"Liftoff". The first image in this collection, chosen for the intricate and intriguing patterns that the background and foreground demonstrate. This is the first of a quartet of images that were taken by approaching tree branches from below, around and in between. Aside from the angle and framing, I wanted a strong, and less vibrant colour scheme for this one in particular. The deep reds of the berries and the indigo blend together rather nicely. I named this image liftoff as it is the spearhead of the project, an excellent sample of what is yet to be seen. The clusters of berries have such interesting shapes and patterns, and from the direction the image brings the eye, it is almost as if they are moving towards the right side of the frame; ready to take off.
"Resident storyteller". A wide angle portrait shot of a local fir tree. The tallest out of all the others in the vicinity. I went with a lower angle , to give the trees a more powerful air. I was enamoured by the way the sun pokes its rays through the branches, giving an almost ethereal feel that adds to the lighting and presence of this shot. I kept the fallen leaves in the shot to contrast the warmer tones against the light greens and teal that can be seen at the top of the frame. I named this piece as such due to the presence of the fir tree, its stature and mossy trunk made it out to be an old and wise behemoth with many tales to tell.
"Copper Commune". The textures and colours of leaves during autumn is one that cannot be beat. This photo was further enhanced by the sun's rays that have projected down onto the leaves, giving them a rather glossy texture. I left in the hints and flecks of green grass to draw a bit of contrast between that and the warmer tones of the leaves. I utilized a touch of depth of field to ensure that the center of the piece was the main focus, blurring both of the top and bottom edges.
"Kissed by the sun" There's a certain whimsical feeling I get from looking at this image. This truly was a shot that went right in just about all aspects. I focused on drawing a clear line of sight from the shallow depth of field that could still be followed along to the main subject of the image. The orange is so vibrant and bright, and the shape of the berries that are in focus resembles an animal of sorts, only adding to the general feeling of whimsy.
"Home, Sweet Home" An up close and personal look at an accumulation of algae on a local tree. The texture and bright natural colours are what drew me to take this photo in particular. I brightened the highlights and mid-tones in post, looking to capture some of the finer textures and details that were a bit too dim in the original. The contrast was also adjusted in post, creating that hard shadow on the left edge, as well as beneath the mushroom.
"Crossover" The colour and lighting of this image is impeccable. This is the third of the quartet of shots taken between branches of a tree. I made changes to the hues, creating a deeper blue for the skies, and a lighter bronze tone for the leaves so they could catch the eyes. I went with a shallower depth of field to ensure that the leaves closest to the frame were much crisper and clearer. The lighting also aids in adding to that visual depth in the cases of non-illuminated leaves. I named this one "Crossover" due to the proximity of the two center leaves that intersect despite belonging to different branches.
"Gateway" To mix it up a tad, I decided to take a closer look at the details and colours I'd be able to pull, or contrast against a damp rock face. This particular segment had a number of green overgrowth and red branches that almost jump off of the frame. I darkened the lower segment of the photo to add a sense of depth and mystery, in an attempt to make the sight appear vaster than it seemed. I wanted to garner as much texture as I could from the rock face, while keeping the initial integrity of the texture on the vines.
"Family portrait" Filling the frame are a trio of fir trees, standing tall and proud, preparing to brave yet another frigid winter. The tallest of which takes center stage, extending out into the sky. It draws the eye up towards one of the trio of triangular pinecone laden branches that sat atop each tree. From there, the clouds' white and the sky's blue take center stage, separating the upper half from the lush greenery of the lower part of the image. I upped the shadows and brightness of the brown accents throughout the image to have them serve as a pattern and shared feature among the three.
"Shockwave". With this image I wanted to attempt a flow in a manner that I hadn't before. Starting from the left, I kept the rocky bits from that part of the frame in to create a feeling that there is levels to the image. From there, the eye is meant to race up the accumulation of branches. As the eye follows a trail, the greens and the reds are meant to play off one another. Once out towards the sky, the red's brightness remains consistent enough to contrast the soft blues.
"Gold Standard" Hanging alone amongst those that have withered and faded was this sole leaf. Upon witnessing it, I knew for certain it would fit with the theme I was aiming for. The bright gold draws the eyes to the center, and as they wander they cross paths with the other leaves; those that once shared the same luster, now sullen and drab.
"Those that Remain" A myriad of berries hang onto their branches, amongst the many that remain, there are those that have withered. This density of the framing, and vibrant pop from the berries made for a breathtaking sight. I was able to draw fantastic contrast between the berries and the sky above in a manner that draws the eye. This photo was shot beneath the branches of a berry tree. I changed the hues and contrast of this image, pulling out a deep pink from the berries, and cooled the sky's blue into a jovial cyan. The branches lead the eye from the center of the frame and towards the berries that almost seem as if they are blooming.
