spring 2010 "Emerging from the Shadow of Time""

The backlit grasses and flowers put out a warm glow but the process of exposing for this image is quite challenging. The blend required 5 separate exposures that varied by 12 stops. The darkest exposures were needed to retain as much detail near the sun as possible. Therefore, 3 of the exposures were simply to render a suitable sky, the 4th exposure was needed to connect the sky with the brightest foreground exposure with a seamless transition. I think it's time to say uncle and start using an HDR software. I am cautious because I do not like the typical HDR effect with cartoonish haloes, but I think the newer versions of these different tools offer more control over the results. I believe the spring season is coming to a close, so my posts will become increasingly infrequent. While the wildflowers may be around for a few more weeks, the ten day forecast is for mid 80s and clear with no clouds. I get no inspiration from cloudless skies. It is just as well. I need a break from shooting and posting while I tend to life's dealings without distraction. Photography is my second love (wife and family come first) and it is indeed a major distraction. Still, I have many photo related projects on the horizon. Thanks to all who help me identify with my own photography. Your comments and suggestions, along with the favorable regards, are truly invaluable. We all grumble from time to time about PNet's shortcomings, but truthfully it has shaped my progression in photography immensely. You can't find that kind of resource for $25 anywhere else. Let me know if this image has succeeded and of course, please enjoy the Larger preview!

It is the coming and going of our Sun that time is based upon. When we live our lives,

time goes by unseen. It's amazing how fast 20 minutes can go by when I am trying to

get my 5 year old daughter ready for school, especially when she can't decide what to

wear. As I watched this scene unfold, I could better relate to actual time as the flowers

emerged from the shadow into the light. I was literally watching time in real time. Those

shadows from the ridges are like a gargantuan sun dial. Thanks for your assessments

and please utilize the Larger preview!

Mark...  Spectacular!  Well worth using up all those 5 frames of pixels :-).   The sun, sky and rays are excellent, but the field of flowers and the wonderful back light make this for me... Mike

PDE

nice work Mark.

Hi Mark, I'm viewing your pic after a particularly frustrating day at work. It has lifted my spirits. Thanks heaps for sharing. Regards, Margo.

Like you, I have other priorities in life. Sometimes that doesn't afford me the time to comment on all the fine pictures here on PN. I just wanted to tell you, I always enjoy your work. This picture is a classic Geistweite. Beautiful colors, well composed, with just the right exposure. Another wonderful shot. Thanks for sharing your work. I know your an inspiration to many, myself included. Take care.-Jim

Hello Mike, Pierre, Brendan, Margo and Jim! Thanks for the thoughtful comments. If this image has inspired you and "lifted your spirits", then it has accomplished all I could hope for. Thanks so much!

He shoots, he scores. Another amazing image from your part of the world. I'll have to get out and do some work on my own instead of just admiring yours. Very well done Mark, rek.,

Gorgeous scene Mark - intimate and vast at the same time.

Well done, David

Beautiful shot.

Thanks Richard, David and Stu for the positive comments!

Sounds like this was a lot of work, but it works beautifully!  I sooo wish I could see those flowers!  I never get there at the right time:)  I'll just have to enjoy the beauty of your images!

super composition you have filled up the full frame with layers of intrest, I'm drawn to the sun and distant mountains. Your hard work has also produced the perfect exposure. A fantastic image Mark, very well done.

Richard.

Thanks Kim and Richard! Sorry for the tardy response. I appreciate the favorable comments!

Such a stunning portfolio to behold. This is one of my favorites.