating subject; it has life and tells a story. Third, I personally like the softness of the canyon, letting the sharpness of the old tree be the story, and the canyon is actually just a backdrop. The fill flash was applied beautifully. I wouldn't have noticed if you hadn't disclosed that.
Agree with Gary about that odd thing in the URC. Looks like something close the camera that badly out of focus. Perhaps another weathered tree branch? Easy enough to clone/crop out.
The only thing I'm torn on is the one branch extending out of the frame. One the one "hand" I'm wishing it wasn't breeching the frame.... on the other hand, this creature, character, appears to be reaching to the sky, perhaps even waving.
this is excellent, in so many ways. Kudos!
Lon
I went back to square one and started over with this image and here is the results.
I just had to come back and respond to your repost. I was pretty impressed with the original, but I must say you've really transformed this one. What a great job re-working this, taking in to account ALL feedback (of course no one is ever obligated to incorporate suggestions,) but you've done a fantastic job with the re-work.
Of note, the crop gives more dominance and presence to the weathered old tree. Check. Canyon bg appears sharper. Check. Even the creative cloning has given this character animation - as if reaching up to the Gods... or something like that. Check. Oh, and the oddity in the URC. Check.
Impressive re-work. Thanks for taking the time. Again, quite the transformation.
Lon
I really like how that low left branch pops against the darkness. You could work this further by lowering the exposure of everything below the horizon except the tree and the dark area in llc (using curves). That should also create richer colors. You would then 'promote' the tree in tone value and color (since the tree lacks color).