Here's a photograph from last October. It was made along Big Pine Creek about twenty feet from my campsite and just after a bit of rain. The trees are primarily Alder and Cottonwood.
Big Pine Creek is one of my favorite places, especially in the fall. There are nice spots along the road or, from the trailhead, one can access the lakes below the main Palisade peaks and the Palisade glacier, or hike up toward Brainard Lake below Eagle Peak and Clyde Peak. It is stunning country!
Very nice Preston. I do recall you heading down here when I went north to Lee Vining area after us both leaving Bishop. I would have to say that this must be an excellent representation of the scene, as the first thing I thought when opening this up was it looks like it had rained. After reading your post indeed it had, so the image must be giving us the scene as it truly was. Well captured, and the water looks excellent too.
Posted by Cory Freeman on March 8, 2007 at 12:03 PM
Definitely looks like an eastern sierra stream Preston, clear and cold! I've only been up BP drainage once, but hope to return soon. Good to see you posting an image! I'm looking forward to meeting up with you guys in May!
Classic, classic...and yes, a classically beautiful Eastern Sierra image. This is fabulous and it really makes me feel like I'm there - the cold, crisp air, the smell of the wet leaves and the sounds of the inviting creek. I've only camped on the eastern side once - and it was enough to bring back all the senses that you've presented in this image.
Yup, classic :) BTW, have you played with the different speed settings? I wonder how the blur would look with 2X the exposure. I feel it's still a little rough for the peacefull setting you're building.
Lon wrote"...I've only camped on the eastern side once - " There is a cure for this, Lon; and it just so happens I have one in mind!
I am thinking of printing this one. I will look carefully at the high values in the water and perhaps push them up on the scale just a wee bit.
Dan: My choice of shutter speed (1/2 second) was intentional. I wanted just a bit of blur in the more rapidly moving water to show movement, but also wanted to ensure that I retained excellent detail in the rocks on the bed of the stream. If the water there was blurred due to a longer exposure, the balance of the image, in terms of detail, would not work. A secondary consideration was given to possible motion of the leaves in the trees. I wanted them sharp.
Sometimes, as is the case of this image, silky smooth water does not work. So, one must carefully evaluate the scene and make a prediction as to how a certain shutter speed will affect the look and feel of the image.
Another nice one, Preston. By virtue of your photography, you have found a way to express the strong connection you have to this region. It comes through really well in this photograph.
I am in agreement with your choice of shutter speed and its effect on the moving water.
Regards.
Posted by Dan Truong on March 13, 2007 at 12:31 AM
Interresting point of view about the exposure length. Thanks for expressing it clearly Preston. It makes sense, and might help me someday (I don't do many long exposures).
My point was that the speed you chose emphasizes the water stream's speed, which was your intent but not what I expected, as it is otherwise a peacefull setting composition.
This is why I try to be critical in my comments, to the risk of bruising someone, I feel it can help expose some interresting points that go beyond beyond the current photo, and potentially teach something to all (especially me :) ).
Discussion
10 repliesBig Pine Creek is one of my favorite places, especially in the fall. There are nice spots along the road or, from the trailhead, one can access the lakes below the main Palisade peaks and the Palisade glacier, or hike up toward Brainard Lake below Eagle Peak and Clyde Peak. It is stunning country!
Tachihara 4x5
180mm Fujinon
Astia 100F, No Filter
Your comments are always appreciated!
Classic, classic...and yes, a classically beautiful Eastern Sierra image. This is fabulous and it really makes me feel like I'm there - the cold, crisp air, the smell of the wet leaves and the sounds of the inviting creek. I've only camped on the eastern side once - and it was enough to bring back all the senses that you've presented in this image.
I'll never tire of the area.
Lon
Lon wrote"...I've only camped on the eastern side once - " There is a cure for this, Lon; and it just so happens I have one in mind!
I am thinking of printing this one. I will look carefully at the high values in the water and perhaps push them up on the scale just a wee bit.
Dan: My choice of shutter speed (1/2 second) was intentional. I wanted just a bit of blur in the more rapidly moving water to show movement, but also wanted to ensure that I retained excellent detail in the rocks on the bed of the stream. If the water there was blurred due to a longer exposure, the balance of the image, in terms of detail, would not work. A secondary consideration was given to possible motion of the leaves in the trees. I wanted them sharp.
Sometimes, as is the case of this image, silky smooth water does not work. So, one must carefully evaluate the scene and make a prediction as to how a certain shutter speed will affect the look and feel of the image.
Thanks for your comment.
-PB
I agree with you, if you take longer exposer, you will loose the detail in water.
- Dan.
I am in agreement with your choice of shutter speed and its effect on the moving water.
Regards.
My point was that the speed you chose emphasizes the water stream's speed, which was your intent but not what I expected, as it is otherwise a peacefull setting composition.
This is why I try to be critical in my comments, to the risk of bruising someone, I feel it can help expose some interresting points that go beyond beyond the current photo, and potentially teach something to all (especially me :) ).