The Three Graces

[Iguanamom]

Try as I might, I just don't know if this captures the grandeur of these massive beauties. I practically broke my neck looking up at these, trying not to trip over my snowshoes, but somehow it just doesn't convey what I felt. Eh, I don't know. Short of climbing one, I'm not sure how to do it. Maybe it isn't possible in only one photo. Thoughts?

[NKP68]

I think what you need is to be able to compare the size of these beauties with something of a familiar and known size. A person or animal, as a third element perhaps. By looking straight up the perspective becomes compressed. I think you'll need long lines to show grandeur.
Ed

[Iguanamom]

good point. I'm not sure how to do it by myself in the woods though. Have to think.

[LeeIs]

Very dizzying photo. I can imagine being there. I think it's very busy for my taste in photos, but i'm glad the three trunks are so prominent it lessens the busyness. The colour is contributing to the busyness also, maybe a b&w version will emphasize the trunks more?

[armando_m]

I'll use a wide angle to exaggerate the perspective and include a person in the shot to give a reference to the viewer

[Iguanamom]

I did hunt around for a less busy view...part of what made me almost trip over myself. ha! I'll try a B&W version, you might be right about de-emphasizing the canopy.

yeah, a person would have done the trick, but 90% of the time I'm alone so...short of self-timer portraits I'm not sure what I can do about that.

will keep thinking. I've got a couple months before full-leaf when I go back for the mother of all beeches.

[CLKunst]

With a shot like this there's little need to introduce a perspective comparison, the trunks are relative enough from how far they lead into the picture. Trying to put in something to show scale would just seem goofy and odd. Lie down on the ground, then you won't hurt your neck or trip next time, bring a blanket or a ground mat. Use the widest angle lens you have. Don't stop until you're satisfied. Also would recommend some fill flash so you could get the colors and shadow details. Good luck.

[Buzzaro]

good point. I'm not sure how to do it by myself in the woods though. Have to think.

I am just getting into photgraphy but I have a couple shots where I was trying to do something similar. These are just with my cell phone but maybe they will give you ideas. In both photos the bike is in the same spot.

[Iguanamom]

If I were a cyclist I'd give it a shot, but I'm a hiker. maybe take off my boots and tie them to a branch (if I can reach one!).

[hminx]

I think you need to rotate this 90deg anticlockwise then more of the trunks are vertical, as it is they look a bit strange with a more horizontal aspect when this image should be trying to emphasize the vertical nature of the subject.

[emiles]

Depending if you camera has a long self timer(10 seconds or something), you could set it up on a low tripod and then go to the tree and be looking up into the canopy. This would not only add the third element that Armando was talking about but it would allow you to show perspective.

As for a critique, I love the shot. I was trying to do something similar to this earlier when the leaves were falling off, but to no avail. Like the strong trunks and how the lead up to the middle of the shot, but I have to agree, it is sort of busy

Another thing that might be interesting (if you shoot this again) is to go back with all the leaves are back and maybe that will get rid of some of the distracting branches and fill in the gaps and sort of act like a mat for the "background"/sky. But I guess that depends on how much the leaves fill up.

[GB1]

Very nice viewpoint. The DOF is excellent. No technical errors.

I wonder what this scene would look like in the fall when the leaves are changing, if indeed these type of trees lose their leaves?

G

[Iguanamom]

no, hemlocks are evergreens...this was shot in early March and the deciduous trees aren't leafed yet. Looks like there might be a couple stray branches that are from leaf-dropping trees. I'll have to check it out when I go back in May. This is on the same trail that leads to the kettle-hole bog and orchids. Too bad it's snowing right now.