Inspiration Point Winter

Before I ever visited Yosemite I had seen all of Ansel Adam's Yosemite

images and I was in awe of both the valley and his photography. When I

first saw "Clearing Winter Storm" I imagined that Inspiration Point

was well off the beaten path. What a surprise to me to me learn that's

it's a parking lot with tour buses and more tourists than you can

shake a stick at. The trick here is to go in the winter which is not

only more dramatic and beautiful but with less tourists. I was alone

at Inspiration point for this photographic not only because it was

very cold but it was also very early. I wanted to have some areas

where the sun poked through the clouds and I therefore waited

patiently with shutter release in hand and my Zone VI 4x5 camera in

the ready. I have photographed Inspiration Point many times but I

have always found that the best photographs are in the winter or early

spring. The low shadows values in the trees fell in Zones II & III and

the high in the clouds Zone VIII to VIII 1/2.

I did get a bit dramatic with the processing but I don't believe

that's excessive. I toned the finished image in a cool selenium tone

which added to the wintry feel.

Please view this image larger for it's full impact!

Elegant photograph.

Very inspirational. -Jim

Breathtaking image Leo. So this is a scan from 4X5 or perhaps a drum scan? I agree, there simply is not a more dramatic way to convey this valley, laden with fresh snow. The chiaroscuro lighting effect is quite evident. One day I will visit here in winter, and I hope a storm is brewing. So very nice!

Leo, It makes me so happy and so nostalgic to know that you are out there still following in the footsteps of Adams. My own 4x5 camera has been in the closet for some years. In a very real sense, the zone system is the fundamental gateway to understanding photography. This is a wonderful image - I just wish I could see it on a paper print rather than on a computer screen. I had to turn on all of my various monitors and connect them and fiddle so I could see the dynamic range you have captured. Well done!

 

Regards,

 

Jerry

Thank you Roy & Jim--

This was a scan made with my Epson 4870 scanner. I have gotten some good scans from this scanner but at times a slight buckling has created some focusing problems. I am currently looking into Fluid scanning. I am going to upload the original scan for comparison viewing. This scan will look quite flat but this is always the case as your only goal in scanning is to get all the information that the negative holds. It will be your processing skills in Photoshop that will make or break the scan. I think you should make a winter sojourn to Yosemite as I think this is when it's at its peak of photographic beauty.

The original 4870 scan

Very impressing and powerful nature photo , Works excellent in b&w

Unfortunately my 4x5 has also been sitting idle from many years now. I actually took this photograph in 2000. But I do agree with you concerning the Zone system and it's value in understanding photography. I have been shooting digital for about 5 or 6 years now and I had to learn a lot of new things to be able to express myself in my "Lightroom" as well as I could in my Darkroom. But the basics of photography and tonal values exists in both methods.I can remember in one of his last interviews, Ansel Adams speaking of digital photography and saying that it would be strong force in the future. Jerry as far as your monitors go, it is a idea to have your monitor calibrated so that you be able to to view full dynamic ranges and color balance. I highly recommend iOne Display 2 which is available for abut $200.00. Thanks for your encouraging words.

Great light and tones

Really impressing B&W landscape. Thanks for explanations.

Jef and Ricardo, many thanks

Leo, you did an excellent job with this photo. This is a pure example why we should re-process our photos. Effect is obvious. Now the picture looks great. sharp well balanced tones and contrast. I love dramatic sky which gives dark moody shadow. The Half-dome is somehow in the background and spooky majesty of El Captain is revealed. Regards

The original scan that I posted above was not the original processed image but the unprocessed scan before Photoshop. Thanks for your comment.

Amigo I am so glad you are dipping back into the " Vault " for more of those wonderful shots from your 4x5. After reading all the comments and checking out the before and after shots this capture is heading right into my favorites. Classic Yosemite Valley Photograph!

On a more personal note. I kept telling our buddy, the Bear, that I was right in the tripod holes you left at Inspiration Point when we shot Yosemite Valley last year. I was right ;>)...Lefty

Many thanks Lefty

This is a "Holy Crap, Batman!" type of photo! Talk about emotional impact and dynamic lighting! Just "Wow!" Looking at the original scan and then your PS processing really makes one appreciate your superb processing skills; they are second to none. This just glows with light, and has a full, full range of tones, and has an almost silvery feel to it (selenium toning?). Excellent work; and this baby goes into "My Favorites" right now! This is top-flight stuff, Leo! Cheers! Chris

Thanks Bear that means a lot coming from you. And that's positive on the selenium tone good buddy.

Beautiful image Leo! There's still nothing quite like a large format image for B&W IMHO. Absolutely gorgeous lighting, and outstanding processing. Very well done.

All the best,
Neil

Hey nice to hear from you and thanks for your kind words.