"Oaks of Winter"

Snow scenes are a rare occurrence for me. Bakersfield will rarely see snow, but it isn't uncommon to have snow in the mountains east of Bakersfield. What makes them rare for me is I have to be there when they occur. Luckily, my plans to go out Saturday morning for my first photo outing this year coincided with a snow event. Despite the snowy and slippery roads, my Mitsubishi was up to the task. It was a busy and fast paced morning, jumping around to find the right light and compositions. Whether or not I succeeded is not as important as how much I enjoyed getting out on my own for the first time in many months. The conditions were the best they could be so if I didn't succeed, then I will probably not be able to redeem myself until next winter. Thanks for your thoughts and make sure to utilize the Larger preview!

Thanks for your observations!

For me, this is the best of the bunch from your four postings. Excellent composition, light, and processing. Snow-covered oaks are kind of a rare sight for us in SoCal. Very, very nicely done. Cheers! Chris

Nice composition and great light. Well done!

Thanks Chris. Probably my favorite as well, although I am also partial to "Violent Winter, Peaceful Spring" because of the drama in the clouds and the contrast of seasons. The light for this one was just right; soft enough for backlighting yet bright enough to cast shadows. As for the lower ratings for this one, seems typical I guess. Thanks again!

Thank you Larry for your kind observation!

Hey Mark... How did I miss this one! Excellent detail in the snow, crisp branches, gorgeous backlight, dramatic shadows; just a very well presented shot... Love it... Mike

 

Thanks Mike. I would say that of all the images I took on this morning, this one required the most attention to the quality of light and content of composition. The way the soft light raked across the scene was really stunning. For sure, the moment was rare and I am left to second guess all of my choices. I wish I could replay this day and give it another go, this time taking more time. I told my wife that I would return by 9:30 am and it was already 8:30 and I was an hour away from home. Rather than taking my time, I chose instead to avoid taking my lumps. Next time I won't promise to be back at 9:30, well, unless I mean p.m.!

Really nice shot. Beautiful composition and exposure which is not easy to do with light on a subject like this.

Great shot Mark, excellent light and compositional awareness.

Beautiful image; the light, shadows, the upward view, colors make for a beautiful California mountain winter scene! Excellent photo; thank you for sharing. :)

The back lighted subject photographed in an excellent way. Very good composition, exposure and contrast. Even the pice of broken of twig in the foreground-right is a good part of the image. I like it very much. Bravo Mark.

 

Cheers; Bela

IMHO, " Image, - Adjustment,- Selective color, - White" I would make the snow a step whiter to get the real shiny sun to glow on the snow. IMHO.

 

Bela