Pamela Hoaglund
July 2026 - Wild Rhododendron in the Redwoods
Original
About the Image(s)
This image was taken way back in 2018 while on a workshop. At the time I was shooting with a Canon EOS 6D and Canon 24-105 lens on a tripod. I was also shooting a lot of bracketed images at the time so this image is a combination of three images for HDR. ISO 1600, shutter speed varied with average of 1/5 sec and aperture f/20. I think it was processed on ON1 RAW but other than combining it to HDR I have no idea what other post processing I might have done.
7 comments posted
That's very pretty. The redwoods make a beautiful backdrop for the rhododendron. I like the choice of including the three redwoods as well. The different shades of green are interesting, and I'm wondering about that. There are leaves that are almost a bluish green that stand out a lot. Are those older leaves? I love the soft green color with the pink blossoms. Posted: 07/02/2026 22:10:21
I think the leaves you are referencing are newer leaves as they are right below the flower. Posted: 07/13/2026 01:55:34
This is beautiful. I love the color palette and seeing the trunks of the trees behind the flowers, particularly the trunk on the left side of the image. I was going to point out the slight lean on that tree but decided it wasn't a concern. I only mention it to see what others think. Nice work. Posted: 07/06/2026 10:29:01
You captured the essence of a beautiful woodland scene. The colors and the play of golden light in the background capture my attention. My eyes also quickly found the tilted tree on the left. The tension it creates adds interest to the overall pattern. Did you try shooting up through the blossoms into the tops of the trees? Posted: 07/16/2026 14:50:40
This image is one that captures the viewer. I can imagine myself walking and breathing in the scent of the forest. My only thought is that you could consider allowing a bit more space above the rhododendron to include the lovely curvature of the top of the rhododendron bush. Posted: 07/16/2026 20:30:09
This image has impact for me because of my memories of the Allegheny Mountains near where I grew up. In late spring and early summers the Rhodedendron bloom there was spectacular. We don't see it here in the mid south. The strong verticals of the tree trnks give me sense of old forest and draw my upward to the colorful blooms. As I look at both teh original and the processed image, I find I am more drawn to the original - I like the diffused look. You might consider adding some texture to the original to give it a watercolor appearance. Try it and see what you think. Posted: 07/17/2026 18:23:28
Pamela, I really have mixed thoughts about this image. I have to agree with Sharon and her thoughts on the original. I think the original gives the viewer a broader view of the wonderful flowers and lessens my thoughts on the presented image. The presented image to me looks a little to busy with the wonderful colors of the rhododendron flowers and leaves competing for attention with the textured bark of the redwoods. Posted: 07/18/2026 16:50:05