Deconstructed

[Hilary Hann]

Those of us who like to visit the Masai Mara a lot would define the landscape (minus the animals) as being distinguished by the Oloololo Escarpment and the flat topped acacias. Almost doesn't matter which part of the reserve you are in, you can see them and of course, if you see them in anyone else's images you are immediately transported to the place.

I was looking for something else from my 2010 files and saw this image which I hadn't flagged as being interesting when I first catalogued the files because it had no dramatic sky, no animals, no leading line road or river, no foreground to speak of.

Today I feel in a simple mood so it caught my attention and I've processed it to highlight these simple compositional parts of the landscape. Very plain but I like it.

40D; 70-200 f2.8 @ 70mm; ISO400; 1/500; f16 Techs are nothing like what I'd use nowadays, just goes to show that sometimes you just go with the flow and it isn't the end of the world. :S3:

[Ian Cassell]

Hilary, I don't think I've ever seen this minus the animals, sunset, or something like that. That said, I really like this rendition.

[Ken Watkins]

Hilary,

One thing for sure this is very different, and I think it would make a very interesting print

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Ian & Ken.

[Morkel Erasmus]

Mood. Minimalist. Magnificent.
Only thing I might change is to dodge the FG a bit to get a bit more detail there as it would get lost in print being as dark as this?

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Morkel, I do have quite a bit of detail in the foreground and what I normally do with these kinds of images when printing is to decide on paper stock first and then alter some of the processing to suit. For example, if I go with German Etching or photo rag to get the feel I want, I will have a different density file than if I go to Fine Art Pearl. I work with a master printer and together we extract the most amount of detail to suit the final requirements. But you are quite right with your suggestion, the last thing I'd want is to have a clogged up foreground.

For what it's worth, I don't think I've ever printed from a file which appeared online without changes as the reproduction on screen to on paper is so different.

[Vivaldo Damilano]

Hilary this is so different, agree with Ken on making a good print, very Artie TFS.

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Vivaldo

[Markus Jais]

I like this a lot. Great and very different shot from all the other landscape shots of an African plain. Fantastic composition.
This would make a great print!

Markus

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Markus

[Hazel Grant]

Yes we all have those minimal days. Another good reason not to discard shots. Reminds me of an art quilt I saw at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah. Beautiful quietness here.

[Hilary Hann]

Thank you Hazel. I wish I could remember what I felt when I took the shot. It is sandwiched between leopard images. I must have seen something I liked which perhaps was the quietness amongst the hectic nature of wildlife.

[Cheryl Slechta]

Hilary, I think this is exquisite in it's simplicity. I'd love to see it as a large print - I'm sure it would be impressive.:S3:

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Cheryl, all the positive feedback is making me think I'd better go to print! :S3:

[Robert Amoruso]

I like the old-time sepia B&W look. Simple composition extolls the virtue of the balance created with the trees and mountains.

I tried a browser crop into a pano just below the vignetting at the top corners and liked it.

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Robert, I agree that the crop would work as well.

[Matt Fragale]

I have nothing to say about this one, except that I really love it.

[Hilary Hann]

Thanks Matt