"Dead Tree Dancing"

I was prepared for a dramatic sunset, but is often the case here in Southern California, the clouds quickly dissipated before the sun would set. Luckily, a few distant clouds remained along the horizon, so the color was not all lost. This deadfall was the only thing I could find that would allow me to partially fill the empty sky. I was forced to compose with the top branches cropped because of my lens' limitations and as well, I could not back up anymore. Still, I am happy with the balance of the scene. This is a comp I would like to return to when the sky has more to offer and resume playing with some different setups, but this day was unfolding so quickly. As I watched the clouds disappear, it looked like a harbinger of poorer conditions to follow on the next day. How wrong I was. The following day offered the best clouds I have seen in many years. Throughout the day, the light was excellent, even through the midday. The loop road that travels over the shoulder of Figueroa Mountain and Ranger Peak is one of the most scenic drives I could recommend in Southern California. The whole area nearby, which includes Solvang and Los Olivos, is also a travel destination with no equal. Thanks for taking the time and please enjoy the Larger preview!!

As it is there is already enough drama brought about by the choice of foreground interest which is the dancing tree as described. May already be a dead tree but the arrangement of the branches give enough play to give interest to the image even though cut from above. Imho I am satisfied with the sky and the sunset and had there been clouds I am not sure if it won't take away the drama of the tree which is the title of this image. An excellent exposed and created landscape the way one would see it on-scene. Congratulations, Mark. 7/7

Lester

Simply fantastic Mark! No other way to put it.

Wow!! Great work here, excellent manage of lighting. The perspective is beautiful.

Ahhhh, a classic "Geistweite" sunset.  Soft and sharp all at the same time... how do you do that?!  Just excellent... Mike

Thanks Lester, Tim, Esteban and Mike!! I do appreciate it! Honestly, the challenge here was all in postpro; trying to blend down to the sunstar (I will expose as many under as possible to dial down the sunstar from a huge white hole in the normal exposure). As well, this is prime breeding ground for flare, so a few exposures after the sun dropped below the clouds were needed to farm pixels to heal those areas. The result is something that looks totally natural, not some halo riddled HDR with all kinds of weirdness going on. Thanks again!!

Lot's of hard work has yielded some fabulous results Mark! A glorious image with superb detail that's a pleasure to view.

All the best,
Neil

Thanks Neil, very nice of you to say!!

Wowser,  clouds or no clouds, this is a visual experience for the ages. Terrific light and the detail on the limb and foregroud are exceptional. If you were to be here in Michigan you could capture all the gray sky and puddle after puddle, been very dreary and wet, count your blessings and I'm sure grateful you can bring me memories of what sunlight brings. Thank you, thank you, thank you a beauteous image my friend. rek.

Thanks Richard! That grey sky and wet, dreary weather can get sort of depressing after awhile. Spring can't be too long away for you. I hope it will be sunny soon for you!!

Bravo'

Mark, this is a beautiful shot, I love the tones you have got, the details are amazing, but I would like see the top branches, so a I can appreciate the full old tree, this is just my opinion, anyway it is a master piece. My rate: 6. Congrats.

Mark:

My highest compliments on your blending job around the sun - it's perfect, absolutely perfect. Doing enough of them myself I know just how maddening exacting it is to get it so your technique doesn't show. The sun rays are great!