Treescapes and Photography

Photographer's Request for Critique Rajkumar Krishna Treescape. Tried to create a old world treescape HDR Photographer's Request for Critique Jeff Grant Treescape. Definitely not going to see the TRP, your comments are most welcome, thanks. TreeScapes M Sdn Bhd. Office Address: 2 0 12 Level G, KLH Tower, No 2, Jalan Kasipillay, 51200 Off Jalan Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Postal Address: Patrick Nicholas is a fine art and portrait photographer of English origin based in Orvieto Italy.

Forest White Gum: This image was made on film about 25 years ago. White fluffy snow stuck to the the deep forest. What really attracted me was the flow of the branches. Randall Romano Photography Canadian Documentary and Environmental Photography Trees beautify our planet both ecologically and spiritually, shaping our landscape. They provide many essential elements of life to both humans and the multitude of other creatures on the earth. Ecologically trees are a major modifier of climate. They reduce fluctuations at ground level in temperature, moisture and wind conditions. They provide a large supply of oxygen to our atmosphere through the process of photosynthesis (“the transformation of light energy to chemical energy by living things”). Trees, filter noise and air pollution, supply us with wood burning heat and with food. Spiritually trees provide us with religious connections. The tall majestic Cedars and Redwoods of British Columbia’s coastal rain forests create feelings of awe and wonder within us. White Pines towering above Ontario’s Mixed Great Lakes Forest connect us to a primeval time when the world enjoyed more wild places. Trees inspire a true serenity within our self-consciousness, giving us a keener understanding of life’s rhythms. It is primarily this spiritual and ecological connection to trees that has inspired me photographically. I feel a need to evoke the importance of the natural world and its preservation. Trees bring new challenges to the camera with every season. Autumn is about colours. Spring brings new growth. Summer is lushness. Winter is stark form. Utilizing shapes, lines, patterns and textures is what photographing trees is all about. Some of my favorite aspects of tree photography include: Branches, Forms, Ecosystems, Understory, Leaves, Roots and Trunks. Tree BranchesThe shapes, forms and patterns of tree branches are tied to specific tree species. The key with making successful images of tree branches is isolation. It is essential to analyze the subject and find the smaller part of the whole that is interesting. This can be a huge challenge when faced with a wide diversity of tree branches and requires concentration and time spent. Backlighting and early morning or late afternoon front lighting tends to better isolate and bring out form. Clarity of form is paramount. Overall Tree FormsAny mature tree species has a characteristic overall form, although certain benchmark species are more recognizable. White Pine trees with their characteristic crown are tied to the feeling of Canadian Wilderness, or natural ecosystems. Look for species that stand-alone or tower above other surrounding trees. Their forms are easier to isolate. Deciduous or hardwood trees show better form without their leaves, while coniferous or softwood trees show good forms throughout the seasons. Forest EcosystemsTrees play major roles in effecting the characteristics of ecosystems. They provide a shield and shelter for a variety of animals and smaller plants. Photographing an overall ecosystem, such as The Great Lakes St Lawrence Mixed Forest, illustrates the harmonious state of various species. A lookout or higher vantage point provides potential for an overall view of the forest. Looking down at the forest, I see a symphony of beauty, a web of life. Polarizing filters help bring out the various hues and tones found in the forest at any time of year. Careful observation of these tones is essential for compositional placement and image making success. UnderstoryTrees harbour and create a microclimate for a variety of understory plant species. Wildflowers, ferns, shrubs and other species make fascinating subjects onto themselves. Ferns are of particular interest to me. Their leafy and segregated leaves are a study of form and patterns. Lying on the forest floor with my 105mm macro lens, I can isolate the fern’s green leaves against the sky. By lying on the forest floor I can allow myself to see the forest from a different angle thus feeling part of the whole ecosystem. Smells, sights and sounds are stronger and more alive from this position leading to a greater understanding of my subject and ultimately to better images. LeavesThe photography of leaves is typically based on colours, patterns and textures. Close-up macro photography of leaves can reveal unseen beauty, while distant images can reveal a range of colour, particularly in autumn. All leaves are different, characteristic and can be inspiring artistically. Leaves can be photographed right on the tree or taken to specific locations controlled by the photographer. I enjoy using interpretive techniques on leaves such as multi-exposures and Orton imagery. Orton Imagery use to involve the sandwiching of 2 or 3 slides together that are overexposed. Now we can use layers in Photoshop to achieve the same effect. These techniques create a painterly effect that harmonizes the tones and hues of leaves. Tree RootsMany White Pine species grow in rocky outcrops and the roots weave and turn over rocks to find moisture and nutrients. They are integrated and distinctive patterns on their own and when photographed in conjunction with the rock textures they make amazing subjects. Filters help bring out the colours of roots and rocks, especially warming polarizing filters. Overcast days add to colour saturation and reduce problems with shadows. Tree TrunksPhotographing tree trunks can reveal forms, size and textures. Each tree trunk is unique and represents a living diverse subject. Textures and patterns can be photographed with a macro lens, which also helps explore an amazing array of insects and plant life, in particular mosses and lichens. Some tree trunk forms make great individual subjects in their own right. Some are perfectly straight while other are forked or curved taking many turns. It is important to explore tree trunks from as many different angles as possible. A huge difference exists between looking up, looking down, close-up or far away. Always approach your subject with childlike excitement looking for new ways and angles to see. Trees provide a wide range of photographic subjects as well as a huge environmental significance. They can be photographed throughout the seasons, changing and revealing new forms, colours and patterns. Time spent observing a forest or an individual tree allows an appreciation of nature and a greater feeling of wholeness with the earth. Trees are not an ordinary photographic subject; their existence is ultimately tied to our own. Forced Observation. This was a difficult image to make as I forced myself on a very dull weather day to make an image. Randall Romano Photography Mystical Wetland. This image was a giant puzzle of branches put together in an effective way. Randall Romano Photography

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