The woods behind my house are pretty messy as far as visual elements. There are thorny briar patches everywhere, poison ivy vines, and generally a ton of clutter from brush and undergrowth. Except in fall where the colors can sometimes overcome some of the visual chaos, it is very difficult to simplify landscape shots here.
So with the recent New Years Day snowstorm, this normally chaotic environment became greatly simplified by the blanket of white. Like a giant eraser, the snow obscured 80% of the normal clutter – making landscapes a bit more appealing. In fact, the elements were obscured so much that it sometimes made it hard to find detail to include to give the scene some depth. This partially frozen pond made for some great contrast against the snow covered trees, and fortunately I was able to compose somewhat of a S-curve into it to give it a bit of depth.
Mark, it’s the same at my place. The forest is littered with deadfall and the shrubs are often ragged from browsing deer. Only the snow softens all the smaller elements so the trees can stand out. It’s a great image.
Here, here Bernie – I’ll take that deal!!!
Wren- not sure it is a contradiction because like you say, the details would have been overpowered by the clutter.
lana – thanks!!
Great shot Mark, it is amazing how snow can make about anything beautiful, I just wish we we would get a couple nice snows and then be done with it.
Awesome, as usual.
My eye was really drawn to the patterns of the snow on the trees. On the surface that contradicts your ‘simplification’ thesis, but without the snow to mute other elements, it wouldn’t have been possible to focus on the detail of the bark.
Hi Mark, great way of making the most of the situation! I think your composition works really well here, particularly the front four strong verticals and the S-curve. Beautiful shot.
I know what you mean about ‘messy areas close to home’. I have a small patch of messy ‘unkept’ nature along a creek just around the corner from where I live which leads down to an industrial estate. Sometimes I have challenged myself to go there to try and find something, but it is not easy and often ends up in very small scenes! 🙂
This is a great shot Mark! I love the deep contrast in the show. It has a very abstract feel to it because of that contrast, almost an embossed look. Nice work!
That’s my sentiments also! I love the way the snow transforms the scenery. I like to keep my pictures simple and the snow helps me, so I probably do the most of my landscape photography in the winter – wide angles just confuse me in the summer. Well, that and the fact that there’s not many flowers to shoot in the winter! 😉
Your picture above is a perfect example of winter photography. Balanced composition that brings out the graphical qualities of the nearly black & white nature in the winter. Wonderful!
Hey Mark, this type of shot is really tough, but you pulled it off.