Blazing Tree
Gillson Park-Wilmette
Evolution of a photo….
While driving home from Evanston yesterday afternoon, I realized it was a cool and damp day and that the sky was overcast, but that the colors on the ground (literally!) had strong shades of warm Autumn tones. So, as I passed the B’hai Temple on Sheridan Road, I turned off into Gillson Park which is a gorgeous area along Lake Michigan. http://www.wilmettepark.org/lakefront/gillson-park
I was just kinda trolling in my car through the park when this blazing tree captured my attention! Vibrant, irresistible colors!
So, I pulled over and set up my tripod to try to figure out how to capture this scene. I liked the reds, yellows, and greens, but I also liked the background which was kind of foggy and bright, and the light area of green grass in the middle part of the scene.
I tried a few different compositions and angles and waited for somebody or someone to walk or drive by to add a little interest and balance. However, no one came by (I couldn’t believe it), so I put myself in the scene and made a little “selfie” to see if a person would add to the image. (I’m including that below…a rare photo of me!) I thought it was “needed,” but I waited and still couldn’t find a willing person to pose.
Anyways, I switched views and set up the camera on a different angle/perspective when I saw these two people walking across the park. As I saw them nearing the scene, I changed to a slower shutter speed to try to diffuse their images and make them less a focus (again, literally!) of the scene.
Two frames. I liked this one better. And I also like the boulder in the foreground and garbage can on the far right….makes my eye move through the scene, I think. Nothing edited out or in the final image.
Fun! At least it is for me!
-Stephen M. Levin
“My Mind’s Eye”
www.stephenmlevinphotos.com
Wow
Thanks!
So beautiful. This one is a framer for your wall.
Ha! Not too many qualify for that!
Thx.
The leaves are beautiful! Love the top picture not so sure about your selfie. Just kidding. As usual your photograph is gorgeous.
Aw c’mon…I thought you’d want a copy of the selfie.
Thanks…as usual. Hope you’re well!
Love this image. Great thoughts about the process too. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, John. This was a “fun” one!
(Actually, aren’t they all?)
Did you shoot that this week? This year especially, I’ve been feeling very close to the changing colors which you captured in their vibrancy. Each day seems very different yet still alive; I’m in denial about the approaching winter. Earlier today at the beach was very sunny and enough leaves were hanging on to make it feel as if we were about three weeks ago.So yes, your pictures have captured those colors which we love.
Yes…this was from Thursday afternoon, this week. About 3PM. I bet you know the exact spot…just off the street on the west side of Gillson Park, by the homes.
I think this is a relatively vivid autumn so far. Next stage–all the leaves on the ground. THEN, winter! (Which can also be quite beautiful, of course.)
Thx!
That is a STUNNING photo, Stephen! I would love to share it on our Facebook page, if you would be ok with that…let me know!
Cool! Glad you like it, Allison!
(I responded to your question via Twitter…)
Thanks.
This season’s colors are fantastic and hanging in for a short while longer. This one will make for fine memories over the winter. I too like the selfie. Whenever I view a museum showing of an artists’ works, I am often drawn to the self-portraits. They add to the fuller picture of the artist and his/her personality and intentions.
I am glad that YOU like the selfie!! I hoped so. haha
What beautiful shots. You captured the beauty of the season.
Thanks! I’m glad I decided to drive into that park that day!