“Oaks No. 1”
Mariposa County, California, September 2007
I have been photographing rocks and stones almost exclusively for the last couple of years. I felt it was time to branch out a little. Therefore, I am embarking on a different journey and this time I turn toward another subject that is both near and dear to me – California Oaks. I will write more about these trees and my interest in them later but for now, I want to mention that this is a new series and as such, some of you might notice changes, especially when comparing these photos to my earlier work. For one, I plan to go with looser (i.e. less formal and more casual) compositions. These are not meant to be dramatic or pretty pictures that depict the trees in the best possible manner. I consider it more of a personal project but hope to end up with a small collection of prints that interest and inspire a few people. I also expect to grow my love and understanding of nature as I study these silent beauties and the surrounding California landscape.
This photograph was made last Sunday while exploring the countryside off Hwy 140 near the town of Mariposa.
Pentax 67ii, 200mm, Fuji Astia 100F
Thank you so much for taking the time to look. This is a big departure for me and so I would love to hear your thoughts, comments, suggestions and anything else you might want to share.
Best regards.
Posted by Richard Wong on October 4, 2007 at 2:58 PM
I like everything below the sky. The textures are quite nice in the canopy and yellow grass.
Anil -- Nicely captured but I do tend to agree with Richard. A crop to a square just above the bowed limb towards the center would be my suggestion. I look forward to your new venture especially since I love Oaks myself.
Posted by Cory Freeman on October 7, 2007 at 3:38 AM
This is certainly a different subject than what I've been accustom to seeing from you!! I'm struggling with the sky portion of the image. I'm sure you did that intentionally, but wondering what it is you're trying to convey with it? The top portion(sky) feels disconnected with the rest of the image. I look forward to hearing more on this from you and you upcoming images. Good to see you posting images again!
Posted by Lon Overacker on October 9, 2007 at 2:34 AM
Anil,
First of all, welcome back. I'd been wondering where you've been. :-)
If this first image of oaks is anything like what you did with your stones series, we're in for a treat. Oaks are a favorite of mine as well and this image is wonderful. The late afternoon glow of the backlit oak leaves really makes this image. And what a wonderful pair of oaks you found here.
I think if you burned down the hotspot between the base of the two oaks, you'll have a complete winner. Makes me want to head out to the local hills for some autumn oak!
Discussion
4 repliesMariposa County, California, September 2007
I have been photographing rocks and stones almost exclusively for the last couple of years. I felt it was time to branch out a little. Therefore, I am embarking on a different journey and this time I turn toward another subject that is both near and dear to me – California Oaks. I will write more about these trees and my interest in them later but for now, I want to mention that this is a new series and as such, some of you might notice changes, especially when comparing these photos to my earlier work. For one, I plan to go with looser (i.e. less formal and more casual) compositions. These are not meant to be dramatic or pretty pictures that depict the trees in the best possible manner. I consider it more of a personal project but hope to end up with a small collection of prints that interest and inspire a few people. I also expect to grow my love and understanding of nature as I study these silent beauties and the surrounding California landscape.
This photograph was made last Sunday while exploring the countryside off Hwy 140 near the town of Mariposa.
Pentax 67ii, 200mm, Fuji Astia 100F
Thank you so much for taking the time to look. This is a big departure for me and so I would love to hear your thoughts, comments, suggestions and anything else you might want to share.
Best regards.
First of all, welcome back. I'd been wondering where you've been. :-)
If this first image of oaks is anything like what you did with your stones series, we're in for a treat. Oaks are a favorite of mine as well and this image is wonderful. The late afternoon glow of the backlit oak leaves really makes this image. And what a wonderful pair of oaks you found here.
I think if you burned down the hotspot between the base of the two oaks, you'll have a complete winner. Makes me want to head out to the local hills for some autumn oak!
Lon