Ancient Bristlecone Pine Tree

[Roman Racela]

I had a chance to do some photography in Bishop, CA and Eastern Sierras last week.

I almost gave up on this because the cloud cover was just too much over the White Mountains where you'll find groves of ancient bristlecone pine trees. I already left the grove and had driven about 4 miles down the mountain when I saw a break in the clouds and made a quick u-turn to catch a sunset shot.

Thank you for viewing and happy shooting!!!

[Chairman Bill]

It was clearly worth making that U-turn. I do like the way that the cloud mimics the twisted shape of the bristlecone. I think I'd lighten things a little though. Not too much, but for me it looks a little too dark.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

It was clearly worth making that U-turn. I do like the way that the cloud mimics the twisted shape of the bristlecone. I think I'd lighten things a little though. Not too much, but for me it looks a little too dark.

I agree. Great shot, but I'd like it a tiny bit lighter.

[thierrylegros396]

+1

Thierry

[Roman Racela]

I suppose it I could make it a bit brighter. I have my monitor and mobile phone at the brightest setting so it looks right to me, but it probably needs half a stop of brightness.

[Rainer SLP]

Great tree and clouds and agree with the comments of the others.

I have my monitor and mobile phone at the brightest setting...

This might be your problem. ¿ What do you mean by brightest setting ?

Try and put your monitor at 6500K or maybe at sRGB ...

[Roman Racela]

I have my monitor set at sRGB.

Great tree and clouds and agree with the comments of the others.

This might be your problem. ¿ What do you mean by brightest setting ?

Try and put your monitor at 6500K or maybe at sRGB ...

[sdwilsonsct]

Very nice catch! Dark works for me.

[Roman Racela]

Thank you, Scott. I'm glad you like it

Very nice catch! Dark works for me.

[Roman Racela]

Here's a different edit of the same tree taken on the same day, but with more clouds and from a slightly different angle.

I processed this image to have a more natural look with delicate dodging and burning. Unlike on the other image, I swear no pixels were harmed or tortured during the editing process.

[Rainer SLP]

Hi Roman,

Nice, but you are confusing me.

Your first image for me was saying it was taken during the sunset and therefore the orange/red colors of the clouds/tree/stones and now you present an image which looks like it was taken at noon.

 

[Roman Racela]

Hi Rainer,

The second shot I posted was when the clouds were just beginning to dissipate and clear up and the sun was just starting to break through so the clouds were mostly white with just a hint of color. I had to drag detail from the shadows (almost 3 full stops) from the RAW file so the rocks and tree were not underexposed with the clouds being bright. I hope that addresses your confusion.

-Roman

Hi Roman,

Nice, but you are confusing me.

Your first image for me was saying it was taken during the sunset and therefore the orange/red colors of the clouds/tree/stones and now you present an image which looks like it was taken at noon.

 

[Rainer SLP]

Hi Rainer,

The second shot I posted was when the clouds were just beginning to dissipate and clear up and the sun was just starting to break through so the clouds were mostly white with just a hint of color. I had to drag detail from the shadows (almost 3 full stops) from the RAW file so the rocks and tree were not underexposed with the clouds being bright. I hope that addresses your confusion.

-Roman

OH, I see, thanks for clarifying that it is another shot. That happens when one does not pay attention to detail ... Shame on Me ... Sorry ...

How much time difference between the 2 shots ?

[Roman Racela]

I have to look at the exact time but if I have to guess they're about less than 15 minutes apart. One is around 7:30 and the other around 7:45.

OH, I see, thanks for clarifying that it is another shot. That happens when one does not pay attention to detail ... Shame on Me ... Sorry ...

How much time difference between the 2 shots ?

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

I especially like the second one. The colors may be less exciting, but the way the tree and the cloud interact is very nice.

[Roman Racela]

I did wish that the clouds on the 2nd images were on the 1st one when the sky was exploding with color. Oh well, we can't win them all!

I especially like the second one. The colors may be less exciting, but the way the tree and the cloud interact is very nice.