This is my second post from our trip to RMNP back in October. My wife and I were actually taking a little side trip around some icy patches when I saw this one and decided it had character growing up on that rock. I think it would have worked better if the sun had been behind me and lower, but we were there to hike as many trails as we could in five days. I'll take what ever light I can get.
Posted by Jeff Sirota on December 15, 2008 at 7:59 PM
I like it, but agree that the light isn't great. Still, it's a beautiful tree and the sky behind it is interesting. There are two things I'd try with this photo. First, I'd open up some of the shadows on the tree itself. Second, I'd definitely try it as a black and white, with filtering to accentuate the clouds and sky. These trees and the sky you have here are, in my opinion, great elements for a monochrome image.
Posted by Erik Aagaard on December 15, 2008 at 9:50 PM
I second the black and white suggestion - should be awesome with those clouds and the striking shape of the tree!
Posted by Steve Sieren on December 15, 2008 at 10:08 PM
I'll second the B&W option with the light and shadows on the tree with the textured sky. A tad more foreground might of helped but that's just my opinion.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on December 15, 2008 at 10:22 PM
Cool tree and sky. I don't think the left side contributes much, you might try a tighter, square crop (if you're into squares).
Posted by Todd Caudle on December 15, 2008 at 11:24 PM
I'm no expert, but I don't think that's a juniper. AFAIK, juniper trees don't have needles. Bristlecone pine?
Posted by Mel Ladewig on December 16, 2008 at 12:51 AM
Like Todd, I believe this is a bristlecone pine and a beautiful specimen.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on December 16, 2008 at 1:02 AM
Todd! You changed your avatar! Nice image but how am I supposed to recognize your posts now?
Posted by Rohn B. McKee on December 16, 2008 at 1:29 AM
Maybe a Limber Pine fellas, don't think Bristle Cone are found in RMNP.
Whatever, I love it. These old survivors are priceless.
Posted by Kevin Trinkner on December 16, 2008 at 8:47 AM
Nice catch, I agree the lighting isn't perfect, but still a nice shot. I actually shot this fella as well back in July, but the lighting was even worse and I wasn't able to make much out of it..
Posted by Adam Schallau on December 16, 2008 at 11:33 PM
Another vote for conversion to black and white. I'd also crop a bit from the left to tighten up the composition. I think with a little bit of work, this could be a nice image.
Thanks to everyone for the feedback, suggestions, and identification of the tree. I wish it was a bristlecone. I'd love to be able to say I had a bristlecone shot!
Here is another version, cropped tighter and converted to B&W. I'm still pretty new at B&W conversion. When I tried cropping off some of the left it put the tree pretty much dead center and didn't seem to help. What do you think of this crop?
Discussion
11 repliesWhatever, I love it. These old survivors are priceless.
Here is another version, cropped tighter and converted to B&W. I'm still pretty new at B&W conversion. When I tried cropping off some of the left it put the tree pretty much dead center and didn't seem to help. What do you think of this crop?