Umnak Loc: Mount Vernon, Wa.

I initially posted these in Photo Gallery. Thanks to UTMike, for the tip to try this section for some specific ideas on how to use these these trees to my advantage.

In these images, I feel the trees growing taller and into my field of view for images of the Skagit Valley looking both East and West are becoming a nuisance to the foreground and detracting from the subject I am trying to showcase.
Ten years ago we moved to Mount Vernon and discovered a little gem called Little Mountain Park. With an upper and lower observation platform, sweeping views of the Cascades, Olympics, San Juan Islands and the Salish sea are all visible.
In 2012, most of these views were unobscured by the evergreens and deciduous trees, alike. Fast forward a decade and these are the images that are available when visiting the park and its viewing areas.

I am curious, as to what ideas and thoughts anyone may have to use these foreground subjects to my advantage in shooting landscapes of the Skagit Valley.
I am always open for any and all critiques that may help me improve my images. I thank you all, in advance for your time to consider what I can do differently to elevate my photography skills.

I am using the kit lenses for an 80D Canon 18-55 and 55-250 are the only two I have currently.
I don't usually shoot panos or long distance landscapes, with the 55-250 for these kinds of scenes, just experimenting with it.
West facing shots 1, 2 and 3: ISO 200 55MM f/8 at 1/250th
North and east 4, 5, and 6: ISO 1600 55-90mm f/8 at 1/250th

I shoot in RAW and import directly to LR for any and all PP.

Rob

1. Whidbey, Camano islands and the Olympic Mountains in the distance.

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2. A different angle through the evergreens slightly more to the North.(the far left of image not cropped due to the balanced coloring on either side of the Olympics.....) ?

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3. San Juan Islands(far right) most northerly angle available from the upper platform.

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4. Lummi, Orcas and the other San Juan Islands. Skagit river snaking through Mount Vernon in the valley.

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5. Wider view including Mount Blanchard(mainland peak).

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6. Mount Baker, a 10,781 ft. active glacier-covered andesitic stratovolcano, dressed up like cotton candy!

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Cany143 Loc: SE Utah

Saw these yesterday, Rob, but didn't comment then because, uhm........ Today, on the other hand, I'm feeling a little bolder. And since you've asked about using those foreground trees --twice now-- to better advantage.....

The only photographic observation I'm feeling bold enough to make (apart, that is, from a non-photographic suggestion that might --or might not [yrmv]-- be worth considering.....?), concerns not how to use those foreground trees to your advantage, but how instead to use them such that they're not to your disadvantage. Be aware, however, that what I'm going to reveal --as in 'this is my opinion'-- is only a preference that I generally hold as opposed to anything that's a universally written rule or requirement. Okay? That said....

The couple of little bits of unconnected, discombobulated tree that intrude on the outer left edge (and less so on the right, but that I can overlook) of image #3 is disconcerting. (Others might call something like that a distraction, but most would probably not notice it at all while they go about their merry way commentating on other, weightier matters, like avoiding the centering of a horizon line, or assuring that the horizon is actually level.) In other words, give me tree or give me nothing; don't give me parts of a tree that serves no function, and become what in literary terms would be known as 'widows and orphans'. (I mean nothing against widows and/or orphans as they may be as persons, but visually, as elements or as metaphors, anything that's not connected is best removed from sight.) I do appreciate, however, that you've consciously thought to 'balance' the left/right tonal echo of the sky (in #2).

Re: the trees, and a solution, though. There are these things called 'chain saws'. And at 4am, who'd even notice? Or be quick enuf to nab you?

R.G. Loc: Scotland

You don't say how restrictive the situation is, but if it's possible you should consider finding better viewpoints away from the viewing platforms. The advantage of platforms is that they give you height and when you get down to ground level the problem with obscuring trees gets worse. However, if you can find the brow of a hill or an outcrop where the trees in front of you are not too close or too dense you may find a clearer view of the scenery. If it means moving away from the viewing platforms (safely!) you should consider that possibility.

If you're absolutely stuck with what the viewing platforms have to offer, one possibility may be to find good views that you can see through gaps in the trees and use the trees as framing elements. If you can't get close to the gaps on foot, consider using zoom to give you the framing you want. What you don't want is trees obscuring the view in the centre of the frame - even a little bit. And having a tree obscure the main object of interest (as in #6) is a big no-no. Mountains usually work best when they can take centre stage (not necessarily the centre of the frame) with an uninterrupted view of them.

