This is something I've been planning to do for a long time but just last week during a snow storm I finally took the winter version. I nearly broke my leg climbing over the snow covered boulders to get that image. The rocks were slick as could be and I couldn't see the deep holes between them until I stuck my leg down them. I know some of you might mention that I need a spring image, but do we really have spring here? Also, I'm not really thinking to sell the images in this format, this is just a holder. Anyway, your thoughts and comments are always desired.
Posted by Todd Caudle on December 7, 2011 at 6:39 PM
I'm not really thinking to sell the images in this format...
Are you nucking futs??? This is a beauty of a scene just as it is, Erik, and you should print a couple versions just like this and see how they go.
Really great series, Erik, and I agree with Todd that it seems like it should have potential as a set (maybe a poster?). Definitely know what you mean about so-called spring: the only thing I can imagine is if you could catch the first green buds with some snow still on the ground.
Posted by Bill Bean on December 7, 2011 at 9:02 PM
Nice idea. Incredible matching comp. I'm assuming some cropping had to happen to match the comp to a tee? Or do you save a memory card with these files and use it to mirror comp?
Kane, I really didn't do any cropping. I just brought my iPod with the autumn photo on it. Taking the winter shot was the hardest as I couldn't put the tripod where I wanted due to the ice so I just got it as close as I could.
Posted by Pam Colander on December 7, 2011 at 9:53 PM
It's not like you don't have a store to hang this in It is gorgeous! It's your decision if you don't feel you have enough of a Spring there to make it a 4 season image. This will certainly work as is
Posted by Bert Fukuda on December 7, 2011 at 10:04 PM
What Todd said!
Posted by Jack Garrett on December 8, 2011 at 12:12 AM
I agree with Bill. I've seen theses aspens and you did a great job here...don't think you need a 4th image.
Posted by Don Bartram on December 8, 2011 at 12:56 AM
I have to agree with everyone, this is a wondrful set. My only suggestion would be to place the winter shot on the right rather than the left to carry the season theme logically across the whole set.
Don Bartram
Albuquerque.
Posted by Jimmy Gekas on December 8, 2011 at 1:18 AM
Yeah...what Todd said! This is really, really cool.
Posted by Don Grall on December 8, 2011 at 2:14 AM
Absolutely great set! A spring shot would be with the buds opened and trailing down, however the distance used for this series might not make the buds very noticeable. A similar set but with a closer view of the leaves/buds would make the spring image more impactful.
Posted by Howard Cihak on December 8, 2011 at 4:12 AM
Let me add my vote to Todd's comment. This is a great series and what you've posted would make a great poster.
Posted by Scott Bacon on December 8, 2011 at 9:42 AM
Love this. I especially like the color difference of the rocks between summer and fall. With that and the difference in the foliage, they look like totally different scenes. Yet then you realize they're the same - really intriguing mind trick. I, too, would move winter to the right side. That was the very first thing that crossed my mind. Nice work!
Posted by Erik Stensland on December 8, 2011 at 10:19 AM
Thanks everyone for your input. I've changed around the seasons per your suggestions. I'll post this on G+ and FB to see if folks would be interested in this as a poster.
Posted by Paul Martin on December 8, 2011 at 10:21 AM
Wow, this is really cool -- I agree that there is a bigger impact when all 3 are taken together versus individually. I don't think you really need a "spring" shot, you could always go out and take a look at the scene in the spring. Ideally, you would still have a little snow around with the trees starting to bud.
Posted by Kurt Bowman on December 8, 2011 at 11:17 AM
rik, I agree with Todd on this one. I think selling this as posted is much strainer visually since it shows the life cycle. nice job and creativity!
Posted by Joshua Hardin on December 8, 2011 at 11:37 AM
I love the spring/summer, fall, winter progression of your repost Erik. I think this definitely would work well as a poster or even a postcard or a triptic series of prints as Bill suggested. Well done!
Posted by Jeff Hackett on December 8, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Awesome Erik! I think the set of three works very well, then again I think odd numbers are cool. As mentioned, I think the poster idea is a good one as well as the triptych.
Posted by Rohn B. McKee on December 8, 2011 at 11:54 AM
Wonderful Images
Love the idea and the execution
Posted by Stan Rose on December 8, 2011 at 12:56 PM
It's really quite simple Erik--get the friggin' Spring version (you know, little itsee bitsee buds) and sell, baybee, sell!
Posted by Stan Rose on December 8, 2011 at 12:57 PM
although if the Winter version was shot last week--that's cheating! Go back in January and do it right...
Posted by Todd Caudle on December 8, 2011 at 1:14 PM
This is one of those things that bothers me endlessly (and perhaps needlessly), but the plural of aspen is NOT aspen, it is aspens. I would suggest a tag line reading either "The Life of Aspens in Rocky Mountain National Park" or "The Life of Aspen Trees in Rocky Mountain National Park." Or "an Aspen Grove" or "Aspen Forests" or some such.
Discussion
30 repliesThis is something I've been planning to do for a long time but just last week during a snow storm I finally took the winter version. I nearly broke my leg climbing over the snow covered boulders to get that image. The rocks were slick as could be and I couldn't see the deep holes between them until I stuck my leg down them. I know some of you might mention that I need a spring image, but do we really have spring here? Also, I'm not really thinking to sell the images in this format, this is just a holder. Anyway, your thoughts and comments are always desired.
Are you nucking futs???
Don Bartram
Albuquerque.
Love the idea and the execution
Mark