Lamar Nix  


Camp after Summer's End by Lamar Nix

October 2019 - Camp after Summer's End

About the Image(s)

This vignette offers a glimpse of summer camp after its season is over. To me it has many parallels in life that might be kindled in the viewer's mind as she takes in this slightly sad scene. Camp is exciting and alive in the spring, but not so much in late September. I have always been drawn to the possibilities of polished aluminum, here in the bows of a row of canoes. I waited for the right light.

Shooting conditions: EOS5Dmkiii , EF 24-105mm f/4L at 24 mm, spot metered to 1/100 sec. at iso 125.


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




Pierre Williot   Pierre Williot
I like the perspective obtained by using this wide angle very close to your foreground. Initially I felt that the cabin behind the canoes was too dark, but after reading your description, I believe that this contrast help in transmitting this desolation mood.

Really nice.   Posted: 10/06/2019 13:04:54
 
Thanks, Pierre! Appreciate your comments.
  Posted: 10/27/2019 07:38:58



 
When I look at this image I see the repetitive pattern of the canoes neatly stacked and waiting for use. The dappled lighting makes me feel it's a pleasant day for a paddle but perhaps it marks seasons end as it's dark and moody.

Technically the focus is sharp throughout showing good depth of field. The highlights on the boats and root appear to me a touch too bright and I feel there might be more detail to open up out of the shadows in the woods to show more dappled light & warmth. Slight vignette maintains focus on the central theme.

Artistically it's a tightly cropped scene of canoes and cabin with a tree root leading your eye in from the corner to study the boats. There's a sense of depth gained from the hint of dappled light seen beyond in the woods. The cabin nicely offsets the canoes; scene is balanced. Nice color palette.

Image has a peaceful serene feeling. It certainly does tell the story of Summer's End and patiently waiting for next season. Nicely done.
  Posted: 10/12/2019 10:54:42
 
Thanks for your analysis and comments, Judy!   Posted: 10/27/2019 07:40:43



 
A very emotive, moody image. Your explanation has shed some light on what you are trying to achieve and in my opinion you have done this. The shapes created by the lines of the canoes are very effective. The light shining on the canoes was the first thing to catch my eye and then I started exploring. The closed hut adds to the story and the moodiness. I was in two minds with the tree root but I feel this also adds to the story. I get a feeling of desolation and in my opinion you have achieved what you set out to do. Well seen and captured. Cheers Glenn   Posted: 10/17/2019 18:58:19
 
Thanks, Glen! Learning your reactions to the image is a valuable data point.   Posted: 10/27/2019 07:42:53



Frans Gunterus   Frans Gunterus
My first impression when viewing this image is the shinning part of the silver objects. It make stop and ponder what are those? To me, that's your success to create impact to these image. I amazed your creativity when you said you are waiting for light. This was an effective use of light to explore object dimension. The shadows of the tree is adding story to this image. Your time to wait for the light is well worthed. The white door behind keep pulling my attention to enjoy this image. My suggestion would be darkening this part to make it less obvious. Job well done Lamar!   Posted: 10/20/2019 20:09:05
 
Thank you, Frans! I appreciate your suggestion on the white door. I started with the background dark as exposed,and then lightened the background highlights a bit. The endpoint is in the eye of the beholder!   Posted: 10/27/2019 07:49:10



 
I like the light dappled on the canoes and feel that the row of canoes pulls my eye through the scene to the white door. It might be interesting to play with the color of the doorway and see how it feels. I like that you left the background dark but I feel it may be a little too dark. I'd like to be able to see just a bit more detail in the side of the shed and I think you could lift the luminosity of the light greens in the forest just little bit. Overall I feel the image conveys the idea of the end of summer very well.   Posted: 10/24/2019 11:09:45
 
Thanks, Todd! I bumped up the background highlights a little, but stopped short out of concern that the cabin would become the subject.   Posted: 10/27/2019 07:53:59