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Ponderosa Forest, Snowfall


marcadamus

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Landscape

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This is an image I made while leading a tour in late December. I have not posted it primarily because it's not the type that translates well to web viewing. What you can't see are thousands of tiny snowflakes falling through the trees giving a somewhat misty appearance to the photograph. What you can see is beautiful light emerging through the clouds to the East, illuminating the red barks of the Ponderosas. No dodging of the trees was done, the light is totally real. It was the image I had set out to make on this morning and we managed to time it almost perfectly after waiting at this spot for about 30 minutes. These forests are positioned in the transition zone between the Cascade range and High Desert and often see weather from both worlds. I think this was my best capture of them to date. It's the type of scene that always sticks with me when I think of Ponderosa pines. Their brilliant red barks in contrast to snow is a beautiful thing.

 

Thanks for commenting.

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Having been born and raised in Montana; and working for the Forest Service for a number of years, I can relate. You nailed a terrific scene; and one that brings back many fond memories for me. Nicely done! Cheers! Chris
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Marc: This is a very subtle, yet elegant image. IT has a pastel-like quality to it. Very serene, beautiful, and understated. The colors, detail,composition... all superb. By the way, I am one of your many admirers. I have seen your PND portfolio and your website, and I can appreciate the very high level you have reached with your work. I, myself, developed a passion for digital photography about 2- 1/2 years ago, and I have a pretty extensive portfolio here. If you have a chance, please stop by, take a look, and let me know if you see any potential. I would greatly appreciate your brutally honest opinion! Anyway, this is yet another beautiful image from a true virtuoso!

Congrats and good luck!

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Hi Mark, your description of the scene is definitely helpful. I would not see the tiny snowflakes and realize the magic feeling of the scene from the web version. The light is truly outstanding. Congrats! Regards, Igor.
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Marc,

You have a similar image, "Fleeting Beauty", on your website. They are both very beautiful images, but if I had to offer a critique (and that is tough), it would be to select that image in favor of this one. I know that I can't appreciate the full depth of the image from the small web version (as you've noted above), but compositionally, I feel the simplicity of "Fleeting Beauty" conveys the magic of the moment more powerfully than this one does. Not exactly a critique of this image, but my thoughts anyway.

Also, have you considered cropping the top edge just below the prominent horizontal branch (left center)? In my view, that branch slightly distracts.

 

Anish

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Marc,

 

As usual, this is a complete work of art. The tree to the right is so spectacular with its redish bark. I think that your choice of composition is amazing! If I start with the tree to the right, I end up following the little trail to the right and behind it. Then, I move along to the next tree in the foreground, which then leads my eye down the little opening in the center of the photo. And so on, and so on. I see what Anish is saying about the small branch near the top of the frame being distracting. However, I don't think it would've been very distracting to me had Anish not pointed it out (thanks a lot, Anish... only joking, of course). All in all, I think its a spectacular image and its right up there with your 'Rainforest Complexities". Great job!

 

Jake

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This is beautiful, marc, but what else is new. The color of the ponderosa stands out very prominently against this muted surrounding; the warmth of this color also provides a pleasing contrast from the coolness of the snow. Fresh snow in a strong forest is one of the most beautiful things I've witnessed.
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Like Chris, having been born and raised in Montana, and after working for the Forest Service during the summer while in college, I can attest to the striking beauty of mature Ponderosa pine, and I can imagine the ice crystals drifting through the air. Beautiful image, made even more so by deeply infused memories.
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Hi marc ,

 

Excellent image , .. indeed the light on the trunks is stunning .. I love the atmosphere.

well, .. I have a strange question but .. what sort of "gloves" do you use ? .. in this kind of winter morning .. I'm always frozen ... .. and I'm searching for the perfect gloves , difficult .. very warm and quite thin, .. if you can help me ..

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