whydangle

Wow Stephen, this is really fine art photography. This is one that could sell very well in galleries or at shows, as well as perform well in contests. My eye immediately connects with the small dot of light in the upper window. Not saying it should be removed, just sayin! The horizon feels tilted left, but I believe I see the true horizon as the grass line. The virga between the clouds and the hills really add so much to the image. Congrats on such an excellent catch!!

Perfect all the way! I have also been shooting icons lately, and this is a unique take! They are icons for a reason!!

Thanks David and Gregory! For sure, this is closer to real, The previous image may have been pushed further, but it's all a recipe really. To me, RAW files are all in need of processing, more than just whites and blacks, but a certain amount of color needs to be re-infused if you will. How much is often just personal taste. In truth, all of my RAW files from my Pentax were very strong in blue/cyan at this time of day, so I always reached for the white balance slider. The Canon has a more natural look, but still leans blue in this ambient light. Leads one to believe that the camera may have it right, but we still want white snow. BTW, David, the previous image does look great in b&w, so that may be coming soon. I appreciate it!!

This viewpoint is from the road; literally standing on the road and looking behind me as I set up, hoping it wouldn't be my very last photograph. Still, most people driving through Yosemite along Southside Drive are not startled by someone with a tripod shooting from the left lane. They just merge to the right. Or they might stop, get out and setup right next to me. Anything goes with photographers in Yosemite Valley!

When I was a young lab technician, our goal with snow scenes much like this was to bring neutrality to the snow, correcting the color cast to make it white or gray. So what is the color of snow? Is it just white and gray. Is water blue? Does it look blue right before you drink it from a glass. Maybe if it's in a blue glass! Funny, but our eyes are so efficient that when we see snow in the shade, most of us would concur that it is indeed white. But snow is only as white as the light that is reflecting from it is. When the ambient light of pre-dawn is reflecting from it, however, it takes on a whole different hue. This is one of the reasons I attempt to photograph snow at sunrise; to capture it when the ambient light brings out a unique palette. This image would be fine if corrected. It could even make a profound black and white image. I think it is also fine just as it is, although I know some will find the cast objectionable. I say it is what it is!

A variation of an earlier posted image from the same meadow. I think this one has more going for it, mainly because of the interesting patterns in the foreground. Thanks for your observations and please view Larger!

One of my more challenging images, mainly because of the the lighting variables. I basically collected image data from 4 main portions of the scene: the sky, the sunlit granite, half dome in shade and the foreground and trees in shade. Because of this, the image may have more of an HDR appearance. Still, viewed Larger, it has all the qualities of the original scene as I remembered them. Thanks for your opinions, as this one almost went onto the backup disk without getting processed. I'm happy with it, but I am interested in hearing from my viewers!

Thanks Michael, Wanghan, David, A.K., Gaetan, Greg and Les! Greg, I appreciate the honest feedback. Actually, It was my primary intention to include the grasses, being that such a vivid green partially covered in snow seemed inconsistent with a snowy scene, a unique contrast if you will. I know images succeed more often if they are simplified, but for this photographer, more information makes a scene more compelling as long as it is arranged in a meaningful away. In fact, I have been drawn to the more chaotic scenes, i.e. Robert Glenn Ketchum style. I just think there's more to observe. Les, no Bokeh needed haha! Really, the 60D is considered a prosumer I guess, but it is probably notches above the former pro cameras from the early digital age, so it is really a matter of perspective. I remember when Nikon came out with a 6 mp pro camera way back when that couldn't hold a candle to the 60D. As far as the lens, the jury is still out as to whether it is all that, but I am happy with the sharpness, just not sure I can deal with some chromatic aberration issues that reared their ugly heads with the contrasty snow scenes. It is probably one of the best lenses that covers that range (18-270), and lets face it, almost any current gear can create a tack sharp 1200 pixel wide image, given a tripod is used. The rubber meets the road when the image is printed 24 inches wide and up!

