Lance Lewin
December 2023 - High Above the Rio Grand
About the Image(s)
Digitally registered several years ago, the location sits on a high plateau that overlooks the Rio Grand. B&W conversion via Silver Efex Pro-3.
Tech: 5D Mark III w/16-35mm glass at 16mm for this frame.
I took time to explore an otherwise simple landscape in search for an interesting composition: the process of visualization lend itself to a final creation as seen from behind the viewfinder.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted
Lance, the exposure and contrast are as good as it gets.
2 thoughts:
1- what is the subject - the tree or clouds? if the tree then the clouds get too much attention (big white spot). If the clouds - then cut out the tree ?
2. the foreground under the tree in my opinion is missing and "compressing" the subject.
Posted: 12/08/2023 05:25:20
2 thoughts:
1- what is the subject - the tree or clouds? if the tree then the clouds get too much attention (big white spot). If the clouds - then cut out the tree ?
2. the foreground under the tree in my opinion is missing and "compressing" the subject.
Posted: 12/08/2023 05:25:20
Hi Adi! Good questions.
Except for the foreground compression (which I do like as well, I will try and find if this image was framed through the viewfinder later) ... the entire composition is the subject: in this sense, the viewer gulps the whole scene and hopefully enjoys its gestalt, instead of trying to focus on any one aspect within the frame. (Technically, the left-side sky balances the right-side tree).
Indeed, initially, the spectator will spend time looking at the Sky, and the Tree separately ... but then should pull back and enjoy the total performance. Posted: 12/08/2023 05:53:42
Except for the foreground compression (which I do like as well, I will try and find if this image was framed through the viewfinder later) ... the entire composition is the subject: in this sense, the viewer gulps the whole scene and hopefully enjoys its gestalt, instead of trying to focus on any one aspect within the frame. (Technically, the left-side sky balances the right-side tree).
Indeed, initially, the spectator will spend time looking at the Sky, and the Tree separately ... but then should pull back and enjoy the total performance. Posted: 12/08/2023 05:53:42
Lance, you hit me right in the strike zone with this photo. I love the contrast between the right and left of the upper half and the absolute clarity of the objects in the photo. I would have like to have eliminated the bush between the tree and the bush on the far left to give me a little more opportunity to see the sky line in that area.
Years ago I did a photo similar to this and printed a positive and a negtive, and displayed them next to each other. No one thought it was that great except me. Oh, well, you win some and you lose some, but this, from my perspective, is definitely and winner. Posted: 12/08/2023 08:59:10
Years ago I did a photo similar to this and printed a positive and a negtive, and displayed them next to each other. No one thought it was that great except me. Oh, well, you win some and you lose some, but this, from my perspective, is definitely and winner. Posted: 12/08/2023 08:59:10
Mark, thank you for commenting: No. eliminating the smaller bush you reference will instead, "destabilize" the balance, in my opinion. See, the row of smaller bushes go across the entire backside of the foreground subject ... this is stabilizing it ... again, eliminating the one you reference breaks up this continuity.
In my opinion, the "gap" it would present would be a distracting "interval" or empty space. (And of course, for the record, I never "rearrange" the reality that poses for my lenses). Thank you, Mark. Posted: 12/08/2023 14:22:34
In my opinion, the "gap" it would present would be a distracting "interval" or empty space. (And of course, for the record, I never "rearrange" the reality that poses for my lenses). Thank you, Mark. Posted: 12/08/2023 14:22:34
Lance, I find this to be an intriguing study of form, texture, light and shadow. I particularly like how the branches of the main tree seem to morph into the wispy clouds as the eye moves from right to left. Silly question: was that in the back of your mind whilst composing the image? It is a lovely, balanced composition. Posted: 12/08/2023 10:41:51
A very interesting observation: Between the Conscious and Subconscious
As I explained to Adi .... I "visualized" and framed the image taking in the Whole scene: this is a very important concept when designing Compositional Structure, in my opinion.
I am sure the articles you speak of, and how they interact with each other, was part of my reasoning to record this scene as it is. Again, I am able to (rather) quickly digest what is in front of me as something of interest or not. The visualization is often a combination of both conscious one, and to a great deal from within the subconscious. Posted: 12/08/2023 14:13:10
As I explained to Adi .... I "visualized" and framed the image taking in the Whole scene: this is a very important concept when designing Compositional Structure, in my opinion.
I am sure the articles you speak of, and how they interact with each other, was part of my reasoning to record this scene as it is. Again, I am able to (rather) quickly digest what is in front of me as something of interest or not. The visualization is often a combination of both conscious one, and to a great deal from within the subconscious. Posted: 12/08/2023 14:13:10
A fascinating photo Lance. I'm wondering what time of day it was taken because that light is quite brilliant judging how the whole scene is lit up. There is very little shadow. It's almost like lightning illumination. The clouds are interesting and maybe indicate some sort of weather condition? I have never see any like that before. Posted: 12/13/2023 05:20:35
Thank you for your encouraging comments ...
If I am not mistaken it was late morning or early afternoon, but very bright and reflective atmosphere ... and hot! The space is a plateau overlooking the Rio Grande below in the distance ... arid best describes the location on this day. (Artificial light was not used). However, converting to B&W helped bring more exposure (or prominence) to some of the details in the dry tree limbs and such. Posted: 12/13/2023 09:50:31
If I am not mistaken it was late morning or early afternoon, but very bright and reflective atmosphere ... and hot! The space is a plateau overlooking the Rio Grande below in the distance ... arid best describes the location on this day. (Artificial light was not used). However, converting to B&W helped bring more exposure (or prominence) to some of the details in the dry tree limbs and such. Posted: 12/13/2023 09:50:31