Butch Mazzuca
February 2025 - Parallel Lines
About the Image(s)
Canon R5 ??“ Canon 24-70@37mm ISO 100 ??“ f10 ??“ 1/200th second ??“ Tripod
This shot was taken in White Sands, New Mexico. Unfortunately, due to persistent foot issues I was unable to hike much beyond the parking lots, so it took a while for me to find some interesting sand features without the hand of man and where I didn’t have to climb over the dunes. The trip as a whole was disappointing because I just couldn’t venture far from my car. However, as I always told my wife when I used to play golf, “IT ONLY TAKES ONE GOOD SHOT,” and frankly I was really pleased with this one, it was my favorite after a day and a half of shooting there ??“ so, no complaints! ?
12 comments posted
Having been in the Nature Study Group before it disbanded I am excited about this entry. As you know, PSA Nature image must have a readily recognized story or they have no chance at getting an award. In the Study Group I saw so many good images get positively panned because the landscape "did not show a strong Nature story". Over the years I made it a personal challenge to post a landscape at least 3 times and usually when RICK CLORAN was critiquing just to prove it could be done.
So, when I saw this image I was delighted because not only is than an interesting minimalistic image but it has a good story. I really like the texture in the sand and the shadows caused the directional light. For me that is the part that steals the show. The strength of the image is the plant in the sand. The struggle of survival in a hostile environment. I think that story works. I think this is a strong image as it stands. but I'll still offer a few random thoughts. First, I'm not thrilled about the diagonal horizon. I know it starts from the warm blush in the sky on the left and points down toward the plant (leading line?) But I think it takes interest away from the plant. Ideally I would prefer no sky and no horizon just the plant in the sand. It would make the image even more minimal, strengthen the story and it would have absolutely no distractions.
Thanks for posting this
And Welcome to the group Posted: 02/06/2025 02:02:00
So, when I saw this image I was delighted because not only is than an interesting minimalistic image but it has a good story. I really like the texture in the sand and the shadows caused the directional light. For me that is the part that steals the show. The strength of the image is the plant in the sand. The struggle of survival in a hostile environment. I think that story works. I think this is a strong image as it stands. but I'll still offer a few random thoughts. First, I'm not thrilled about the diagonal horizon. I know it starts from the warm blush in the sky on the left and points down toward the plant (leading line?) But I think it takes interest away from the plant. Ideally I would prefer no sky and no horizon just the plant in the sand. It would make the image even more minimal, strengthen the story and it would have absolutely no distractions.
Thanks for posting this
And Welcome to the group Posted: 02/06/2025 02:02:00
Once again I learned something from you - I was so focused on getting down low it never occurred to me to take a higher perspective to eliminate the sky and accentuate the rippled sand. I guess I just don't like shooting down on subjects that are at ground level, but I will the next time :-) Thank you for your comments Larry Posted: 02/06/2025 21:52:18
It is all about keeping the image clearn. Ideally you would want a rising sanddune behind the plant. It it you can't have that then eliminate distractions. Posted: 02/06/2025 22:38:27
I was at the NP about 1 and a 1/2 years ago. It's an amazing place, with gypsum sands. Had a difficult time walking around to the top, a hostile environment indeed, but lots of other people had no problems -- there were adults and kids both using "saucer" sleds to ride down the dunes, just like we do in the snow!
I love the portrayal of the struggle, which is belied by the simplistic beauty of the plant. Really nice!
Posted: 02/07/2025 21:56:33
I love the portrayal of the struggle, which is belied by the simplistic beauty of the plant. Really nice!
Posted: 02/07/2025 21:56:33
Thank you for your kind words Susan - and yes, the "Saucer Kids" can really mark up for freshly wind-blown sand :-( Posted: 02/07/2025 22:01:28
Hi Butch, welcome to the group!
I can see why this was a favorite, the simplicity and color are lovely. A case study in how to use sidelight effectively.
I do like Larry's suggestion to compose without the sky, but that would be a very different image without the color that's there. So, I tried rotating the image so the horizon line goes up to the right-diagonals going that direction are generally more appealing. Just as an alternative.
Posted: 02/08/2025 23:47:29
I can see why this was a favorite, the simplicity and color are lovely. A case study in how to use sidelight effectively.
I do like Larry's suggestion to compose without the sky, but that would be a very different image without the color that's there. So, I tried rotating the image so the horizon line goes up to the right-diagonals going that direction are generally more appealing. Just as an alternative.
Posted: 02/08/2025 23:47:29
Actually your idea is a better alternative; it's simply more pleasing your way. I do very little in PS so I have no idea how you did that, but am going to find out - thanks a million, great idea. Posted: 02/09/2025 03:45:50
I just used a rotation tool, which will also crop. You might add some canvas at the top and using a content aware fill before rotating it. It will help avoid clipping the tips of the yucca. Posted: 02/09/2025 04:00:55
Thank you Cindy, now as soon as I find the rotation tool I'll give it a whirl :-) Posted: 02/09/2025 14:11:09
Butch,
Like the others in our group, I love this image. White sands np is on my bucket list! So, the group has offered up several ways of rendering this image. Let's start with the way you presented it. The horizon line is not straight, but hey you're on a dune, so I don't think that is an issue the color of the sky is beautiful. I like that you placed the plant off center. You might have tried to get more of the shadow of the plant, assuming it was interesting. You also coukd have shot at a higher angle to eliminate the sky. So, the answer is to do all of the above possibilities and when you get home, pick the or ones you like best. But I love what you presented! Posted: 02/18/2025 17:12:07
Like the others in our group, I love this image. White sands np is on my bucket list! So, the group has offered up several ways of rendering this image. Let's start with the way you presented it. The horizon line is not straight, but hey you're on a dune, so I don't think that is an issue the color of the sky is beautiful. I like that you placed the plant off center. You might have tried to get more of the shadow of the plant, assuming it was interesting. You also coukd have shot at a higher angle to eliminate the sky. So, the answer is to do all of the above possibilities and when you get home, pick the or ones you like best. But I love what you presented! Posted: 02/18/2025 17:12:07
Thank you David for your thoughtful comments, much appreciated. Posted: 02/18/2025 17:44:31
Many lines in the image. Wavy lines in the sand. Straight lines of the plant. And the horizon. The sky color complements the bluish shadows in the sand, and the faint clouds add interest. If you don't use photoshop (I don't) the horizon can be leveled easily with the Lightroom cropping tool. Beautiful image! Posted: 02/20/2025 23:23:42