Thanks Dave! Actually, no! I see your point, and perhaps the image would have more balance, but I don't find it distracting nor do I feel it is negating any qualities of the image. I hope someday my budget will fatten up enough to purchase a quality TS lens, which could probably alleviate this optical challenge in camera, among other challenges inherent in wide angles. Thanks for the suggestion!!

During a time when the immensity of the location seems to direct my camera, I find it difficult to steer my gear in a different direction. I have to remind myself that often times, the more interesting scene is much less obvious. This scene is more suggestive or implied. It pulls your gaze downward instead of upward to identify what is beyond the river. In fact, it almost forces you to look in two directions, first looking up, only to see that the answer lies below. Because the snowy part of the scene was in the shade, the cool blues dominate that portion, while the warmer palette prevails beyond the shade. The final ingredient was the fallen leaves and pine needles across the bottom of the frame, giving the scene a splash more color without being distracting. This scene strengthens with detail, so make sure to utilize the Larger preview!

My recent trip to Yosemite was full of incredible snow covered vistas and some wild light across the granite monoliths of the valley. During the interim when the light was bright overcast, however, I set out to capture the park on a more intimate level. The fall colors were sparse, but with enough time looking, many gems were uncovered. In some places, the dogwood trees were just starting to turn, but at the higher elevations, some were enjoying a complete change. Graced with the fresh snow from the previous day, the colors really separated and stood out among the landscape. A solitary tree trunk offers a foundation to the scene. I spent most of the day searching for these less than grand views, trying to incorporate a balance of imagery to my experience. Sure, these are the scenes that attract less views, comments and ratings, but can be just as interesting and as beautiful. I valued this time as much as when the drama of the big landscapes were unfolding before my eyes. This is a time when a landscape photographer earns true merit; searching out the landscapes instead of being hit between the eyes with the landscapes!

What a difference a day makes! On this very same morning, the valley was blanketed with 3 to 4 inches of fresh snow. During the day, the temps rose slowly, but the heat of the sun was enough to melt this winter wonderland. The clouds hung around all day, so when the sun reached the horizon, it lit El Capitan up through a gap in the low clouds. I've seen photos of this, but I have never been here this time of year. During the summer months, the sun ducks behind the north rim of the valley and never reaches the face of El Cap so late in the day. As winter approaches, the sun sets further south and angles it's last rays through the length of the valley. The fog laying in the valley added to the scenes quality. It was the end of an epic day!

I usually use titles that are more "stoic", if you will. This title is more tongue in cheek, referring to the now trickling waterfall that is usually so thunderous in the spring and early summer. It is the highest falls in the country and fifth highest in the world, though right now it could also be measured as the driest. It is common, however, for Yosemite Falls to be a trickle by this time of year. Thanks for your thoughts and make sure to click the preview for the Larger image!

Thanks for having a look! I appreciate all comments. The Larger preview is

recommended!

During my recent Yosemite trip, I was lucky enough to experience two season opening snowstorms. The first storm brought amazing conditions for photography, but by the first afternoon, most of the snow melted away and by the second afternoon, was completely gone save for a few north facing slopes. The snow returned overnight, however, and by dawn had again blanketed the valley with a heavy, fresh dusting. As I perused my RAW files after returning home, I noticed a series of images just after the sunrise that exhibited a strong copper hue. Within a few minutes later, the color cast returned to a more cool hue. This aided me in editing because I really liked the effect it had on the snow color. Normally, one would expect a much cooler palette, so this offered a unique appearance. Thanks for your comments and please utilize the Larger preview!

Thanks to Gaetan, Wanghan, Javier, Zsolt Simay, Lefty, Leo, J. Harrington, Ron, Harry, Vardan, Volker and Mario! J., you're probably right, but I'm from the camp that doesn't like watermarks marring an image. Ron, I think the image may actually be flopped, lol! Harry, I see the sky gradation, but I haven't introduced any vignetting or done any manipulation. The sun is rising to the right, so the sky should be darker at left. I'm thinking of cropping the whole left side based upon several comments, along with Vardan's. Mario, I actually prefer to keep the blue, in keeping with the cold nature of the scene and preserving the ambient feel of the atmosphere. Thanks for the suggestion!!

Thanks Javier!!