Bruce Michelotti
December 2024 - Lonely Tree
About the Image(s)
In late November I went to photograph a steam train that runs darning the Christmas season. I was hoping to get great shots of billowing steam above a massive engine. Unfortunately when i got to the depot they told me that the engine's boiler had sprung a leak the night before and needed repairs.
Here is a shot of the surrounding countryside instead.
Speed 1/640, f/8, ISO 100. Shot at about 35mm with a 24-105 lens. Processed in Lightroom and converted to mono in Silver Effects.
11 comments posted
Hi Bruce,
What a wonderful winter image! The leading line of the road draws me into the countryside, making me wonder where it leads to. The clouds give me a feeling of impending snow or rain. The placement of the tree is perfect. It has an appealing shape with filigreed branches. Great choice on the monochrome conversion. Very nice.
I look forward to seeing the steam train when the leak is fixed! Posted: 12/05/2024 05:54:49
What a wonderful winter image! The leading line of the road draws me into the countryside, making me wonder where it leads to. The clouds give me a feeling of impending snow or rain. The placement of the tree is perfect. It has an appealing shape with filigreed branches. Great choice on the monochrome conversion. Very nice.
I look forward to seeing the steam train when the leak is fixed! Posted: 12/05/2024 05:54:49
Thanks for your comments Bunny. I did like he filigree look of the branches too. Unfortunately I don't think I will be posting a shot of the train. I understand that it is out of service for the season because the boiler needs to be replaced. Apparently that is a major overhaul. Hope they can do it--the engine is pretty old. Bummer! Posted: 12/07/2024 23:47:49
I like the composition, the full tree, road and their placements within the image. It is interesting that with black and white , level of grayness and the by the empty branches and dried grass not by the colors- Fall is obvious. Color would have distracted. Simple and nice. Nice job. Posted: 12/15/2024 22:42:53
Thanks Harley. Posted: 12/18/2024 15:32:03
Therre is a tree just like this one in Illinois! I photographed it in the summer. My image is not nearly as "classic" as yours!
It is winter and this just begs to be a B&W! Composition is spot on! What a leading line! All the tones are there! Posted: 12/16/2024 00:45:50
It is winter and this just begs to be a B&W! Composition is spot on! What a leading line! All the tones are there! Posted: 12/16/2024 00:45:50
Thanks Mark. Posted: 12/18/2024 15:32:29
sort of your tree. This one near Marshall Illinois Posted: 12/18/2024 20:09:28
sort of your tree. This one near Marshall Illinois Posted: 12/18/2024 20:09:28
Hi Bruce, I was attracted by the beautiful tree at first glance. The line at the path also leads me to want to see more. Converting to monochrome has added a special feeling to the entire image. Posted: 12/18/2024 13:26:48
Thank you Leo. Posted: 12/18/2024 15:32:46
Bruce, this image checks all the boxes. I was really taken in by the picture, then further enthralled by your story. I absolutely love the silvertone treatment. It really helps to accentuate the texture in the clouds and the grasses and sets the mood. The bare trees and water on the road give a strong sense of time and place. The compositional elements are fabulous. The leading line of the road disappearing into the horizon, the placement of the tree, the positioning of the horizon, all excellent choices. Nice work! Posted: 12/19/2024 19:32:15