These type of photos are often shown as b&w to accentuate their abstract nature. However, large objects in pastel colours also make interesting photographic subjects. Taken at Wallerawang just outside of Lithgow. Middle of the day in bright sunshine - not generally what is required but in this case adding to the result.
Crop it?
One of the considerations in presenting an image and this is part of the PP, is whether an image should be cropped or not. In this example, these flowers are clearly the subject of the shot. As such you might consider this image as having unnecessary background. However the background in this shot contributes to the overall appeal of the image in my opinion. It reminds meal of a meal served on a beautiful plate that adds to the visual appeal. Too much cropping and the image can't breathe. Too little and the image floats around.
More atmosphere
A continuation of the weather this afternoon ie, more clouds and interesting atmospheric conditions. Now you see it, now you don't - except if you catch it in between!
The dense air creates a 'thickness' in the scene. Even though clouds are prevalent, a low level mist colours the background skies. A little light throws highlights on the escarpment.
Sunlight pierces the cloud cover further towards the west.
Lion's head? Close up version of a photo from yesterday's blog under different lighting conditions.
Elsewhere on the mountainside, a rusted out car becomes visible after the bushland is 'cleared' by a fire.
Support pillar in shelter near Katoomba Falls.
Change of weather
A very warm day yesterday but predictably the clouds rolled in over the valley later in the afternoon. This shot was taken from Narrow Neck which was soon enveloped in cloud cover.
20 minutes before - taken from Cahills Lookout, scene of bushfires in November 2014. This angle could be shot thanks to fires burning away the undergrowth and foliage allowing access to lower areas.
Unremarkable
How often do we venture out as photographers to capture a beautiful scene? As it happened the day I shot this image was also the same day an earlier photo was taken with dramatic cloud formation and featuring another tree. Firey skies and black clouds are striking in their impact. This is not one of those photos. It is however a simple exercise in relationships and tones with a helpful diagonal element thrown in (cloud base). The dark tree form is rooted in the solid (also dark) base. The light cloud form above also benefits and is shown up by the darker sky. The tree is also slightly slanted away from the cloud at the top which is 'moving' from left to right of the frame. The tree may be catching a low flying darker cloud (what has this guy been smoking!). It is Friday afternoon....
One more thing on format. Some time ago a photo magazine publisher had a podcast on image format of a newer camera he was using. In particular he pointed out how he was quite taken by the 16 x 9 format it offered him (he could selected that crop factor in the camera menu). He concluded that since becoming used to that format, other crop factors seemed... not quite right. The crop factor of the above image is 4 x 3. The photo wasn't copped afterwards, it was taken like this. Neither are right or wrong. Both can be powerful. Some people never stray from the square.
Hay barn - Wilton, TAS
A strange combination of cool weather and no rain - Tasmania has been pretty dry for months. Fields are yellow and hay is an important food source for cattle and horses.