Posted by Lon Overacker on November 10, 2009 at 1:36 PM
Can't think of a name... any suggestions?
Ok, more self-deprecating photography... and please, your honest opinions.
If you've been around the June Lake Loop enough times, you'll know where this is when I tell you. Immediately south of the Silver Lake picnic area (where we all met) is stretch of road with aspens lined on both sides. They've always caught my eye when backlit and this last trip I finally decided I would try and capture something.
With the backlighting and strong, shaded areas, the contrast is pretty high and not the best situation for film. Subsequently, the PSD file is a mess! masking, painting and adjustments everywhere. This even has a bit of Orton applied which I think is a bit too heavy here where it's kind of blotched up the darker areas.
One question I have is what do you think about the background - too blue? This was an interesting experience because I remember commenting to myself at the scene about how I could see the blue in the shadowed background. But honestly, I don't think it was this blue and I find it difficult most times trying to match recollections with reality.
Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts on that or anything else about the image that you like or don't like.
Lon, well naming things after awhile can be a bit daunting, I personally do not have anything to offer up at this time, sorry.
As the image is presented I think a slight toning down of the blue would work, but not so much as it does not remain a good part of the scene. It works as an excellent contrast and strong back drop to the FG colors overall.
I'm not a big fan of the Orton processing of any image, however, this does not seem too strong handed at all, excluding as you have mentioned the darker areas that seem a bit blocked up in the shadows as a result of that process. There is a tendency for me to focus in on the upper left cluster of green foliage here, a bit unbalanced from the middle and right areas of that upper level. Maybe making that area lighter will assist with that small amount of balance.
Posted by Harley Goldman on November 10, 2009 at 2:58 PM
I would suggest the UCLA Bruin Aspens, given the colors? But since you are a NorCal'er, perhaps the Bears?
I like the blues, but find the Orton effect a bit heavy for my tastes.
Posted by Robert Dayton on November 10, 2009 at 3:32 PM
I like it. Going beyond that, I concur with the aforementioned opinions by Paul and Harley.
Posted by Tony Siciliano on November 10, 2009 at 3:47 PM
It's not easy to find a clump of aspens that vertical, with no askew ones distracting from the overall composition. Good eye, great composition! I love the color palette, but also agree that toning down the blue background might improve the image. I might also try removing some of the blue cast from the aspens.
Posted by Jimmy Gekas on November 10, 2009 at 3:58 PM
Go Bruins!
Cool colors and I like the glow on the trunks.
Posted by Benjamin Glatt on November 10, 2009 at 5:34 PM
Definitely not too blue. Orton is too heavy and distracting though imho.
Posted by Dan Baumbach on November 10, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Lon,
It's not the best of your images but certainly better than you make it out to be. Orton is a little too much. I like the blue.
- Dan.
Posted by Derek Sedillo on November 10, 2009 at 11:22 PM
First off great shot Lon, especially after your mentioning the lack of Colorado type aspens. It looks like you found some really nice ones here. And although still green in parts it is a nice mixture of greens and yellows.
I agree about the orton being a little heavy. And I'm mixed about the blue. But overall I really like it despite the difficult lighting.
Lon,
I like the composition and the glow of the aspen leaves. I think its just a little too blue, but its still a pleasing image. Maybe a little more contrast for the tree bark?? Best Regards.
I really like the composition, Lon. I think the orton effect is a bit too heavy, though. Also, the blue looks a tad radioactive to me. Perhaps if you cut back on the cyan and lighten the blue for a more 'atmospheric' effect, it would work better for me. I like the yellow leaf/green leaf balance.
-P
Posted by Eric Good on November 13, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Sometimes I find slightly blending a base exposure back over the final image can be just tweak I'm looking for. In this case, it might soften the Orten effect and bg blues just enough to be perfect for my tastes. Other than that, this image definitely works for me. Nice work!
Posted by Bishop Bastien on November 14, 2009 at 11:48 PM
Lon -- Am torn I really like the composition and the blue and green contrast in colors but the colors are pushed a bit too far for my taste. I would like to see this in more of a straight print just to see how the two compare.
Hmmm, I'm sure about this one, yet. I like it, but agree that the orton is a little heavy, as you mentioned. I could see the blue background right away too, but I think it's fine. Theres a nice glow to the light among the tree that I really like.
Discussion
13 repliesOk, more self-deprecating photography... and please, your honest opinions.
If you've been around the June Lake Loop enough times, you'll know where this is when I tell you. Immediately south of the Silver Lake picnic area (where we all met) is stretch of road with aspens lined on both sides. They've always caught my eye when backlit and this last trip I finally decided I would try and capture something.
With the backlighting and strong, shaded areas, the contrast is pretty high and not the best situation for film. Subsequently, the PSD file is a mess! masking, painting and adjustments everywhere. This even has a bit of Orton applied which I think is a bit too heavy here where it's kind of blotched up the darker areas.
One question I have is what do you think about the background - too blue? This was an interesting experience because I remember commenting to myself at the scene about how I could see the blue in the shadowed background. But honestly, I don't think it was this blue and I find it difficult most times trying to match recollections with reality.
Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts on that or anything else about the image that you like or don't like.
Thanks!
Lon
As the image is presented I think a slight toning down of the blue would work, but not so much as it does not remain a good part of the scene. It works as an excellent contrast and strong back drop to the FG colors overall.
I'm not a big fan of the Orton processing of any image, however, this does not seem too strong handed at all, excluding as you have mentioned the darker areas that seem a bit blocked up in the shadows as a result of that process. There is a tendency for me to focus in on the upper left cluster of green foliage here, a bit unbalanced from the middle and right areas of that upper level. Maybe making that area lighter will assist with that small amount of balance.
I like the blues, but find the Orton effect a bit heavy for my tastes.
Cool colors and I like the glow on the trunks.
It's not the best of your images but certainly better than you make it out to be. Orton is a little too much. I like the blue.
- Dan.
I agree about the orton being a little heavy. And I'm mixed about the blue. But overall I really like it despite the difficult lighting.
Derek
I like the composition and the glow of the aspen leaves. I think its just a little too blue, but its still a pleasing image. Maybe a little more contrast for the tree bark?? Best Regards.
-P
Best regards -- Bishop
Chris