Ansel Adams and I took similar shots
Feb 25, 2018 09:55:24 #
During a visit to Yosemite in spring of 1964, I took this snapshot of the Jeffrey Pine that sat atop Sentinel Dome. I used my Alpa 6b that produced a negative of !5/16x1 3/8". Processing was done by pharmacy lab.
At the time, I knew very little about Ansel Adams and was unaware that he photographed the tree from almost the same spot, in 1940, with a camera that produced an 8x10" negative. He processed his image in his personal lab.
I became aware of his photo about 10 years ago and was amazed at how close the two images matched. The main difference is that his image was made in bright sun, while my image shows no shadow. Based on the position of the mountain in the background, there is an angular difference of about 10 degrees. It is sad that this tree died in the mid 70's due to severe drought conditions.
At the time, I knew very little about Ansel Adams and was unaware that he photographed the tree from almost the same spot, in 1940, with a camera that produced an 8x10" negative. He processed his image in his personal lab.
I became aware of his photo about 10 years ago and was amazed at how close the two images matched. The main difference is that his image was made in bright sun, while my image shows no shadow. Based on the position of the mountain in the background, there is an angular difference of about 10 degrees. It is sad that this tree died in the mid 70's due to severe drought conditions.
Feb 25, 2018 10:00:16 #
Very nice work, Streets. I was saddened when reading that the tree is no more. I had hoped to attempt to accomplish much the same as you had.
My hope is to do similar with a couple of locations here in Az.
--Bob
My hope is to do similar with a couple of locations here in Az.
--Bob
Streets wrote:
During a visit to Yosemite in spring of 1964, I t... (show quote)
Feb 25, 2018 10:01:17 #
Feb 25, 2018 10:06:07 #
Nice work. It shows that you have a good eye!
Was the tree a Bristlecone Pine? If so, how old would you say it was? I know they live a loooong time.
It is sad to see that beauty is no more. I hope to get out to Yosemite as some point to see the landscape, and make some great shots like yours.
Was the tree a Bristlecone Pine? If so, how old would you say it was? I know they live a loooong time.
It is sad to see that beauty is no more. I hope to get out to Yosemite as some point to see the landscape, and make some great shots like yours.
Feb 25, 2018 10:28:53 #
Feb 25, 2018 10:52:59 #
I like your composition better than Ansel Adam. His has the tree partially blocking the distant mountain range. Yours doesn't block them. Great Job...!
Feb 25, 2018 16:17:45 #
James56 wrote:
I like your composition better than Ansel Adam. His has the tree partially blocking the distant mountain range. Yours doesn't block them. Great Job...!
Whoa, that is some compliment. Thank you sir.
Feb 26, 2018 08:25:08 #
[quote=James56]I like your composition better than Ansel Adam. His has the tree partially blocking the distant mountain range. Yours doesn't block them. Great Job.
For me, the two photographs present a perfect opportunity to analyze the importance of composition. I don’t think Adams accidentally blocked a portion of the mountains. Instead they are placed to parallel the the tree limb. Adam’s emphasis of the clouds and shadows are also important to the overall “emotional” impression.
The exact placement of the camera, and the angulation of the lens, creates
two different images. A viewer is of course free to choose the one he prefers.
It would be interesting to hear from others about these two particular images and how much care we each take composing what we want in the view finder (or screen) before pressing the shutter. My personal answer is unfortunately “not enough”.
For me, the two photographs present a perfect opportunity to analyze the importance of composition. I don’t think Adams accidentally blocked a portion of the mountains. Instead they are placed to parallel the the tree limb. Adam’s emphasis of the clouds and shadows are also important to the overall “emotional” impression.
The exact placement of the camera, and the angulation of the lens, creates
two different images. A viewer is of course free to choose the one he prefers.
It would be interesting to hear from others about these two particular images and how much care we each take composing what we want in the view finder (or screen) before pressing the shutter. My personal answer is unfortunately “not enough”.
Feb 26, 2018 08:35:31 #
[quote=lesdmd]
The photo I took was a snapshot made with Kodachrome. I desaturated it to better compare it with Adams' work. Here is the second snapshot I took at the same time. There was little thought regarding composure: Just a quick look in the viewfinder and shoot. These slides were copied with a home made copier, using a white monitor screen for a light source.
James56 wrote:
I like your composition better than Ansel Adam. Hi... (show quote)
The photo I took was a snapshot made with Kodachrome. I desaturated it to better compare it with Adams' work. Here is the second snapshot I took at the same time. There was little thought regarding composure: Just a quick look in the viewfinder and shoot. These slides were copied with a home made copier, using a white monitor screen for a light source.
Feb 26, 2018 08:39:26 #
With all due respect for the present photographer, I agree. Ansel Adams was a meticulous photographer. Fro what I have read, he planned out every photo and although he did some manipulation in the darkroom. He was known for the fact that what he photographed full image is what he printed. When I took classes at the NY School of Visual Arts, we were required to print full frame. That forced us to frame through the camera's viewfinder. Today in digital, I shoot many exposures of the same scene, changing settings and frame, so I can choose the best. Most often, the first shot is the best.
Feb 26, 2018 14:18:31 #
Streets wrote:
The photo I took was a snapshot made with Kodachrome. I desaturated it to better compare it with Adams' work. Here is the second snapshot I took at the same time. There was little thought regarding composure: Just a quick look in the viewfinder and shoot. These slides were copied with a home made copier, using a white monitor screen for a light source.
...And this view adds more possibilities of what can be accomplished by moving one's feet before pressing the shutter. In my opinion it adds even more credence to Ansel Adam's reputation who had incredible talent for finding the "best" composition.
Feb 27, 2018 01:07:50 #
James56 wrote:
I like your composition better than Ansel Adam. His has the tree partially blocking the distant mountain range. Yours doesn't block them. Great Job...!
Agree. I too like yours better.
Feb 27, 2018 11:19:33 #
Feb 27, 2018 11:46:34 #
Note to all repliers: Thank you for your inputs. If you haven't been to the Yosemite and may do so in the future, you will find that it is almost impossible to take a bad shot. The place is that beautiful.
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