Dreamers Tree. Near Yuma Arizona, winter 2012.
I found this back near Yuma during our Winter tour and I took my time on it. It’s a perfect scene for a relaxing afternoon, but it has just a bit of mystery thrown in too. We were taking a Sunday evening drive and the tree was just off the road. But had the light not been hitting it just right, I would have passed it right over.
I frantically turned the truck around and was able setup my tripod and photograph it before the light faded behind the hills. I think I could go back and almost lie in it’s threading braced and fall asleep. But the question is, would it eat me?
Release details: Prints Available.. Order Open Edition originals above.. Master prints and Signature Limited Editions are listed below and can be ordered by contacting gallery.
Released prints….
- 48 inch Master Original on Canvas – Limited edition of, 1 (contact the gallery)
- 40 inch Signature Canvas – Limited Edition of, 25 (contact the gallery)
- 36 inch Signature Metal – Limited Edition of, 30 (contact the gallery)
- 24 inch open edition mounted print (order above)
For Photographers. How it was made… 
Technical Notes: Canon MK2, 17-40mm @40mm, 1.4 @ f11, 1/13, ISO160, Induro Tripod.
Processing: Lightroom 4, Photoshop, Seim Effects tools.
There’s an immense amount of sharp detail here and it must be printed large to be appreciated. I took a great deal of care about how I sharpened and worked details in the sky so as not to lose any of it, as well as to make sure I did not get any artifacts, halos or the like. This occurs easily if over processing is applied to delicate details or to smooth colors such as a gradient sky.
I actually had another similar frame but with a slightly differing perspective. I agonized for some time over which to use but finally settle son this for it’s better detail. I am generally adamant about settling on one image. Anything more reduced focus of both the artists and the viewer.
The main step after using some presets and tweak in LR, was the detail work. Next I spent a lot of time working with careful burn and dodge to control tones and keep the values where I wanted them. The setting sun was soft my this point and I worked to highlight the subtle play of light on the branches. This allowed a delicately complex scene to stay simple and allows the eye to enjoy what it has to offer.
