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.