Below is one of my shots that uses trees as framing elements, plus one of your shots cropped for the same reason.
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Uuglypher Loc: South Dakota (East River)

Jim and RG said a lot of value and said it well. I’ll be curious which you settle on… a higher perspective or the chain saw!
Dave

Umnak Loc: Mount Vernon, Wa.

Thank you for feeling bold and taking a moment to clarify some things, Jim. Point taken, on the inclusion of any trees in these shots, "make them add to the image as a whole tree or get them out of the frame, entirely". My mind was so focused on the other aspects in these images that, "I couldn't see the forest for the trees" kind of thinking had me ignoring these orphans and widows.....

I suppose now I just need to do a little scouting/tagging in the daylight hours and oil up the bar for an evening excursion!(totally kidding) While it made for a sinister smile and a few moments of pondering, I'm just not that skilled with a chainsaw and would likely end up with a Darwin award instead of a great photo!
Thanks again for taking the time to help offer some ideas. Your opinions and ideas will undoubtedly help be make better images moving forward(possibly even going back through some).
Rob

Umnak Loc: Mount Vernon, Wa.

The platforms are about the only way to get above trees.(a little restrictive as the trails wind through and circle this somewhat conical hill) I have yet to find any other places that are elevated/open enough to not have trees somewhere in the frame. As spring approaches, I will see if there is a better vista that I haven't discovered yet.

The crop on #4 makes a lot more sense. Your example image is what I will need to look for here, if I cannot find a better place to shoot, at Little Mountain. As to #6, I need to accept that its just not a good shot unless some misfortune befalls the trees obscuring the peak or I figure out how to hover about 10 feet off the end of the platform....

Thank you for the ideas and ways to use the trees to my advantage. For some reason, I had ignored the trees to focus on the intended targets, to the detriment of these shots. While I may not be able to shoot these scenes in a wider view, perhaps I can showcase smaller views(your zoom idea)from this place. Portraying the islands and mountains separately may be the solution for this shooting location. Or perhaps go find a better place altogether....
Your time and ideas are greatly appreciated and I have new ideas to work with now.

Rob

Umnak Loc: Mount Vernon, Wa.

While a chainsaw would be the simple solution, it would not be a popular one. Lots of tree huggers around these parts and it would seem they frown upon this behavior...
Even at 4am, as per Jim.... and as I mentioned, falling trees is not my forte, (Christmas trees, excluded) especially on these steep slopes. I will circle back to this post when I have solutions and improvements to show!
Thanks guys! This is why I really appreciate being a part of UHH!
Rob

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

In the first three shots, the trees really are a problem. I read about the platform limiting your mobility and the fact that , from the ground , there is even less of an unobstructed view. In the last few shots in this series, however, you have managed to work around the trees. I get that you are looking in a different direction. I really like the photo of Mt. Baker; but I would try to move as much as possible to the left so that you still have the trees ; but you also have an unobstructed Baker. (that might not be possible as you mentioned the platform is restrictive.) I do like the color and the time of day that you selected for these photos.

Don't overlook using a longer lens in the orientation of the first shots. You might be able to get a slice of the valley and incorporate some of the trees for an acceptable composition. I think there is a lot of potential from the point at which these shots were taken.

If it is a place that you return to often, don't overlook the fact that things change drastically depending on weather, time of year, time of day, etc. There is no rule about how many times you can shoot a scene; and each time will be different.

Don't by shy about showing us future views of these scenes. There are a lot of very experienced members in this section who would be happy to share their experience .
Erich

Umnak Loc: Mount Vernon, Wa.

Thank you Erich! All very valid and useful points to put into motion!
Little Mountain is very close to my house, so re-shooting is no problem. I was at the very end of the cantilevered North platform(as far left as possible). I do plan to explore the top of the "mountain" as weather improves and the trails might be firm enough to provide solid footing, in hopes of finding a vantage point that hasn't been encroached by the ever-growing evergreens! Now armed with some creative ideas from the excellent thoughts shared with me, I will make it up there to discover other possible shooting points and plan to post them on this thread!
Rob

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Great. Looking forward to seeing the results.
Erich