David Kepley  


A Rock, a Tree, and a Cloud by David Kepley

April 2021 - A Rock, a Tree, and a Cloud

April 2021 - David Kepley

Original

About the Image(s)

A Rock, a Tree, and a cloud

I took this image in Arches NP near Moab, UT. What appealed to me about it was the different shapes. The tree looks like a an arm or hand. So what was it gesturing to or holding up? Hmmm. I decided to add a cloud from a different picture. As you can see from the original I had to tone down the highlights a lot. I shot this with a Canon 7D, Mark II with a 24-70mm lens, shot at 70mm. My settings were: 1/640 sec, f16, ISO 2000.


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




Larry Treadwell   Larry Treadwell
I like this composition with the matching verticals and while I'm not a fan of replacing Mother Nature I do like the darker sky.

The large stone spire looks like you applied a great deal of noise reduction or something to give it that smooth look. Perhaps instead try come clarity or texture to keep the rocky feeling. Rocks can generally take a lot of adjusts since they are rough to state with.   Posted: 04/04/2021 15:38:29



David Kepley   David Kepley
Thanks, Larry. Now that you mention it the portion of the rock in shade needs some texture/clarity.   Posted: 04/05/2021 08:54:16



Michael Weatherford   Michael Weatherford
Hi David, the first thing that struck me about this picture is that I have one of the same tree! Except my image includes the rock formations to the right of the tree, instead of the left. So I agree this is a great subject. To me, this image wants to be black and white. In B&W you would not need to worry about sky replacement. Just use contrast and selective dodging and burning to bring out the interesting shapes in the rocks and those curvy lines in the tree trunk. Thanks.   Posted: 04/09/2021 21:26:24



David Kepley   David Kepley
Hey Michael, that's a great idea! I'll give it a try in B&W. I put the cloud in there so as not to have so much empty space andf to give the impression that the tree was lifting up a cloud for our entertainment. Maybe that idea works, and maybe not!   Posted: 04/10/2021 12:24:18



Richard Matheny   Richard Matheny
Hello David. Really nice image I like the contrast between the stone and the dead tree. Both really old feathers but one much older that the other. Both have strong shapes but so different from each other. Some how they complement each other. I too wonder if this image in Black and White would not be the way to go.   Posted: 04/20/2021 13:55:11
 
I agree, this may work very well in black and white. I love the shapes and patterns.   Posted: 04/27/2021 08:18:56



Bud Ralston   Bud Ralston
David: Great abstract work. It's a picture that immediately conjures up a story. This is a piece I would expect to see while wandering through one of the New York galleries. Well done.   Posted: 04/27/2021 09:25:27
David Kepley   David Kepley
Very kind of you to say that Bud!!   Posted: 04/27/2021 16:43:10