This is an image from late 2004 that I recently did some more work on. The rock wall that snakes through the oaks was made by Chinese laborers in the 1850's. There are many such walls walls in Tuolumne county and they make for interesting compositional elements. I liked the way this wall wanders among the trees.
Tachihara 4x5
Astia 100f
I thought I'd add a note here after seeing this on the web. Compression has killed some nice detail in the light-toned grasses and in the light-toned areas on the tree trunks (Grrr). The proof print looks really nice, in comparison.
Your thoughts are always appreciated.
Posted by Richard Wong on December 22, 2007 at 1:01 AM
interesting shot preston with a lot of texture. I don't know how I feel about the way the tree is cropped on top. feels like I want to see more of it. I too have heard about the chinese rock walls. quite cool to see them dot the countryside.
Posted by Cory Freeman on December 22, 2007 at 10:05 AM
Sounds like some interesting history there. Do you know more of the story behind the walls? For some reason this image isn't resonating with me PB. Perhaps if it were in b&w or composed differently. I guess this doesn't feel very harmonous to me for some reason. Looks like you've got plenty of subject matter to work with here.
Preston, you are lucky to live in such a diverse area for scenes like this one. I would think these low walls were maybe just some kind of divisions in territory or land grants of sorts. I do like following the wall up through the trees to the distant part of the scene, but I would be tempted to crop up to the base of the first rock eliminating the first patch of water on the LRHC. Looks to me to be an area for more opportunites too.
Posted by Lon Overacker on December 24, 2007 at 3:11 PM
Preston,
This is very nice. It has a quiet, country feel to it and the rock wall ties the composition together nicely. I agree that compression is hurting this and I imagine the tranny looks real good.
I've often wondered about the history of these rock walls which are scattered throughout the foothills. Thanks for sharing that little bit of history.
Lon
Posted by Michael Hansen on December 26, 2007 at 12:15 AM
Beautiful image, love the way the wall winds through the frame Preston.
Posted by Anil Rao on December 28, 2007 at 10:49 PM
Hi Preston,
Despite what compression has done for the highlights, this is one terrific photo. The stone wall tells a nice story and I really like how you included it in your composition.
BTW, I spent Christmas day amidst the oaks in Mariposa County and it was most wonderful.
Posted by Dan Baumbach on January 1, 2008 at 9:30 PM
This is very nice, Preston. It reminds me of that place that we went to when I was up there.
Discussion
7 repliesTachihara 4x5
Astia 100f
I thought I'd add a note here after seeing this on the web. Compression has killed some nice detail in the light-toned grasses and in the light-toned areas on the tree trunks (Grrr). The proof print looks really nice, in comparison.
Your thoughts are always appreciated.
This is very nice. It has a quiet, country feel to it and the rock wall ties the composition together nicely. I agree that compression is hurting this and I imagine the tranny looks real good.
I've often wondered about the history of these rock walls which are scattered throughout the foothills. Thanks for sharing that little bit of history.
Lon
Despite what compression has done for the highlights, this is one terrific photo. The stone wall tells a nice story and I really like how you included it in your composition.
BTW, I spent Christmas day amidst the oaks in Mariposa County and it was most wonderful.
- Dan.