Posted by Steve Sieren on November 21, 2008 at 12:23 PM
I posted this a while back in ESS. It's been cropped a little, I felt that there were a little too much on the edges. Wasn't really sure where to crop. I used a couple of different lights and diffusers. A giant light was placed behind the middle oak. Did a lot of running around through the scene.
Los Osos Oaks State Preserve
Posted by Lon Overacker on November 21, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Steve,
I remember this from ES&S. I mentioned back then that my Grandmother lived in the Mobile home community right next to here. I've walked through here on a number of occassions.
I really like what you did here with the lights - very creative. It's quite dark in there even on a sunny day, so you did well to do something different. My only nit, if you could call it that, is what appears to be a shadow (you're shadow?) right down the middle from the bottom of the frame. It's not a problem per se, but it makes me think it's your shadow. Also, I might consider a slight burn of the most foreward trunk just right of center.
The light on the background oak is excellent and gives this lots of depth. Nicely crafted and executed.
Steve, I have tried working with lights on things out in the field and had little or no luck at it. Usually would get blown out areas in the scenes. You did an excellent job controlling that aspect. These look like some great trees to work with too.
When I first saw this one this morning, the center path, I think it is, gives the look and feel of a photographer shadow down the center. I did not comment as I was struggling with trying to get my eyes focused enough to take things in. Now that I read Lon's comment it looks as though he got the same feeling. Otherwise it sure gets the creativity juices flowing with ideas though.
Posted by Harley Goldman on November 21, 2008 at 6:56 PM
I like the oaks, but it looks to me like it was lit artificially. I know it was, but it is nice when they are, but really don't look like they are.
Hitting that oak preserve is on my list. Looks like a cool spot.
Posted by Steve Sieren on November 22, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Lon. Thanks, I totally remember that now about your Grandmother living next door. Also remember you saying to tone down the trees. I'll see what I can do about that and me darkening the trail. Thanks for the feedback.
Paul, I darkened that portion of the trail. Since it's distracting I'll take care of it. Lighting these oaks was not easy what so ever. Everytime I light paint it's more of a luck factor leaving with something useable. Thanks.
Harley, when do you plan on going? Maybe we can get a date going and see if we can get some more us going? There is a road that heads up one of the canyons that can get where the fog is breaking when it's over cast out. We can get that dramatic breakthrough light in the oaks.
Posted by Raymond Marlow on November 23, 2008 at 12:11 AM
Steve,
Great creativity with this image, I like that its different then the regular daytime affect. Some different things to look at here. I particularly like the larger brighter lighting behind some of the trees. Great work.
Posted by Eric Good on November 24, 2008 at 3:08 AM
Nice arrangement of oaks and I love the added definition and mood the light has given to this image. Strangely I too had a similar feeling as the others in terms of a "photographer's shadow" being down the middle, but I wasn't really going to say anything because I thought it would just be me. If you can minimize that effect just a bit, this would be perfect to me. Nice use of light to create a really magical setting.
Posted by Robert Dayton on November 26, 2008 at 12:27 AM
Steve, hard work pays off. I've never tried any lighting like this. This encourages me to take
risks.
Steve,
Really like what you've done with this shot. Great idea painting with light on these interesting trees. Well done. The shadow isn't as noticeable to my eye. Best Regards.
Discussion
8 repliesLos Osos Oaks State Preserve
I remember this from ES&S. I mentioned back then that my Grandmother lived in the Mobile home community right next to here. I've walked through here on a number of occassions.
I really like what you did here with the lights - very creative. It's quite dark in there even on a sunny day, so you did well to do something different. My only nit, if you could call it that, is what appears to be a shadow (you're shadow?) right down the middle from the bottom of the frame. It's not a problem per se, but it makes me think it's your shadow. Also, I might consider a slight burn of the most foreward trunk just right of center.
The light on the background oak is excellent and gives this lots of depth. Nicely crafted and executed.
Lon
When I first saw this one this morning, the center path, I think it is, gives the look and feel of a photographer shadow down the center. I did not comment as I was struggling with trying to get my eyes focused enough to take things in. Now that I read Lon's comment it looks as though he got the same feeling. Otherwise it sure gets the creativity juices flowing with ideas though.
Hitting that oak preserve is on my list. Looks like a cool spot.
Paul, I darkened that portion of the trail. Since it's distracting I'll take care of it. Lighting these oaks was not easy what so ever. Everytime I light paint it's more of a luck factor leaving with something useable. Thanks.
Harley, when do you plan on going? Maybe we can get a date going and see if we can get some more us going? There is a road that heads up one of the canyons that can get where the fog is breaking when it's over cast out. We can get that dramatic breakthrough light in the oaks.
Great creativity with this image, I like that its different then the regular daytime affect. Some different things to look at here. I particularly like the larger brighter lighting behind some of the trees. Great work.
risks.
Really like what you've done with this shot. Great idea painting with light on these interesting trees. Well done. The shadow isn't as noticeable to my eye. Best Regards.