Ghosts of Fog - Mt. Tam

Stumblebum · September 22, 2014

North of San Francisco lies a treasure trove of opportunities for nature lovers. Some of those are Marin Headlands, Sausalito, Mt. Tam, Fort Baker, Point Reyes etc. Everyone should visit them once!

Below are my attempts. All feedback and criticism is heartily cherished. Cheers!

1)

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3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

8)

9)

10)

David_S85 · September 22, 2014

Outstanding series! Every one of them is a gem.

Jim McClain · September 22, 2014

Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say every one of them is a gem, but definitely some very nice pictures there.

I have to go to the San Jose/Palo Alto area in a couple of days, so I hope to find some pictures while I'm down there. Only gonna be there a day, maybe 2 (need a part for my Segway, which is my mobility aide). Maybe we could meet for coffee?

Jim

lifeinfocus · September 22, 2014

#5 if my favorite of the set. The lighting and resolution of the trees is excellent. #6 frame within a frame is appealing also. I could see #6 as a composite with the two huge trees as one image and the inside elements as the second.

I think the lighting of #1 and #2 would lend themselves well to B&W conversion.

Phil

pathfinder · September 22, 2014

Fog is just a great beautifier. Always a great time to go photographing. Very nice series of images.

I really like the dimensionality, the 3-D effect of #5.

roaddog52 · September 22, 2014

A great series of images. I really like the concept of #6, but I think a little more detail in the side trees would be beneficial, maybe 1/2 stop or so. Then again it could just be my monitor. #10 is also a favorite.

thumb

I'm heading out on a 4 week road trip in the next day or so. Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada to Apple Valley. If all goes according to a loose plan, we'll be hitting highway one and working our way northward back home.

Phil

Stumblebum · September 22, 2014

David_S85 wrote: »

Outstanding series! Every one of them is a gem.

Thanks David! Value your feedback beyond what I can express! Cheers!

Stumblebum · September 22, 2014

Jim McClain wrote: »

Well, I wouldn't go so far as to say every one of them is a gem, but definitely some very nice pictures there. I have to go to the San Jose/Palo Alto area in a couple of days, so I hope to find some pictures while I'm down there. Only gonna be there a day, maybe 2 (need a part for my Segway, which is my mobility aide). Maybe we could meet for coffee?

Jim

Thanks Jim! I am not that easy! It would take lot more than a coffee! Dinner, wine and some music!

During weekdays if you are there, then it is hard because work ends around 5:30-6:00 pm if lucky, and traffic is terrible after that, and wherever you head, light most likely runs out. However, send me pm. Maybe there is opportunity to get few shots somewhere. Cheers!

Stumblebum · September 22, 2014

lifeinfocus wrote: »

#5 if my favorite of the set. The lighting and resolution of the trees is excellent. #6 frame within a frame is appealing also. I could see #6 as a composite with the two huge trees as one image and the inside elements as the second.

I think the lighting of #1 and #2 would lend themselves well to B&W conversion.

Phil

Thanks Phil! Appreciate your feedback as always!

I don't know composite images yet....I tried B&W for first couple, but didn't work as hard as I should have to make them pop, appearing bit dull I thought...., so went with color.

Stumblebum · September 22, 2014

pathfinder wrote: »

Fog is just a great beautifier. Always a great time to go photographing. Very nice series of images.

I really like the dimensionality, the 3-D effect of #5.

Thanks Jim!

I too find that fog adds a whole other dimension. Sort of adds element of mystery, beauty, dreaminess and infinity from my perspective. If it was a clear day, the contrasty light through the trees would make it near impossible to shoot, unless someone know how to take 2-3 shots and blend them together. However, diffused light through fog really makes it easy! It is surprising how much light sensor picks up, while it appears gray to naked eye! Cheers!

kdog · September 22, 2014

Not that wild about the first two, Taz. But the rest of them are just cracking. Love the iridescence of #5. I agree you could probably bring up the shadow detail a smidge in #6. The Ft Baker shots are really cool. I guess I need to go back there now.

Stumblebum · September 22, 2014

roaddog52 wrote: »

A great series of images. I really like the concept of #6, but I think a little more detail in the side trees would be beneficial, maybe 1/2 stop or so. Then again it could just be my monitor. #10 is also a favorite. thumb

I'm heading out on a 4 week road trip in the next day or so. Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada to Apple Valley. If all goes according to a loose plan, we'll be hitting highway one and working our way northward back home.

