"Open Gate to the Granite Kingdom"

Last week's trip to Yosemite was very productive. I added over 20 gratifying images to my portfolio over 2 and a half days, which is considerably more than an average trip of the same length. Ansel Adams stated that "twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop". Of the 20 or more, I would say at least 4 or 5 are significant. This would be mostly due to the fact that the conditions were so exceptional. Still, who defines significant? Is it the photographer or is it the viewer of the photograph? This image is a straightforward composition from an iconic location within Yosemite Valley. On any visit, this image would be like so many others. With the fresh snow and the chiaroscuro lighting on El Capitan, however, it becomes more significant in my assessment. The combination of "iconic" and "unusual conditions" make the image questionable as to whether it makes a significant work. I would like to know how the viewer feels. From the photographer's standpoint, I also feel that the processing helps the image succeed, with ample shadow detail and, as well, highlight detail. Please click the preview for the Larger image and then give me your thoughts!

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Love this shot with its light airy feeling balanced by the heavy greens covered with snow. Great composition makes this a really balanced shot with a real sense of wonder. Once again a 7 for a perfect shot. Congrats William`

Superb work MarK,composition and processing,the clarity in this image is quite something,shame it attracted only 2 comments so far,PN seems to have hit rock bottom right now,wait and see what will happen,best regards and top marks

This is exceptional.  The clarity overall, and a splash of green in the foreground with the blue sky's make this a remarkable photo. 

Yep, definitely "significant"! The purity of color, from the blue sky to the green grasses to the earthtone browns is exceptional.  Of course it wouldn't be yours without superb composition and detail... I'll let you know my favorite of your trip when all have been posted, but this has to be high on the list... Mike

Excellent clarity done and fresh snow comes to give a special atmosphere here,looks very pleasantly and eyes catching.

I like very much the light and the cold colors, very good atmosphere!

I have always believed that the winter photographs of Yosemite are the most dramatic and visually pleasing. This is just wonderful, Mark!

Wonderful photo. I like the composition and the nice details:

Warm regards AW

Looks like you're stuck in a rut.  But what a beautiful place to be in and so many versions of the wonderful scene. Just terrrrrrific, to quote Tony the Tiger.  Take care, rek.

Mark,

 Breathtaking image with amazing details, lighting & colors.   Excellent image, if I could give you a 10 I would.  Thanks for sharing.  Take care, Patsy

Superb shot , beautiful colors , wonderful light and composition , great work , ...................... Best regards.

There are lots of things to like about this shot. For me it is a new view of one of the most photographed places on the planet. That alone makes it spectacular.

I definitely would say that this series is significant to the one one taking the picture and to the one viewing it. That is in terms of production in one photographic trip and the quality of images that the viewer like me have seen.

This one in particular is not an ordinary scene that one sees in Yosemite having gone there myself three times in the past. The green weeds, color of El Capitan and the snow show different kind of atmosphere.

Fantastic and breathtaking! Congratulations, Mark 7/7

Lester

What a beautiful image.

Finding color in a winter scene is difficult, so the grass, the sky, and the reflected sky in the water really make the photo.

Time to thank all of the respondents! William, Harry, Dominick, Mike, Radu, Fontana, Leo, Antoneta, Richard, Patsy, Falak, John, Lester, Christopher and Richard, I appreciate your thoughts and input!! I think this one will be considered Significant based upon the favorable reviews!!

Really nice! /7/

Thanks Javier!!

A truly remarkable image, it has the feeling that you could step into it. Sharp and detailed throughout. Whereas some photos of Yosemite seem to exhaust the subject, this brings the spectacular setting to new life.

Congrats

Michael  

Thanks for telling us how to take this great picture.  We have been to the location many time.  Yours is exceptional, very good.  Best Regards,

Mark,

This is just a great photograph! Everything is perfect. In particular, I like the sense of depth and distance. Congratulations.

David

Mark, excellent shot. Very good composition,exposure,DOF,light &  nuances of colors.7

Wonderful photo!