Roaming around the shores of Lake Tahoe on this clear evening, the natural beauty of the location was instantly evident. Truly an amazing location with so many interesting photography opportunities. The challenge for me was trying to find a way to capture that beauty, despite the incredibly boring clear skies. I decided to get creative, and pulled out the filter that never fails me in these conditions, my big stopper. With a new vision of long exposures and B&W photos in my head, I walked the rocks around Bonsai Rock again, looking for a good opportunity.
Hopping from rock to rock along the shore, I stumbled across this scene of a dead branch that had washed onto one of the rocks about ten feet out from shore (No, I did not place it there and sure as hell was not going to get wet to even get close to it). The scene was just too good to pass up, so I pulled out my medium reach lens and started playing with a few compositions. This one was my favorite, and I felt it conveys the emotions of the scene, and the vision I had in my mind the best.
This has a very calm look to me. Well seen and captured softly. Only tiny nit may be to have a tiny bit more room on the right as the stick's end seems relatively close to the edge. What a pleasing combo of tones, hardness and softness.
Great composition. I think the submerged rocks add a lot to it. Probably could extrapolate some symbolism studying this with a glass, or, bottle of wine.
Doug, I appreciate the feedback, and agree with you. Unfortunately the area was pretty tight with a lot of other rocks that would have added clutter. This was as close as I could get it on the spot, while keeping a clean comp. =)
Lance...you crack me up! Wine makes anything more interesting my friend.
One of your best IMO! Fine art for sure. It's a matter of personal preference, but I think I'd like this even more with a little more contrast, and bringing up the white point just a bit.
Fine art photography at its best, Koveh. I really like this one a lot! Excellent visualization and capture!!
How did the Big Stropper help you with this one?
John, the big stopper allowed me to do a 188 sec exposure in the bright light of day. This allowed me to smooth out the water from the choppy waves to the silky and smooth looking water you see here. Which in tern helps put the emphasis where I wanted it, and not the added distraction.
Discussion
24 repliesHopping from rock to rock along the shore, I stumbled across this scene of a dead branch that had washed onto one of the rocks about ten feet out from shore (No, I did not place it there and sure as hell was not going to get wet to even get close to it). The scene was just too good to pass up, so I pulled out my medium reach lens and started playing with a few compositions. This one was my favorite, and I felt it conveys the emotions of the scene, and the vision I had in my mind the best.
I like your use of the "big stopper".
A feel of wonderment and mystery
Doug, I appreciate the feedback, and agree with you. Unfortunately the area was pretty tight with a lot of other rocks that would have added clutter. This was as close as I could get it on the spot, while keeping a clean comp. =)
Lance...you crack me up!
How did the Big Stropper help you with this one?
John, the big stopper allowed me to do a 188 sec exposure in the bright light of day. This allowed me to smooth out the water from the choppy waves to the silky and smooth looking water you see here. Which in tern helps put the emphasis where I wanted it, and not the added distraction.