Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · PNWNP

Glowing Tree, Palouse

Discussion

10 replies
Posted by Erik Sogn on June 5, 2010 at 6:09 PM
I took this an early morning on Steptoe Butte in the Palouse. The wind was blowing, and it was bitter cold, but the soft light was amazing. Originally we were going to shoot from the top of steptoe butte, but it was covered in a cloud cap, so instead we climbed up one of the hills by the parking lot.

Nikon D300, 18-200mm VR. No filters. This is a blend of 3 exposures with minor touchups.
Posted by Richard Sogn on June 5, 2010 at 8:49 PM
A powerful photo with the rain clouds. You can "see" the rain coming down in the distance. A nice contrast between the storm and the beautiful light on the hills and tree.
Posted by Erik Lundh on June 6, 2010 at 2:05 AM
Wow, this is excellent. The light on the tree really adds depth and mood. Maybe a bit of a crop off the top? I played with a screen crop and I liked it when I cropped most of the bright sky on the top. None the less just a nit pick. Great capture!!
Posted by Erik Sogn on June 6, 2010 at 3:36 AM
Thank you for the complements!

I also enjoy the picture cropped onto just the tree: http://eriksogn.com/NPN/ErikSogn_100522_Palouse.jpg

I keep going back and forth, but ultimately I think I enjoy the version with more hills. I did make a desktop background crop for myself that cuts off just about all of the light up top which also looks great.

I'm very happy with how this turned out. :)
Posted by Neven Dries on June 6, 2010 at 7:21 AM
I agree with Eric's comment on cropping just a bit of the bright light on top. But I love the shot!
Posted by Bruce King on June 6, 2010 at 2:06 PM
Wow, really nice. The layering of the sky is intense and the light is superbly captured. I'm not sure the suggested crop would improve it, but I'd like to see it just to compare. Super shot!
Posted by David Bostock on June 6, 2010 at 5:47 PM
This is a very interesting shot. It keeps me coming back for more, trying to decipher it while admiring its beauty. Your cropped image really works well too. :toast:
Posted by Craig Strand on June 6, 2010 at 6:07 PM
I agree with the others, this is a really nice capture Erik. Besides the color range I love the between earth and sky aerial view. Very nice!
Posted by John Williams on June 7, 2010 at 9:56 AM
Other than the crop suggestion, looks good to me. Really nice layers Erik!
Posted by Zack Schnepf on June 7, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Hey Erik, glad to you post your image from this morning. I like your interpretation, I do agree cropping the top bright sky strengthens the image. It looks great as a pano.
Posted by Cliff Dodge on June 7, 2010 at 2:57 PM
Nice light to work with. I've been at the base of that tree. :smile: