TREES

Trees. How many ways can you photograph trees? Trees? Are they even viable subjects to consider when looking for interesting subjects to photograph? If we take a right-brain approach to life, the answer is a resounding, "Yes." We can make the common uncommon. 

These trees, early in the morning, gave me a sense of awe, especially the way the early sun rays exposed themselves in between the trees. In order to translate the scene to what I felt, as opposed to what I saw, I switched my White Balance to fluorescent, which gave me a look that best matched my feelings that morning.

Here is another similar example where I applied the same technique. However, for this example, let me show you the Before and After. Below is the scene before I switched my White Balance to fluorescent. This scene too gave me a sense of awe; a feeling of tranquility.

Here is that same scene after switching to fluorescent. Big difference! 

For these trees, I placed my camera against the aspen on the left and pointed it straight up. Knowing that the bright sky would result in my built-in exposure light meter giving me an underexposed image, I increased my exposure setting by a +2 2/3, before I placed the camera against the tree. Perspective. Alter your perspectives from time to time to add variety to the look of your images. 

Try creating double exposures, again, to make the common uncommon. It can give your images an art-on-canvas look to them. Please search previous posts where I walk you through the steps I take to create my double exposures. If you can't find it, please e-mail me, and I'll add you to my monthly newsletter list and share with you the steps I take. 

How about photographing mostly the leaves on trees, and not the trees per se? I positioned myself to where I got the leaves backlit. 

Tree reflections always add an extra bonus to any image. If you can find colorful trees and their reflections, consider yourself lucky.

And, finally, find art in nature, as I describe it. This is a close-up of an old giant stump I found in Rocky Mountain National Park. I saw a face. Again, detach yourself from the labels--in this case,
a "tree." 

If you don't look at trees as "trees," you will be amazed at what else you will see. Explore, see beyond the obvious, and have fun with your new creations!! Enjoy.