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Ironwood at Sunset

© Stephen Shoff

Ironwood at Sunset

Uploaded: July 29, 2013

Description

f/6.3, 1/50 sec., ISO 1600; EF 300/f/4L

A somewhat romanticized interpretation; Ironwood is a very hard wood with beautiful dark red, smooth branches. This was taken late in the evening under a very warmly colored sunset.

Processed in NIK HDR Efex Pro

Exif: F Number: 6.3, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 1/50 seconds, Flash: did not fire, compulsory flash mode, ISO: 1600, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 300.00 mm, Model: Canon EOS 5D

Comments

Kalena Randall July 30, 2013

Hey, Stephen, I really like the detail on the truck of the tree. The color is unique, too. I like the presentation you give of this tree. I think it fits the composition well. #1538367

Elaine Hessler July 30, 2013

That is really beautiful. I love the light on the wood and how the wood contrasts nicely with the leaves and grass. This reminds me I need to take advantage of that type of light.

I don't see anything that needs to be improved. I do like it as is. #10787633

Jeff E Jensen July 30, 2013

This is really nice, Stephen. I think it works well the way it is, but would be interested to see an 8x10 crop, removing the extra off the right side. This should put the main trunk pretty close to the center. #10788727

Beth Spencer July 30, 2013

Beautiful as is!! I love the light on this one! #10788972

Kristin Duff July 30, 2013

I love trees and this one is no exception! Good job! #10789019

Stephen Shoff July 30, 2013

thank, all. #10789024

Stephen Shoff July 30, 2013

Didn't look at this very closely before I uploaded it. There is a little cloning and cleanup that should be done along the bottom edge if I were to go with this crop.

Jeff -- I liked the wider format. The shrubs coming in from the bottom right point to the tree and the open space below the longer branch on the right provides space and motion. #10789031

Jeff E Jensen July 31, 2013

Thanks for trying the crop. I agree, I like the original better.
#10789273

Beth Spencer July 31, 2013

I like the original the best too! #10789498

Susan Williams July 31, 2013

I agree with the others and prefer the original compositon which is so nicely done. The colors are wonderful and allow the tree trunk and branches to lead. Very nice, Stephen. #10789604

Debbie E. Payne July 31, 2013

Go with the original Stephen. I love the lighting and the painterly treatment; but you knew I would like that, right? #10789618

Dale Hardin July 31, 2013

Agree on the original crop Stephen and like the treatment you've given it. I'm familiar with the tree and would be interested in seeing the untreated image. #10789681

Rita K. Connell level-classic July 31, 2013

I love the feel of this Stephen very nice POV on this tree and all the surrounding. the original crop for sure #10789782

Stephen Shoff July 31, 2013

My original framing intent was to include the stone wall. The bramble sticking up from the wall at the base of the tree and the jumble along in the bottom right corner prevented that. My challenge was to get enough contrast between the tree branches and the background brush, and to bring out richer color in the tree branches. #10790362

Stephen Shoff July 31, 2013

My original framing intent was to include the stone wall. The bramble sticking up from the wall at the base of the tree and the jumble along in the bottom right corner prevented that. My challenge was to get enough contrast between the tree branches and the background brush to bring out the contours of the Ironwood tree, to bring out richer color in the tree branches, and to convey the isolated Ironwood tree surrounded by other random foliage. #10790370

Dale Hardin July 31, 2013

thanks for showing us the original Stephen. You achieved your goal.

However, I do like the more "bright sun" look of the original. Perhaps a bit of dodging on the brighter areas of the foliage and the grasses on the make over image? #10790642

Stephen Shoff July 31, 2013

Here is a version of your suggestion Dale. Hue/Saturation layer selected for the brighter areas of foliage below the green (Adobe's "yellow") and the lighten slider set to about +25.

This returned the greens in the image to more natural shades without losing the artistic effect on tree branches. Except that it didn't affect the other reds scattered throughout the picture, it was a more comprehensive and precise way of getting back to the "bright sun" look. #10790696

Dale Hardin August 01, 2013

I like that Stephen. Thanks for trying it. #10791768

Chris Budny level-deluxe August 04, 2013

I really like the original version you posted, after coming late to all the edits here... I wish this species was thicker-limbed; I feel like the star of the show is the great coloring of the limbs, and the light on those limbs; while the surrounding greenery is beautiful, it competes with the tree for top billing, somehow! (I almost preferred the "brighter sun" edit, because it somehow washed out the greenery a bit more, letting the tree stand out a teensy bit more. If this tree loses its leaves seasonally, it could make for a great subject on line & shape, ie, in the bare branches and limbs! #10795894

Stephen Shoff August 04, 2013

Yeah, Chris, I'm having a hard choosing between the two as well. I don't know if it is a large bush or small tree...grows to about 6-8', it is really difficult to get frame-filling pictures of its contours and textures. #10795991

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