OF BIRDBRAINS & BIRRDHOUSES

Yes, I can see evidence of them both.

Thanks for looking. Do you suppose it is the same instinct that I (and maybe you and a lot of us photographers) have, that makes us want to leave our mark by making photos that causes some people to carve things into trees, do grafitti, or other forms of being noticed? Just wondering.

I await the exalted 3/3

I came upon a grove of Aspen in Kings Canyon with the same markings. You would think that people who would hike into rough country would respect it a little better. As for the picture, I like it! I'm trying to get some winter shots here in Illinois of some white birch. Your grove here (aspens?) looks very peaceful.

Coincidentally I was just on your site looking at your portfolio, and left a comment. Appreciate your comments here. Yes, people do shit on about everything they touch. Guess it is human nature. I guess the bright side of that is that ancient man left his paintings and hieroglyphics (sp?) behind for us to glean for knowledge. Can it be said that the pinheads that leave their tree carvings and grafitti will be valuable to historians and archaeologists in the way distant future? Who's to say? Cheers.

It's my experience that people that do this sort of thing have no respect for God or Man. I would have given you a 7/7 if you had taken a picture of the idiot who did the damage and then sent it in to your local paper! As it is, I still think it's worthy of 5/5. I like the composition. I also think it's a great documentary piece. The border looks a little wonky. When framing a picture with a mat in the frame, the bottom only, is usually slightly deeper than the rest of the mat. (it "grounds" the picture in the frame)But because this picture is not in a frame with a mat, I would like to see this picture with a border that is uniform all around. Also, I would bump up the contrast slightly. I'm inexperienced David (check my own portfolio and you'll see!) but I know what I like when I see it and I liked this!! So please take my criticisms with a grain of salt, or shot of whisky, or something.

Given the choice of a grain of salt as opposed to the shot of whiskey, I'll gladly go the alcohol route. As to the frame, I have only started playing with them lately. My old school natrue tells me that it should not even have a frame. I think fancy frames are sometimes used to unfairly enhance the appearance of the work and can improve a mediocre work. Your comment is noted and I appreciate your input.

I like your choice of toning for this image, gives it an old time feel that seems appropriate for the subject matter. I've seen these kinds of markings on lots of aspen trees throughout the West and I think there's some historical significance to them (there I go being controversial again). One group of marked trees that I camped by in Colorado had very old dates and initials on them that had been left behind by sheep herders. The pioneers often left insciptions engraved on trees and sandstone rocks. So where is the fine line between historical documentation and defacing graffitti?! I'm fascinated by the petroglyphs the Native Americans left but appalled by the way people deface them. Putting political correctness aside, I do really like your composition and would also like to see a little more contrast.

Haven't seen you here for awhile. Nice to have you back, and congratulations on your new family addition. Thanks for your input. As always it is greatly appreciated.

I like how your photos carry a message...seen from the discussions it allows I think it is very interesting and successfull...I like the composion on this one, verticals, soft tones, a bit of sadness in line with the message...regards, Laurent.

Thanks again for the kind comments. I do indeed prefer a picture that carries a message. To me they are of much more interest than just another "pretty" picture. The trick is to try and get somebody interested in the comment you are trying to make. Unfortunately, I don't succeed at that nearly enough. Regards.

sometimes only one deep motivated reaction is betters than 10's of "good shot" no ?...keep at it Sir...

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