If nothing else, this
photograph requires technical
skills, envisioning power
(many would probably not
think of this magnificent
foreground) and a lot of
patience. (Read Discussion)
remember that a full circle is 24 hours. so take any star in time lapse picture and figure out the arc. in this case, it's around 110-120 degrees (let's use 120 deg) so:
Often in star trail photographs, the photographer forgets or neglects to include a worthwhile foreground, something on earth to anchor the image. Not so in this case. Must be beautiful in a large print.
the star tracks look oval in shape because i used a wide angle 90mm lens (4x5 format). that doesn't bother me because for this particular image, i am more interested in what it says from a spiritual, emotional, or symbolic perspective. here we have the stars overhead that are going to be here for a very long time, the bristlecone pines have been there for 3000-4000 years, and then i walked right through the picture twice (once to go back to my truck & sleep and again to trip the shutter off) and don't even show up. that sort of symbolizes the element of time for me, personally, in a certain fashion. we (humans) are here for a very short stay and yet, collectively speaking, we seem to think we are somehow superior in the way we claim dominion over the world in which we depend upon for life itself. it's a powerful photograph when thought of in this fashion:
we are nothing
we are everything...
everything in the sense that we're made from the same stardust that the trees are made from; nothing in the sense that within the timeframe and scale of what seems to be eternity, we're truly insignificant... but as individuals, we're everything of significance because we do relate to our environment and have made a huge impact. everything is interrelated... from us to the trees to the stars.
okay, okay... just my opinion here & i'll step off my pedestal now.
I see you've put a lot of thought into this. And I must say I agree with your sentiments. You've got a wonderful image here, and a wonderful sense of self expression.
This is a good example of this style of photo. I agree with the other comment about your selection of a nice foreground to anchor the shot. The only nit I see is the largest trees seem to be leaning into the spiral, but I don't think it detract from the image much. Very well done.
I feel that your composition is absolutely beautiful!!! I immediatley identified with the spiritual feel of the scene. I think its wonderful that your subjects are the timeless stars in combination with the bristlecone pines which are the oldest living creature on Earth. Ever since I watched a documentry on the "Meathusa Tree", photographing the bristlecone pines have been a dream of mine. You have done an absolute wonderful job here!!! Thanks for sharing.
This is great. I'm sure the small online scan doesn't look as good as a print. All of your black and white work is excellent, but I think this captures my attention the most. Amazing.
I love your photograph. You have inspired me. I have a question though. Why did you shoot it on 400? Ok, one more question. To create this star trail effect, you point the camera in the direction or the star Polaris? If not, please fill me in. Nice work.
Excellent photo! I especially like the way the tree in the foreground points towards the concentric circles. It gives the photo a more "grand" and profound feel.
By the way, your presentation is excellent too, thanks for sharing with us.
This photo stands alone without explanation but reading your ideas about it gives me and even greater appreciation of the symbolism. All of your photos have a great fluidity to them.. very impressive!
This is an amazing shot, regardless of the medium. To see that you shot it 4X5 is out of this world. I'd love to see this printed at 5'X 7'or so. Definitely an image that would benefit from large scale printing.
When first I saw this image, I saw the star trails as Eternity's phonographic record with the tree leaning in as the arm bringing the needle to play the music of the spheres.
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