Cathedral - Day One

This my first image of 2009. This cathedral of trees was planted in the CVNP decades ago and now the Oak Hill trail wanders through it.

The original image was a little blah, so I applied the Orton technique to it. In addition to the increase in saturation and contrast, I like the "old world" feel that resulted.

D300, 18-70 @ 52mm, 1/4 sec @ f/18, tripod, Orton

Chuck, this is a prime candidate for the Orton and this image is superb! A great one to bring in the new year!

Chuck, this is a gorgeous image!! The PP is exceptional and works perfect here. I also want to thank you for including the link to the step by step tutorial, as this technique is new to me. I have a question about the light. It seems as though the light is at the proverbial end of the tunnel, yet there are shadows suggesting the light is coming from the left. Not a nit, just a curiosity about what is creating the inviting warm light at the end of the tree tunnel. You've given me one more reason to add CVNP to my list for 2009 (a perfect excuse to visit my sister who lives in Hudson). Great way to start the new year photographically!

Hi Brian,

Yes, the light is from the left. There's a meadow at the end of the tunnel, full of old fruit trees. (I think this area may have been an orchard before the park was created.) The side light is hitting the dry grass of the meadow and lighting the end of the tunnel.

Let me know if I can be of any assistance with your trip to the CVNP.

Chuck, thanks and I will email you when I have a definite plan for my next Ohio visit. I would love to have an insider's take on where and when to shoot. I've been there once before, but only for a day hike with my sister and brother-in-law. Your images have inspired me to delve deeper into the park and all it has to offer photographically. Thanks for the generous offer of assistance.

Great shot and a good use of Orton. My only nit is the missing tree on the right. I've probably seen too many episodes of Monk.

Lots of directions on the web on how to create the Orton effect using photoshop or other programs.

Beautiful composition, Chuck! The Orton effect is perfect for this scene!

Chuck - I think it's worth noting that the "orton" effect is tastefully done as well. I've seen way to many instances where it's (in my opinion) over done. This works wonderfully. I actually kinda like the idiosyncrasy of the "missing" tree.

Chuck,
A wonderful start to the new year! I love everything about this.

Nice 3D quality to this one. Good job with the processing as it gives it strange almost other worldly look.

I wish i could say i know what the orton technique is but i dont have a clue, anyway i really like this shot chuck.
Is the orton effect light on the trees in the bg and an antique look to the 2 rows of trees in the fg ?

Hi Wally, Check out the link in my original post above. Orton Imagery essentially merges two overexposed images, one sharp and one slightly out of focus, to give a high-contrast, high saturation image with a "mystical" feeling to it. Prior to digital imaging an Orton image was created by overlaying two slides. Now it is easily accomplished using layered images in Photoshop. The results can be quite rewarding.

Nice image, Chuck. I like the way the Orton effect gives the photo an almost "painterly" look. I am close enough that I need to wander down to the CVNP one of these days