Robert Schleif  


Bamboo by Robert Schleif

June 2020 - Bamboo

About the Image(s)

How do you find a decent picture in a grove of bamboo? This is my best shot at it. As seems to happen much too frequently, here I was attracted to the shot into the sun. The consequences are that the spots of sky peeping through the leaves were blown, even in the significantly underexposed image from my exposure bracketed set. It took some effort to correct this.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
14 comments posted




Judy Merson   Judy Merson
A nice sharp capture of the bamboo Nice colors and texture I think for this image a star burst of sunlight would make it more interesting However I would prefer a closeup shot of just a few trees or even just a few segments   Posted: 06/03/2020 15:57:28



Judy Merson   Judy Merson
Here is a crop with a sunburst put in with sunburst brush in Photoshop   Posted: 06/03/2020 18:00:06
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Robert Schleif   Robert Schleif
(Group 78)
Your crop is the sort of idea I was seeking. I think it makes for a much better image than what I chose. The sunburst is a little beyond what I am willing to add to an image. It is necessary to crop as you did if the sunburst is included. The shadows on the ground show that the sun is off to the left.   Posted: 06/04/2020 07:41:15



Dorinda Wills   Dorinda Wills
I would crop but without the sunburst. Sometimes less is just better and I think that is the case here.   Posted: 06/04/2020 17:40:35
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Lovely photo. It is soothing with the light green colors, repetative verticle tree trunks no distractions andd the tops are in the sun light, as one would expect. There is nothing else to see at the top and with no distraction the eye comes back douwn the bamboo trunks The repetative nature of the forest is great and lets the eye wander around the trees from top to bottom and again no distractions. The photo is easy on the mind and pleasant to get lost among the bamboo. For my eyes, I would not alter anythig.   Posted: 06/06/2020 06:54:22



Leonid Shectman   Leonid Shectman
It is interesting picture, but it is very greenish, and does not have texture.I did some adjustments, do not know if you will like them, but I did.   Posted: 06/07/2020 14:09:29



Leonid Shectman   Leonid Shectman
  Posted: 06/07/2020 14:11:27
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Robert Schleif   Robert Schleif
(Group 78)
Interesting idea, but this is not at all the way the bamboo looked or felt. Remember, bamboo is a grass. Thus many varieties, including those I have seen in this part of the country, have very green stalks. Before moving to this part of the country, my only exposure to bamboo was in decorative and architectural objects, and almost always was dried and the color of wood. Thus, I expected bamboo stalks to be honey colored. There must, of course, be bamboo varieties that do have wood colored stalks.   Posted: 06/07/2020 14:17:47



Leonid Shectman   Leonid Shectman
You are correct, I only wanted to give some warm colors from the sun, it is my vision and does not be yours, you are the artist.   Posted: 06/07/2020 14:21:02
Robert Schleif   Robert Schleif
(Group 78)
Thanks, but I'm not an artist, and that's my problem. I'm trying to learn. Since I lack artistic vision, reality is my touchstone.   Posted: 06/07/2020 14:31:53



Jessica Manelis   Jessica Manelis
(Group 57)
I like Dorinda's crop and agree with her, about the less is more. I love the subject and think you definitely captured the smooth texture and color of the bamboo. There was this great garden I used to walk through (it was destroyed by a severe storm a couple of years ago) and they had an amazing bamboo garden. It was hard to take pictures because it was too dark!!   Posted: 06/11/2020 14:05:58



Jon Joyce   Jon Joyce
Nice image - sharply focused and nice colors. I am curious as to your motivations and interest in this subject other than the technical issues associated with the the backlighting one. The four larger bamboo shoots, effectively highlighted by Judy and Dorinda, make a more interesting photograph for me, but I was feeling that your original interest was not at the forefront.   Posted: 06/17/2020 17:04:36
Robert Schleif   Robert Schleif
(Group 78)
Several factors are at play here. First, I grew up in a part of the country where bamboo does not grow. At that time I was aware of bamboo because I desired, but could not acquire a bamboo fishing rod (at that time the epitome of quality). Thus, one objective of the picture was to show what growing bamboo looks like. Two other factors entered as well. One is that I am attracted to scenes with obvious depth. Thus, the image has both close-by and more distant bamboo stalks. Another is that I seem to be attracted to scenes with back or side lighting. These objectives were present, but pretty much subconscious while shooting, and my conscious objective was to make something that was aesthetically pleasing.   Posted: 06/17/2020 19:34:31
Jon Joyce   Jon Joyce
I think you have succeed there.   Posted: 06/21/2020 14:46:51