"Pastel in Nature"

This is from an older post. I have tinkered with the overall look, the original post did not

reflect my best recollection of the scene. Thanks for your time!

I like this image with the detail of the fallen tree in the foreground. It makes for a strong contrasting statement both in colors and state of being in tlhe elements of nature. Well done Mark, rek.

Mark, the pastels are excellent and the FG log really adds depth. Pastel skies are seriously underrated. I think you may have pushed the sharpening a little hard on the log. It looks very crunchy viewed large.

Thanks Richard and Jeff for stopping in! Jeff, I think there are alot of good things on this web platform that go underrated; in general, good ol' wholesome photography. Any average noon day shot of the Wave (a famously photographed landmark in Arizona) will command droves of praises and platitudes. Meanwhile, a well thought out, understated composition that features the subtle beauties of nature gets passed over like stale bread. A kind comment from the two of you is significant, it means I am truly doing the right things, even if slightly over-sharpened. Thanks!

This is precisely what drives me absolutely bonkers about this site (let me tell you how I really feel ;-). You are correct in that an understated image like this gets completely hammered without most folks just stopping for a moment and appreciating the scene, the composition, the capture of the image, and the post-processing involved. For those of us who are fortunate enough to live in southern California and visit the flanks of the Sierras, this is one of those scenes that makes one's day! Wonderful layers, colors, and a heck of a vista here. I like that the eye travels, quite logically, from lower left to upper right. Well done, my friend; this a real gem! Cheers! Chris

Mark, I couldn't agree more. It is the comments from people that you respect that make it all worthwhile. I just wonder if 'subtle' or 'could possibly have looked that way' will ever become fashionable again.

 

The bottom line for me is that I don't want to do work like that. It holds no appeal. If I post a saturated image it is because what I saw was that way. Steve Penland has a wonderful saying - 'Just because you can doesn't mean that you should'. I'm happy to work that way.

Very eloquently put, my friend; and I too love the Penland quote! Cheers! Chris

Thanks Chris and again to you Jeff. "Penland Law" is a mantra many should heed!

I couldn't agree more with all that has been said. It seems that popularity and "I'll compliment you if you compliment me" comes into play more than the photography. This image is just another example of your well thought out, composed and processed images. These images inspire me and I find them a real viewing pleasure. So very well done, Mark. Oh by the way your comment on the Kah Kat Yoong photo discussion was very well put and echoes my own feelings perfectly. Kudos!

perfect light and tones. excellent shot.