Saddleback Valley USD Adult Education - Contests
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Fresh Spring Day - Michael Beaty
What I like about pictures like this is how they can convey the beauty of a scene that not everyone sees while standing looking at it. My wife says I should have a bumper sticker that says "I brake for trees". That was how this shot was found. While driving through the countryside near Paso Robles I saw this tree in the field. With a careful selection of angle and cropping the pictures looks as if there is nothing else around for miles. I just love it.
The image is a blend of three exposures that all were increasing underexposed by 1/3 of a stop. This was so I could get a much detail and contrast in the clouds as possible. I also had a circular polarizer and a neutral density gradient filter on the lens when I shot the images.
In Lightroom I cropped, sharpened, added a few saturation ticks, and adjusted for the lens distortion, chromatic aberration and vignetting.
Paso Roblesslideshowtreetreescloudsgreenbluegrassskyspringfreshtravel photography
From Paso Robles - 2011
CatchLightPictures
on May 16, 2011Thanks everyone for you nice comments.
Jay Stoegbauer
on April 21, 2011I feel a very fresh spring day!
Nice choice of time of day to define the clouds and the texture in the grass.
My favorite part of the image here is the composition. Great sensibility in that the horizon line of the grass gently brings me in to the center of interest with the slight slope slowing my eye down not getting me there too quickly, and then apter pondering the tree, the additional upslope keeps me from visually running out of the frame, and the the downslope gently takes me out. The pattern of the clouds also creates an exquisite visual rhythm with the smaller shapes on the left side creating a visual staccato pace which then slows down as the viewer gets to the larger more dramatic clouds on the right.
My only criticism is that the light on the tree is a bit flat, and if there were highlights the image would have more life. By the way, if you have a chance to watch the cult film "Harold and Maude" which has some great cinematography, there is a scene with almost this exact composition except that Harold and Maude are having a picnic under the tree.
XinaCat
on April 19, 2011Fresh, fresh and fresh!! We have a brilliant green field, puffy clouds in a beautiful sky and an oak tree, composed in a simple composition that looks natural and appealing. The focal point is very clear, and I just want to be there, under the tree. All we need are a couple of cows or sheep grazing. Good job.
AliCurtisPhotography
on March 27, 2011Michael, this is a beautiful photo! I like your use of HDR particularly since it's subtle. And I agree with Bill, it would make a great desktop wallpaper. Congrats on a great find and a great shot.
Bill-Russell
on March 25, 2011This is a very serene image that would make a great desktop image. Love the clouds. Great job.
John Gasca
on March 24, 2011This is a very calming and fresh photo Michael. Nice composition. Seems like thinking ahead, allowed for capturing great detail in the beautiful cloud formations.Nice job!
Susan Brown Matsumoto Photography
on March 20, 2011Very peaceful photograph. I like the simplicity and colors. Spent many of summers in Paso Robles with family. You captured the essence of how beautiful it is up there.
628365abaloun
on March 19, 2011All I think about is 'fresh' air when I see this photo! Great shot!
455285Trish2009
on March 16, 2011This photo has great composition, and I like the idea of the photo looking like there is nothing else around but trees (or this one tree even). The clouds add a lot of interest to the photo, as well.