Fall Spectacle In The Blue Ridge Mountains

[Coastal Flyer]

This is what the scene looked like to me. The colors are simply staggering and, as such, I wanted to portray the scene as something different than the usual calendar shots of the easter U.S.

This is not a Photoshop added special effect. I did this manually.

Hope you like a bit different display of fall.

CF

[armando_m]

Nice effect !!

the exif says 31mm, did you changed the zoom length at the same time you shot it ?

[mjs1973]

You did a nice job with the effect. Assuming this is zooming during the exposure but it reminds me of a Lensbaby photo. Personally, I'm not a big fan of shots like this. I just can't look at them without my head starting to spin. I had a Lensbaby for a short time but had to send it back because this type of visual messes with my head. That being said I think you did a really nice job of capturing the fall beauty in a different way.

[Coastal Flyer]

Mike/Armando:

Thanks both for your comments. Yes, I zoomed while exposing for the shot. Photoshop has a special effect that will add this same sort of look, but it does not come out like the real thing. Mike, that it makes your head spin is the ultimate compliment. I think. Thanks again both for taking the time to comment.

CF

[Anbesol]

CF - looks like you were going for something that makes the viewer a little dizzy, if you were, mission accomplished! I can't look at it too long because it is starting to give me vertigo. One thing I would adjust is the solid vertical lines on both sides of the image, more specifically the one on the right. The tree in the center has a lot of detail on it too, I would like to see it slightly sharpened so it gives a greater sort of stillness amongst a bunch of motion. Cool shot, I like the way you manipulated the colors here.

[Coastal Flyer]

Anbesol,

Thanks very much for leaving the comments. When I was contemplating the shot, while I knew what it could look like, the attempt was not to make people dizzy. I was aiming for a shot of fall colors that did not mimic every calendar in every stationary store of New England in the fall. The vertical lines at the sides are trees. I thought about cropping them out but then the cone of the image is really too small. I thought they gave an implied frame without being overbearing.

Thanks again.

CF

[tatadero]

While it is an interesting effect, it gives me a headache real quick!

[mikonyxx]

great effect. great colors. have to look away quickly....i feel dizzy.

[Coastal Flyer]

tatadero/mikonyxx:

Seems to be the common theme. I guess, in a way, I should be pleased that the photo creates such a reaction. However, it certainly was not my intent. Thanks for leaving the comments, just the same.

CF

[davidsaffir]

wow! vertigo!

aside from the amazing zoom effect, I notice that there are some nice vertical lines from the trees that serve to anchor the image.

also, you've included trees at different heights, and the groups of trees on the left keep the image from being too much of a bullseye.

overall, pretty good composition!

David Saffir
GuruShots Photo Critique

[Coastal Flyer]

David,

Thanks for leaving the comment. Much appreciated.

CF

[LeeIs]

Dizzying. wow.. sorry, i couldn't look at it too much. lol

[GB1]

Hey CF - I like it. Haven't seen one of these in such a setting before, and I think it works. My only comment would be that to make these shots spectacular, one needs to choose a good subject for the center area that isn't zoomed. This one isn't bad, I like the tree on the center-left (but then again, I'm an outdoors lover ).

G

[Coastal Flyer]

Leels/GB:

Thanks very much for the comments. GB I particularly appreciate the comment about the stronger center subject. My overall intent with this shot was to capture the sensational colors of the Blue Ridge Mountains in a manner not typical with every other fall scene. Anyone can take a landscape of fall colors. But to really set a picture a part from the crowd, especially a scene as well documented as fall colors, it has to be different. So, here is my attempt.

Thanks again.

David