Paul Smith
July 2026 - Aspen in the Mist
About the Image(s)
I signed up for a Photography Tour of the Tetons/Jackson Hole area…”Summit Tours”. On this early morning, we traveled to the aspen grove near the Yellowstone river. The sunlight was being filtered by the mist looming over the river. The task was to frame the distant aspen with the 5 trees nearby. Canon 90D, Canon 17 - 85 lens, ISO 400, SS 500, f/8, Nik Viveza and Silver Efex
11 comments posted
Paul, I really like how you managed to capture the mist in this image yet the trees are sharp. I also like the perspective from which you took the photograph with a pathway between trees, focus on trunks in the foreground, yet we see more tree in the background. Did you use a sepia tone? I think that effect works very well here. Nice image. Posted: 07/05/2026 20:47:43
I did not use sepia...thanks for your remarks. And thanks for thinking of my barn when you chose your barn for this month! Posted: 07/10/2026 21:26:12
I guess like any other monochrome photographer, I'm a sucker for Aspen trees. This is a good example. Sometimes it is helpful to have an assignment to help focus. You did well with this assignment!
Have you considered darkening the border trees and making the middle tree a little brighter? It might help focus the eye of the viewer. My eye went to the border trees first. Just an idea. Depends on what your priority is for the subject.
Nice job on the image! Posted: 07/05/2026 22:10:50
Have you considered darkening the border trees and making the middle tree a little brighter? It might help focus the eye of the viewer. My eye went to the border trees first. Just an idea. Depends on what your priority is for the subject.
Nice job on the image! Posted: 07/05/2026 22:10:50
My intent was to feature the foreground Frame Aspen. I like their texture. Thanks for your comments. Posted: 07/10/2026 21:36:54
Paul - lovely!
I think I've been in areas like where you were (dozen years ago at least) near Grand Tetons - but either way, I recall the first really hard task is "where do I stand?"! I likewise love the almost symmetrical feel of the outside trees, with the main central tree hiding a background one perfectly. The mist closes off the background well. Well done. Posted: 07/08/2026 16:18:19
I think I've been in areas like where you were (dozen years ago at least) near Grand Tetons - but either way, I recall the first really hard task is "where do I stand?"! I likewise love the almost symmetrical feel of the outside trees, with the main central tree hiding a background one perfectly. The mist closes off the background well. Well done. Posted: 07/08/2026 16:18:19
If I were to do it again, I would have shot this at f/4. I should have devoted more attention to the "Frame Aspen" and left the distant aspen a bit blurry...jus sayin" Posted: 07/10/2026 21:33:44
Paul - lovely!
I think I've been in areas like where you were (dozen years ago at least) near Grand Tetons - but either way, I recall the first really hard task is "where do I stand?"! I likewise love the almost symmetrical feel of the outside trees, with the main central tree hiding a background one perfectly. The mist closes off the background well. Well done. Posted: 07/11/2026 07:16:42
I think I've been in areas like where you were (dozen years ago at least) near Grand Tetons - but either way, I recall the first really hard task is "where do I stand?"! I likewise love the almost symmetrical feel of the outside trees, with the main central tree hiding a background one perfectly. The mist closes off the background well. Well done. Posted: 07/11/2026 07:16:42
Mood, then more mood. Perfect depth of field and wonderful tonal value has produce a great image. The detail in those front trees are perfect but you a drawn to that distant tree off in the mist and you want to go there, but you know it will be trouble. The mood thickens. Your histogram will say no, but the mood and judges will say yes. Well done. Posted: 07/15/2026 10:00:25
I can't decide which I like better...your photography or your writing! Posted: 07/15/2026 15:31:09
Indeed great DoF. We can see all the structure of the different trees.
There is a path to guide our eyes to the center of the image.
The atmosphere is calm and relaxing. Posted: 07/15/2026 15:21:17
There is a path to guide our eyes to the center of the image.
The atmosphere is calm and relaxing. Posted: 07/15/2026 15:21:17
Thank you, Vincent. Posted: 07/15/2026 15:32:34