Steve Knight  

Lone Climber by Steve Knight

February 2021 - Lone Climber

February 2021 - Steve Knight

Original

About the Image(s)

This image is titled "Lone Climber" and was taken in Yosemite National Park just at sunset. This was shot from a location called Glacier Point and was taken with a 75-300 zoom set at 300mm. ISO was 100, shutter speed 1/25, f/16. The B&W conversion was done in Photoshop. Other than a slight tweak to contrast using curves to get some greater separation in the darker vegetation areas, most of the contrast was achieved by selective and subtle burning and dodging.

A note on the name: the title was chosen because in the color version if you follow the light colored striations in the rock near the top of the tree and going off at about a 5 degree angle to the right you might see a red dot on the side of the mountain. This is the sling hammock of a climber that has decided to spend the night on the side of the cliff and resume climbing in the morning! As I was waiting for the light to get to where I wanted it I was watching this dude set this up. Amazing. And nuts!

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

David Halgrimson   David Halgrimson
I find this to be a very strong image with the composition split at an angle with dark to bright. The large tree really adds to the composition. Very interesting about the climber, not for me, and I can barely see him in the color and not at all in the B&W. For me I think I prefer the color version, it feels much stronger as the separation from the foreground and the background, cliff, is much more dramatic. Either way a strong image. In the B&W there is a black area on the cliff left of the main tree, I don't see that in the color version.   Posted: 02/01/2021 10:09:34
Lance Lewin   Lance Lewin
(Groups 83 & 87)
Hi Steve! Gee, I am really enjoying this composition. Another wonderful creation by waiting and choosing the the interaction of light & shadow to create an interesting narrative. The BW version helps reveals its Gestalt.

On my relatively large monitor the dark to light area is well defined, however, I may like a touch more Dodging within the foreground. Under a powerful (gallery) spotlight this will surely attract attention. Well done!   Posted: 02/04/2021 09:52:07
Paul Hoffman   Paul Hoffman
The angles and flow of this image is amazing and is well spotted. The placement of the tree dead center is brilliant I did try it in other positions and it does not work as well.
I did try it without that shadow and that does not work either.
However what does work is removing that white patch of rock, I know it is part of the image, but pictorially is spoils the image.
Also what is that big black spot on the rock, it is not on the original and does not sit well.
Otherwise great picture.   Posted: 02/08/2021 08:28:42
Jerry Hug   Jerry Hug
You composition is perfect with a square image. Square changes the quote rules? Paul pointed out the white spot and black spot on the lighted area that needs to be removed and I agree. The angle of the pitch of the hill would be a very touch area for me to try. Love this image.   Posted: 02/12/2021 09:14:18
Vincent Cochain   Vincent Cochain
Good composition and good idea to choose the square format. I like the oblique lines of the mountains and the different structures on the ground (stones and trees).
To find "something", the tree could be in the center of the image... Necessary? It is your choice.
Just a technical question: did you used a tripod, as you were at 300 mm at 1/25? If not, well done, but you took a risk to close at f/16 and to decrease your speed. This is pure technical discussion at the most important is the result, and you have a beautiful picture.
Not easy to find the climber ...   Posted: 02/16/2021 06:05:52