Story of the Lost

It's easy to compose saturated flowerscapes, slot canyons, big mountains, playas in death valley, northwest waterfalls, etc. These locations are the ones that have consumed much of my recent travel time as well, in part because I've been leading a lot of tours (which I do very much enjoy doing) to predictably photogenic locations and part because I've been rounding out my Western US portfolio (slot canyons, for example). The end result has been a good number of similar shots, especially this summer, which is probably why I'm throwing predictability to the wind and posting this now.

One of my favorite places in the world, the Hoh Rainforest in Washington's rugged Olympic National Park also happens to be absolutely the most difficult place to compose a photograph I have ever seen. In more than fifty days spent here in the last ten years I have but one photograph I have kept from it and it was taken 200 yards from the parking lot. This is likely because I expect some lofty ideal of composition that is unobtainable in a place like this.
What makes it so difficult for me is that it contains the greatest number of endless details and complexities I know of anywhere, making it nearly impossible to simplify a scene using traditional means of patterns, lines, transitions and contrasts. And, even when I do succeed in simplifying a scene here the image I make does not convey to me the experience of the place adequately enough, because it really is all about the details!

This image was meant to convey something of the complexities that abound here and it probably not the easiest thing on the eyes at such small size, so I apologize. It was taken fifteen miles into the backcountry far off-trail near an unnamed tributary to the upper Hoh that me and a friend explored for a day, returning to our riverside camp in the evening. With a rare, momentary combination of diffused sun and mist in the air, I figured I'd give it a try.

Canon 1Ds Mark III, 24-105 lens at 60mm, f/11, 4 seconds, ISO 100, polarizer.

Great light and well-composed.  I like it.  Although not a fan of the title (why even title it?)

I personally think putting a title on an image emphasizes the point the artist is conveying through the piece.  Same with songs, movies, books and many art forms alike.  It's also an easier reference for me than, say, Hoh13A5/20/10 or something.  To me, the title conveys what I've always felt of this place - that it is a rarely seen world buried deep, alone, untouched and that this was my attempt to tell something of its story. 

I agree with your theory on titiles and I think this one is appropriate. The complexity of the scene is enhances with the dappled sunlight allows the scene to breathe with a light of it's own.  the scene backlit as it is, is enhanced bly the misty paleness of the single tree in the background with the sun hightlighting the foliage to it's left provides a complex yet beautiful example of what you are trying to convey.  Very well presented, rek.

I confess to being an avid fan of a lot of your previous work, so on first sight of the image  you will forgive me for thinking "This can't be the same Marc Adamus" but upon reading your explanatory text, I can fully appreciate where you are coming from with it. There are times when I see similar scenes that are invariably beautiful, but having taken the photograph to the best of my ability, end up with what I can only describe as a messy scene, without logical semblance or composition, and invariably delete them without further ado. The beauty of this image is not instantaneous, but nevertheless there is a great deal of aesthetically pleasing forms, textures and light within the frame that becomes more obvious on closer and longer examination. In summary I don't think you can apply the same values and rules to this type of scene than you can to your classic mountain views for instance. However in a much larger format, I could envisage losing myself in the depths and textures of this beautiful lush rainforest, and if it was your intention to bring a flavour and atmosphere of this place, then I would have to say you have succeeded. Sincere compliments!

Alf

PS

I am in complete agreement about the naming of photographs, for me it projects an intended mood or meaning for my own images, and variably suggests one from others photographs .

Marc, the composition in this is very intricate and almost layered. The moss covered logs in the fore anchor it. The sturdy trees and their placement in the background pull me through the scene. The three skinny saplings in front seem to split this into thirds. I don't think you deliberately compose this as much as you just sense it, almost innate. The lighting is exquisite. Not on the scale of some of your grand sweeping vistas, but for what it's worth, maybe my favorite work of yours. I appreciate what you have here.

Marc,

 You have made yourself famous in the online photography world, mostly with big wide bold landscapes. They were unique because they were done to perfection. Then...many others took up inspiration to imitate, flooding the sites and forums. I am really glad to see this new type of work rise up and out of you more frequently. To see nature for all it's wonders...big and small, simple and complex. Not that you haven't seen it or photographed it...but its time to show it. I simply love this type of landscape image for its uniqueness. Its a scene that many would trampse on by without stopping to visually explore or attempt to form a composition out of. Only someone who takes the time to completely see and appreciate nature can come away with an image like this one. It shows to me that you are not just after the chase...the chase of yet another grand and glorious piece of landscape porn.

 This is one image that will look totally amazing in print, framed in someone's home. If we were to exchange prints sometime...this is the one I would want to explore! Its beautiful!!! (oh...and the title is just as creative and fitting!)

Marc, I think you have done a super job here the image draws you in to look beyond the intresting forground, well done.

I agree with Richard.

Even though our point of view is limited...our eyes are really drawn into the woods.

Warm regards,

Isabelle

Marc - While this image doesn't knock you over the head due to the dramatic colors or dynamic view of mountains or surf, the subtle lighting, details draw me through the image.  Lots to investigate.  I could see this as a mural on a wall.  From your description, this looks like it must have been more difficult to find & photograph than some of your more recognizeable shots.

Harry

You have such a great eye.I envy your abilities.

I am very partial to these kind of intimate landscapes. I have seen far too many of the grandscapes which abound in the online community. This is where the mystique of light deep within the forest is felt and you have done a superb job with capturing that ethereal light.

Add my name to the list of fans that may be numbering in the thousands. I salute you because you convey the feeling through your pictures. The solitude in nature that brings so much joy and peace is conveyed here very well.