Breaking Through to the Light

© Chuck S. Frizzell

Breaking Through to the Light

Uploaded: October 09, 2009 12:25:29

Description

f/13 - 1/250 sec - ISO 200, (1) SB800 to the left of the shot, fired remotely (to compensate for the bright sun in the background, and add fill) Only contrast and slight sharpness were adjusted in photoshop (Nothing was added to the picture). I went with a higher aperture so that the lower clouds at the horizon were clear, I'd hoped that this would add depth, and create a more dramatic lead-in from the foreground rocks. My first thought was to lower the aperture to blur the background, and give the tree more emphasis. After thinking about it I'm glad I shot it the way I did. I didn't have much time at each location, so quick decisions were a must. This was taken in Arizona (Montazuma's Well). One of the stops along the 15 States, and 5700 miles I photographed in 2 weeks.

Comments

Chuck S. Frizzell October 10, 2009

I'd like to get some feedback on this. Let me know if you think I made the right choice. Thanks #1190524

M.Christine Duncan October 15, 2009

I think you definitely made the right choice to keep your wide open aperture since your lighting provided perfect definition for you already!
What a dynamic shot Chuck... was this simply a trip you've always wanted to take or was this work? Looking forward to seeing more, I have to say! -DRU Club #8040563

Kate Jackson October 16, 2009

At my photographic society the judges never seem to like you to leave the sun in the shot in situations like this. I do tend to agree with them that here the focus should be on the tree. A wonderful tree. Love the clouds too. I think the picture lies in the tree and if you crop out the sun at the top but leave the rays in we will not then be wondering what the main subject of the shot is. #8041760

Chuck S. Frizzell October 16, 2009

Kate, I argued that same point with myself. But in the end, thought it added interest to the picture. Now I'm having second thoughts. Thank you very much for the comment. #8043261

Chuck S. Frizzell October 16, 2009

Here's the crop. #8043301

Kate Jackson October 17, 2009

Personally I do prefer it without the sun. I know we are still wandering up to those lovely rays but mostly we are concentrating on the tree which is very expertly exposed. #8044631

Chuck S. Frizzell October 17, 2009

Thank you Kate, for the wonderful advice. #8045656

Dianna Murphy October 19, 2009

Wow great work, the light is superb. #8051370

Chuck S. Frizzell October 19, 2009

Thank's Dianna. #8051419

Lyn Darlington November 16, 2011

Congrats on your finalist! #9808803

November 16, 2011

Great move with the speedlight. Really transforms the scene. #9810563

JO ANN CLEVELAND November 17, 2011

Big Congratulations on this awesome Gold 2nd Place Winner Chuck ...fantastic!!!

jo ann c. #9814825

Katherine Kuhn November 17, 2011

Congratulations on your beautiful winner! #9815054

David M. Montero November 18, 2011

Fantastic shot. Great work Chuck. Congratulations on scoring gold! #9816965

Chuck S. Frizzell November 18, 2011

Wow, what an honor, Thanks everyone. #9817725

Merna L. Nobile November 18, 2011

Congratulations!
You’re the kind of person who makes the world a better, brighter place…You worked hard for this, you made it happen, and you have a right to be proud. So enjoy these satisfying moments; you deserve every one! Merna
#9818030

Chuck S. Frizzell November 18, 2011

What a wonderfully nice comment Merna, thank you! #9818175

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