One of the hardest things about being a photographic weekend warrior is that, since I only have two days to “get my fix,” as it were, I’m forced to use my camera in non-traditional light. Especially, too, since there’s no guarantee that I’ll be around in the evening and, let’s be honest, I’m not about to start waking up at 5 on Saturdays.
But with this shot — which was taken at 11 a.m. last Saturday — I like the way the harsh downward light has reflected off of the yellow leaves and made the background sky appear to be an evening-like blue. This went virtually untouched in Photoshop.
3 Comments
May 1, 2006 at 12:57 pm
I think this is one of those shots that needs to be seen in a large format to be truly appreciated. There are two really exceptional things going on here: first, and most obviously, the colors. I can’t believe that it’s 11am–you’re right, the sky looks like evening, and forsythia are one of those spring plants that you can’t help but photograph.
The trajectory of the branches is also ideal, both taking the eye in gentle tangents and also mirroring the trees behind. I especially like the branch to the right, just caught in the bokeh. The DOF couldn’t be better.
So not many criticisms here, clearly. At first I didn’t like the flowers that are closer, almost in your face…but then I realized that without them you would lose quite a bit of your three-dimensionality.
May 1, 2006 at 1:09 pm
Thanks, Jandalf. You noticed pretty much everything that drew me to this scene in the first place, so I’m glad I succeeded in communicating that in the photo.
I hear you on the front branch, though. At first it was distracting, but if you picture the shot without it, it all gets very flat very fast. Expect more flora tomorrow
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May 1, 2006 at 3:50 pm
One word: Portfolio