Extreme Suburban Landscape

November 15, 2012  •  2 Comments

Suburban Lanscape 0011_2_3_4_5_tonemapped I have been busy processing pictures from my Nephew's wedding and finishing my family history book, so my fun photography has been languishing. I recently read that (paraphrasing) instead of taking the picture you wanted to make, take the picture that wants to be made. While in Virginia I miss having the ready made opportunities for landscapes literally at my doorstep. But sometimes a picture is where you don't expect it. Near our townhouse is a small hill created from some construction excavation. Nature has been doing its usual reclamation and a tree has sprung up on top. Every time I drive by the hill and tree demands my attention. I went out this morning with the idea of catching the tree with a red sunrise behind the hill. But it was overcast. I took some pictures anyhow to prepare for the shot I had intended to make. Standing there I realized that a B&W photo was calling. As I processed the photo I was trying different effects and B&W looks including a "solarization" process. The image may not appeal to everyone but I like the dramatic look of the single tree commanding attention on an artificial hill in a suburban setting. I will shoot more pictures of this tree and am now envisioning a series of "Suburban Landscapes". Nikkor 17-55mm @ 17, f13, 5 shot HDR +/- 2 ev from 1 sec. Processed in Photomatix Pro and NIK Silver Efex with final adjustments made in NX2.


Comments

Edie Littlefield Sundby(non-registered)
Dave I love this shot and the visual effect you have created. The first thought that came to my mind was Armageddon - don't ask me why. Maybe because of its emotional intensity: The loneliness yet the promise of the stark tree on top the hill; the tall uneven grass amidst patches of bare earth. As we are drawn to Revelation and Armageddon so am I drawn to this picture. It is mystery and open to individual interpretation. Isn't that life?
Ann Coleman(non-registered)
David, this is dramatic for certain. I have always loved the simple shots of one item that can catch the attention in a picture. Your picture does just that. If I were to ever be lucky enough to paint, I have always thought the first thing would be a lone tree standing in the picture. Your picture brought that thought back. Maybe growing up in Oklahoma, and my dad's love of maple trees is ingrained in my very being. He planted the huge maple trees in a row at the edge of our yard, and kept the trunks white washed long before I was born. As a child I would climb to the top limbs of these huge trees, surveying all I could see, then I would jump out of the tree. I never had a broken bone, but I sure did give a scare to my mother each time I did it.
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