Time for more pics from my little trip a week ago. After shooting sunset
at Mayflower Gulch Saturday night, I drove over to Mt. Evans, and camped in my truck. Got up at about 5am, and drove the short distance over to the bristlecone pine area. I had hoped to shoot my favorite tree, but the sky was crystal clear from that angle. Having already shot that image a number of times like that I hiked over the little ridge, across the road, and down to this tree that many of know well.
I sat on a nice comfy rock to get down low enough to get most of the tree above the horizon, but in hindsight, maybe should have gotten even lower. Next time! I shot several half frame 4x5's, and it's amazing how much the sunburst changed in just the time it takes to switch film holders around! I'll post a few other images from that same AM in a minute. Enjoy!
Here's the same shot essentially, shot less than 3 minutes later, but of course full frame. I didn't even attempt a split ND filter, thinking it would leave a nice even line on the trunk of the tree, but was able to pull out a little more info in the foreground via Photoshop. I guess it would have been interesting to at least try it. Next time again! HA!
Just one more. This was about 15 minutes later, and from the exact same spot. In fact, I was still sitting on the same rock. Took a little time for a Pop Tart! This is just angled about 45 degrees from the last shot.
Wista 45DX
135mm lens
1" @ f/22.5
Fuji Velvia 50
Posted by Bill Pelzmann on August 1, 2006 at 3:37 PM
I really like #1. Yes, a lower angle might have been even better. Looks like you need an angle finder?
Posted by Denise Symes on August 1, 2006 at 3:38 PM
I love that second shot!!
Pop-Tarts rock, too.
Posted by Joseph Finn on August 1, 2006 at 3:57 PM
I am beginning to think you got those Darren K vacation hours Great stuff, Brent.
Posted by Momo Vuyisich on August 1, 2006 at 4:02 PM
The first shot is amazing. The colors and clarity of the photo are great. I agree that a lower angle shot would have been better, but this one is really nice. Plus, you have an excuse to go back one more time. Thanks for posting.
Posted by Rene Pirolt on August 1, 2006 at 4:07 PM
Brent - great shots. I like all of them, but the first is my favorite.
Posted by Scott Borger on August 1, 2006 at 4:11 PM
The first shot is good. I agree with others about the angle. However, I think that the 2nd shot would be better than any of the other shots if the light was not so scattered (perhaps if you caught the light the very second it came over the mountain or just before- like in the first).
Rene- nice quote. That Brian Regan guy is a trip, hilarious.
Posted by Robbie George on August 1, 2006 at 5:20 PM
Great Shots Brent! I like them both, but seem to be drawn to the bigger star burst on the second shot for some reason. Hard to pick the better of the two, both convey the feeling of being there well. Robbie George
Posted by Chris Ebright on August 1, 2006 at 5:53 PM
Brent, #1 is awesome. I don't have a problem with the angle you chose. I am always too lazy to catch those silouhette starbursts!
Posted by Brian Jackson on August 1, 2006 at 6:25 PM
The first one is amazing. At first I thought the tree was a little too centered, but after looking at it more I noticed that it kept leading me to the sunburst and the great sky colors. The more I look at it the more I like it. Great job!
Brian
Posted by Dan Walters on August 1, 2006 at 9:40 PM
Very cool images. I really like the second image and how the sun illuminates the foreground.
I have always liked those bristlecones. It amazes me how old they are.
They are both great shots and the feelings I get of your three shots and trip remind me of my dark-arss drive up that gulch to the top of Hornsilver Mtn at Camp Hale to capture the sunrise.
Your half slide shot is cool but I feel a little bit constrained viewing it. The full slide shot gives me a more comfortable anchor but the sunrays are not as pretty.
Nevertheless these comments are nits and you deserve major congrats for being there and capturing the light!
Posted by Tony Bouchard on August 1, 2006 at 10:50 PM
I really like the first one. The color in the sky is great. I love it when I can get the sun coming up or going down in a 'notch' or something like that.
Posted by David A Bliss on August 1, 2006 at 10:55 PM
I really like the second shot. Your right, a split ND might have been tough, but a GND might have worked. Another route you can go is take two shots, one exposed for horizon (like this shot) and one exposed for foreground, and then layer then in PS (I have been shooting digital for a couple of years, and am now just starting to use this technique instead of relying only on the GND). I realize that might be tougher on the 4x5 than on a 35mm (or digital equivilant). Actually, honestly, I don't know, having never used a 4x5! Anyway, love the way the sun came out!
Discussion
18 repliesTime for more pics from my little trip a week ago. After shooting sunset
at Mayflower Gulch Saturday night, I drove over to Mt. Evans, and camped in my truck. Got up at about 5am, and drove the short distance over to the bristlecone pine area. I had hoped to shoot my favorite tree, but the sky was crystal clear from that angle. Having already shot that image a number of times like that
I sat on a nice comfy rock to get down low enough to get most of the tree above the horizon, but in hindsight, maybe should have gotten even lower. Next time!
Wista 45DX
90mm lens
1" @ f/32.5
Fuji Velvia 50
Wista 45DX
90mm lens
1" @ f/45.3
Fuji Velvia 50
Wista 45DX
135mm lens
1" @ f/22.5
Fuji Velvia 50
Pop-Tarts rock, too.
Rene- nice quote. That Brian Regan guy is a trip, hilarious.
Brian
I have always liked those bristlecones. It amazes me how old they are.
They are both great shots and the feelings I get of your three shots and trip remind me of my dark-arss drive up that gulch to the top of Hornsilver Mtn at Camp Hale to capture the sunrise.
Your half slide shot is cool but I feel a little bit constrained viewing it. The full slide shot gives me a more comfortable anchor but the sunrays are not as pretty.
Nevertheless these comments are nits and you deserve major congrats for being there and capturing the light!
Ken