Life amoung Death

I don't know if this one will really resonate with anyone here but I'll post it anyway just to see. It was just a grab shot of a little scene I couldn't resist pointing the camera at. It appears bit dark for added emphasis on the Sagebrush and simplification of the surroundings. Hart Mountain Refuge, SE Oregon. Thanks for the comments.

And just because someone probably clicked on this expecting to see something more big and colorful, I'll throw in this shot which is also from Hart Mountain Antelope Refuge, in SE Oregon.

I love the darker and moodier tonalities of your recent work, Marc. I think a contrast boost just to get the brighter tonalities to speak a bit stronger would really work for me. Second shot is very nice althought I'd double expose the RAW file brighter and paint in a bit of detail for the top of the tree on the Left. With the tree on the Right getting so much light, it's a little lacking in details. Still superb compositions.

I like the departure from the norm of the first one. It is very appealing to me... the composition is great..

Very nice first one, like your 'other' departure from the norm, the green and pink one :), i really like this also. Exposure and comp are, for me, perfect.

I like it.

Love the fist image - not absolutely convinced of the placing of the flowers but for a grab shots its superb. Personally I would rotate it 180 degrees - I think it makes the composition much stronger (though it may perhaps go against the idea of death). Tristan

I really like the first image, Has a very foreboding feel like the roots are trying to choke out Spring

Both are good images Marc in their own right. Excellent detail on the sagebrush and just as moody and dramatic as your other work from that area. Doing a little online research for the Hart Mt and Owyhee area, looking forward to get down there.

This image resonates with me more right now since my mom passed away last week on the first day of spring. Budding life everywhere, yet death cannot be refused forever.

I think this could be an image that more strongly imposes that feeling you are trying to get across in this shot. May I repost an edited version?

Marc, I think that is the coolest "grab shot" I've ever scene. Compelling image.

Sure, Rick. Thanks for commenting. I did intend to make other adjustments to it, however. I'll wait for your version.

Thanks Marc...it is...let me know what you think...

I think somewhere between your post and mine works best. I worked on this more yesterday and went the same direction - emphasizing the key elements through contrast work. I don't want the shadows to get so blocked up that there is no detail visible, but I do want the main forms to stand out.

Like this.

Hmmm....the roots and flower shot is nice and different....the one you posted below that really looks like a snapshot.....again, it does not provide the wide expansive view we have come to love from your images...

"the one you posted below that really looks like a snapshot.....again, it does not provide the wide expansive view we have come to love from your images"

It should be realized that not every area benifits from being seen through the same wide angle. I highly doubt the combination of elements in that image could be seen as a snapshot to anyone.

Ok. But I do wish the clouds had some movement to them just enough to set it apart .....just my thoughts

I find these two photos very interesting because I greatly prefer the first over the second, and landscapes usually win hands down for my favorites. The complexity of, and lack of color in, the roots is wonderfully set off by the flowers. I really like the lone guy at the top adding to the flowers at the bottom; I don't think the photo would be as strong without it. Your title really sums up the photo nicely, and I can see why it resonated with Rick.

(Rick and Erik, sorry to hear of your loss and you have my sympathies. Circle of life or not, passings usually leave an empty spot in those who remain.)

I like the second version of the first photo you posted best Marc, the slight contrast bump emphasizes the roots over the ground. May I ask what luminosity you calibrate your monitor to for web posts? Sometimes I get suspicious from comments that there is a wide variation in how bright a given picture looks on the various monitors in use. I've been calibrating my lcd lower than the Gretag Eye-One recommends, because if I calibrate it as recommended I get comments that the photo is too dark.

As to the second, "snapshot" is a word that probably leads to justifiable umbrage from an experienced photographer, but I can see where Darren is coming from. Unfortunately your photos get compared to your other photos (instead of to mine, which would change things completely .) While a nice photo, the compositional elements, color, and lighting aren't as strong, IMHO, as your typical photos.

Marc, kudos on nailing what I was seeing in the repost you did. That is perfect

I still think the 2nd is really beautiful as well and I'm personally really happy you shared it. It's not an "Oh My God", but I wish people would lessen their criticisms if you share a less than Oh My God photo. I'm just happy to see your work no matter what level of personal expressionism it is that you choose to share....

So the Sagebrush and Buttercup image is just a "grab shot" ? I know how difficult it is to make sense of the twisted anarchy of the Sage country. Never come close to, I'm not sure how to put it, the drama of this shot. I just love the softness of the golden flowers against the gnarly old 'brush. Maybe it's my monitor, or my less experienced eye, but I prefer your original post to either rework.

I like it. Tells a story of death and life with the flowers and dry cracked roots suggesting life and it's struggles while the simplicity of the flowers speaks to innocence, new birth and the special moments we enjoy along the way.

Personally I'd be more inclined to hang something like this on a wall than the more 'calendaresque' landscape scenes, as spectacular they are in their own right.