Erik Rosengren, FPSA, PPSA  

Mittens through the Branches by Erik Rosengren, FPSA, PPSA

January 2025 - Mittens through the Branches

About the Image(s)

How I did it??”Jack and Sheri Twiggs, Betty Sue and I left for New Mexico on December 2 and were gone just short of three weeks. We rented a large SUV and drove to Monument Valley and met our Native American guide. Lynn Thompson FPSA, MPSA introduced me to Tom in the early 1990’s. One of his sons guided us and made it a memorable day. “Mittens through the branches” was memorable for me as I was able to capture the scene with most of it devoid of branch merges. Tools for the day, tripod mounted OM1 Mark 11 body and OM f2.8, 12 to 40 mm lens at 24 mm, with polarizer and manual release, while sitting on my stool. My settings were f 11, Auto ISO at 1/30th of a second. We continued to Horseshoe Bend, Bryce Canyon and other short stops before putting the girls on a plane, picking up Ron Mayberry and Stan Wamsley at the airport then headed to Bosque for seven days. Happy New Year to all.

5 comments posted

R Gary Butler   R Gary Butler
Erik, as always, you have a good eye. From my experience. Shadows in the foreground To challenge the Mesa in the back as the fixation point for the viewers eye. Rather, it supports it and adds to the depth of a picture. The color balance and lighting are spot on. I just wonder what you might've got if you could've include (two) Entirely in the image. If I were judging this would certainly be accepted and possibly singled out for further variety. Looking forward to seeing you and Betty Sue very soon. Again, let me know if you're going to Orlando at the end of the month. We are traveling this weekend.   Posted: 01/02/2025 19:17:51
Dr Isaac Vaisman   Dr Isaac Vaisman
Erik, interesting variation of a claro-oscuro (chiaroscuro in the original Italian) which creates a strong contrast keeping the viewer fixed in the image wanting to see more. There is plenty of detail in the dark area, as is in the bright area without overexposing. Last but not least, great composition. I like how the monument in the back is framed by the dry and aged wood.   Posted: 01/03/2025 19:01:40
Ian Chantler   Ian Chantler
Hi Erik
I am totally transfixed by this image the contrast between the fore and background are so well handled,the thought that has gone into the composition is there for all to see,wonderful detail and texture in the tree,the background is very bright but nothing is blown,the various orange tones of image sit so well with the blue sky.
Erik fire the printer up.   Posted: 01/16/2025 21:30:09
Guy Davies   Guy Davies
Erik, this is a super picture of this feature, framed nicely by the branches of this dead tree. The warm low light accentuates the colour of the rock, which is nicely contrasted by the blue of the sky. Composition is pleasing too with the dark foreground leading to the well-lit rock formation. My mind jumps back to January 2011 and a trip to Monument Valley with you and Lynn Thompson and others. My view is attached.   Posted: 01/20/2025 11:51:28
Comment Image
Erik Rosengren   Erik Rosengren
Thanks for your kind words Guy, You and I were standing next to each other and we recorded the same image. Bad news, the dead tree is now gone and the foreground of the famous Ancil Adams image of "Mittens" has been reshaped so the 3 rocks in the foreground have been removed. Thank God I captured it 2 years ago. Best to you and Paula.   Posted: 01/20/2025 21:04:23

 

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