Phil

Really looking forward to your journal my friend! I think those are some of the most beautiful states for photography so you shall return with a sizable haul!

For #6, I thought just a hint to let it know it is tree stumps on the sides, was the way to go. I certainly had opportunities to bring out details there....was trying to keep attention away from them...but will try your suggestion and add touch more details.

Stumblebum · September 22, 2014

kdog wrote: »

Not that wild about the first two, Taz. But the rest of them are just cracking. Love the iridescence of #5. I agree you could probably bring up the shadow detail a smidge in #6. The Ft Baker shots are really cool. I guess I need to go back there now.

Morning and thanks bro!

Thanks for all the knowledge, both for photography and the locations! I thought Fort Baker POV was nice, easy to get to, generally easy parking, and they are open 24 hours with no rush to get out. However, our primary competition are Fishermen for the spots.....

rofl

black mamba · September 22, 2014

Another really good body of work, Taz. 4, 5, and 10 stand out for me.

I've always found that shooting in a forest is particularly challenging. The majesty I might feel and see while there seldom seems to transfer well to my recorded images. Somehow my images appear more cluttered and less distinctive than I remember the scene to be. Your forest work here runs counter to my experiences. Good job, buddy.

Take care,

Tom

Sam · September 22, 2014

You really nailed the feeling of the fog. Great stuff!!

Sam

Stumblebum · September 22, 2014

black mamba wrote: »

Another really good body of work, Taz. 4, 5, and 10 stand out for me.

I've always found that shooting in a forest is particularly challenging. The majesty I might feel and see while there seldom seems to transfer well to my recorded images. Somehow my images appear more cluttered and less distinctive than I remember the scene to be. Your forest work here runs counter to my experiences. Good job, buddy.

Take care,

Tom

Thanks Tom! Appreciate kind comments as always! The diffused light helps. In past I tried shooting these trails on clear day and was confused as to why it appeared I was hiking in shadows and camera picks up insane light with contrast. I would still someday want to get the "green" where you get your shots! Cheers!

Stumblebum · September 22, 2014

Sam wrote: »

You really nailed the feeling of the fog. Great stuff!!

Sam

Thanks Sam!

Your recent Nightscape from city was in my head when I went to San Francisco! Crispiness and clarity of that shot was mind boggling! Standard worth pursuing! Cheers!

Seefutlung · September 22, 2014

Very very nice. Each picture well worth viewing. #3 and #5 are my favs. I'll take a 16x20 of each.

Gary

Stumblebum · September 22, 2014

Seefutlung wrote: »

Very very nice. Each picture well worth viewing. #3 and #5 are my favs. I'll take a 16x20 of each.

Gary

Thanks Gary! Much appreciated!!

roaddog52 · September 23, 2014

#6 exposure on the large trees is just fine. After viewing on a non workplace monitor they look spot on. exactly as I envisioned.

Phil

Jack'll do · September 25, 2014

All excellent shots Taz. I especially like # 5 and # 6. #5 looks like a scene out of Land Of The Lost. If I was there I think I'd be looking over my shoulder afraid T-Rex was stalking me!

Seeing your work has always inspired me to try to improve my landscape photography. I am especially fond of your scenes that involve water.

Stumblebum · September 25, 2014

Jack'll do wrote: »

All excellent shots Taz. I especially like # 5 and # 6. #5 looks like a scene out of Land Of The Lost. If I was there I think I'd be looking over my shoulder afraid T-Rex was stalking me!
Seeing your work has always inspired me to try to improve my landscape photography. I am especially fond of your scenes that involve water.

Thanks John! Always appreciate your imagination and dreaminess as I am guilty of same!:D
Been a stranger for a bit.....post more man! Cheers!

CatOne · September 30, 2014

Some good shots in here.

I particularly like #6 and #7.

With #6, the way the foreground tree frames the background tree is really nice. And there is good detail in the foreground; it's a very nicely composed photo. The only thing I might change would be to burn the ground in the foreground closer than the first tree; it's a bit distracting.

With #7 I just like the fog and the trees and the trail. It seems very peaceful, and I'd REALLY like to be walking along that trail.

Great subject, keep working with it as it's producing some great shots! Probably October will be the worst season for fog on Mt. Tam, but hey ;-)

Aleksandar Vasic · October 29, 2014

Art.

Ghosts of Fog - Mt. Tam

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