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Image Description
Instead of Alone with my thoughts, I thought I’d title this one, Alone With My Rocks. These rocks were not there when I photographed this scene the year before this was taken and I thought they played a key role in the life of this little tree. It’s growing on a downslope of sandstone in Zion National Park and there is debris (rocks) that fall down this slope but so far this little tree has managed to escape being run over while at the same time clinging to life growing out of a rock.
Technical Details
Z7ii, ISO 125, 24-70 @ 47mm, 1/5 sec, f/16
Critique Template
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My first impressions? The classic nature story of persevearance, determination and/or life finds a way. Then, how on earth does a tree grow out of rock? Ok, I see there is some soil around and we all know trees grow out of little cracks, etc. etc. But for sure, this demonstrates the amazing power of nature.
Excellent job with the capture and composition. I love the curves and lines up top and how the evergreen literally connects the warmer toned curves up top, with the cooler toned rock and shadows below. I even like the presence of those sharp rocks (hence your title?)
this is a wonderful image and even better nature story. Well done!
If I had a teanie-tiny nit, it would be the wish for a tad more canvas on the right. The darkest litte rock is almost breaching the edge of the frame. That’s pretty dang minor and hardly worth mentioning!
David, this had a fond draw for me personally. It gives me recall to a site in Zion up on Checkerboard Mesa.
I like it as it’s presented. Any thoughts for change from me is just some exercises with different toning thoughts. But as always, with solid compositions and excellent focus all the rest becomes subjective to one’s liking.
btw: just read the rest of your comment. I think this is a tree I just might know…
I feel as though I’ve been here before. Those rock layers are wonderful at Zion but I’ve never pulled off anything satisfying there. I played around with this image and the only conclusion I came up with was that the tree was too dark for a good balance. I also experimented with other ideas but they were just different, not better.
Hi David,
My initial thought is that I am always amazed with the tenacity of the natural world and the little foot holds they can eek out for their existence. So, this definitely shows us the story of survival. You have arranged the elements beautifully in this scene with the tree and the graceful curves of the rock formations. I am also loving the color palette as it looks very natural to me. I only have one tiny suggestion and that would be just a little more canvas on the right side as those couple of rocks are pretty close to the edge. Wonderful image IMO.
David, yes, the natural world is amazingly tenacious. This small tree and it’s surroundings state that vey well. I agree with Igor that the tree seems a bit dark. I do find the blues in the rocks very attractive.
