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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.
I’m loving this David. The flow of lines works oh so well, and the tree is a wonderful contrast to that flow. The subtle colors look very natural, and bring a pastel beauty to the image. I do like that tree lightened a tad.
My initial reaction is the contrast of time, a “Nothing lasts forever but the mountains” feel.
Lon…There is a black section of rock just out of frame on the right side which is why the frame is so tight over there. I guess I could have included it in the frame and cloned it out but I didn’t. Maybe I can add some canvas and see what PS comes up with. Yep, there is a little bit of dirt for this poor guy to live in but not much. Amazing what trees can live in and survive. Boggles the mind.
Paul…I think this tree is the same tree you mention. Yes, it’s up in the Checkerboard Mesa area. I think Igor’s redo is just about perfect with the different tones particularly the added blue tones. Thanks for commenting Paul!
Igor…Well it seems you’re not alone and that this tree has been seen by Paul as well. I love what you did with the tones on your rework. The lighter tree works well but I love the blue tones that you added (maybe a cooler white balance?). Anyway, thanks for doing that. It’s very difficult to get a good image in the area this tree was photographed in. There are issues right behind and also to the right of this image which is why it’s so tight to the rocks on the right edge. There is also a tree right where the tripod would go for this shot making composition difficult. I love the area but yes, it’s hard to find compositions that are satisfying. Thanks for the rework!
Ed…Thanks for your thoughts on this. Unfortunately, there is nothing I could do with the right edge of this as there is a big black area just off screen on the right edge. I could have added it and then cloned it out but I didn’t. Maybe next time. I’ll see if I can add some canvas over on the right edge and see what PS gives me but I’m not gonna hold my breath. Thanks Ed.
Mark…I agree with you that Igor’s rework is better and I love the blues that he uncovered. Thanks, Mark!
John…Thanks for chiming in on this one. I went on vacation and forgot about it so I’m sorry for the late responses on this. I’m glad this one works for you. I agree that the lightened tree does wonders as does the blue that Igor brought out of this. Thanks, John.
