Tuesday, June 22, 2010

The Monster


I must admit I've been back and forth on this one more than a few times. I liked it quite a lot initially, then began to feel that it was not really that interesting, now I am back to liking it again! I've said it before, but it normally takes me some months or even more to get "detached" from images to the point where I can really judge them impartially, like seeing someone else's work for the first time.  Some other photographers I've talked to say the same thing.
This shot definitely makes me think of some alien spider creature about to chop off my tripod legs for daring to take it's picture. In reality, it's the remnants of an ancient Bristlecone Pine, probably laying very still right here in this spot at 10,000 ft. elevation in California's White Mountains, for many hundreds if not thousands of years. Click the image for a larger view on this one.. the texture of the wood is amazing.
I wish the redwood decks on my house were this durable.. I am going to be spending most of the summer repairing and refinishing them:)

11 comments:

Unknown said...

Wonderful monster Mark and thank's for the large view. You're right, the wood texture is really amazing.

And ... Good luck with your summer work, mine will probably be almost the same except that the next house will be a stone one. I would really prefer wood but i can't change it now :)

Gaelyn said...

I love the sculptural effect of root wads and the bristle cone is such a marvelous ancient old tree. Wouldn't take me long to decide I like this shot.

Joanne Olivieri said...

Love it and I think the black and white essence increases it's beauty.

Amy Lilley Designs said...

WOW!!!...it looks like 'Carnage' attacks 'Spiderman'...my son is a Jr/Sr. @ the New England Inst. of Art, and he would LOVE this photograph...the detail, the movement, the B&W...AMAZING!!!!

Ashrays said...

My instant though on seeing the small version was Ansel Adams.

On the large size I see what you mean about the texture, superb, almost overpowering! Stoating stuff!!

I normally have my shots processed and posted within hours of taking them. Initially I like them, but within the week I don't like them. There is only about 10% I still like don't know why!

The Retired One said...

Always trust your first gut instinct...it was correct....I LOVED this the minute I saw it!

imelda said...

its an awesome work of art

storybeader said...

for a big old remnant of a tree, that's stood there for so long, the wood looks very "fluid" ! Mystical, I might add!

Carolyn Ford said...

I like finding knarly old trees...I like this one. It is definitely resembling some sort of monster.

Cruiselife & Co said...

It looks like the tree from Sleepy Hollow. So eery, but wonderful shot.

Anonymous said...

Love the textures, tones and composition of this shot. Everything that should be present in a Black and White Photograph