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Natural Cathedral
Natural Cathedral
charliebaker


Photograph Information Photographer's Comments
Challenge: Free Study VIII (Advanced Editing IV)
Camera: Casio Exilim Pro EX-P600
Location: Near Hermiston, Oregon
Date: Apr 15, 2005
Aperture: F 6.8
Shutter: 1/200
Galleries: Landscape, Nature
Date Uploaded: Apr 18, 2005

Thanks for entering the “Natural Cathedral” to offer your comments and votes of support! This photo is by far the highest scoring photo in the 23 challenges I’ve entered (previous highest scoring photo was in Surrealism with a 6.085 for “Benedictus”). One of my goals each challenge (besides the creative fun of digital photography) is to attempt to beat my AVR (average vote received) which currently stands at 4.8375.

A few post-challenge notes regarding “Natural Cathedral”:
1) The original photo: taken in a cottonwood “planned-planted” tree farm (for use making wood pulp for paper near Umatilla, Oregon. The title is a bit oxymoronic, as the real forest is human-planted, and the colors are largely due to post-processing.
2) Post-processing: thanks to my teenage computer-savy son, Zoomdak, who took his “dorkdad” through a detailed hands on tutorial in Photoshop teaching me how to use the lasso tool, how to feather and other P/S techniques of hue/saturation, color balance mixing.
3) Fantasy: in classical musical, a “fantasie” is a freeform instrumental piece which explores the world beyond the senses, the romantic, bizarre or fantastical realm of the imagination. I’m not a fan of excessive P/S post-processing, but I am a big fan of the human imagination, the realm I sought to evoke with this photo.

Thanks again for your kindness and support. My “comments received” have raced way ahead of my “comments made”. I have some DPC commenting to attend to before the next challenge!

Statistics
Place: 4 out of 507
Avg (all users): 7.3398
Avg (commenters): 8.4348
Avg (participants): 7.3333
Avg (non-participants): 7.3636
Views since voting: 38681
Views during voting: 519
Votes: 256
Comments: 86
Favorites: 139 (view)


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AuthorThread
01/19/2011 05:56:42 PM
Wow....what a cool shot!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
07/12/2010 01:40:20 PM
This photo never fails to take my breath away.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
11/15/2006 10:03:34 PM
Phenomenal shot, Chuck.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
10/11/2006 03:30:39 PM
I just put this is in my fanvourites again after being reminded about it in the thread. It is truly beautiful. Just came back from Alberta where I photographed white trunk poplars in the fall; just inspiring!

Congratulations.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
08/22/2006 11:43:18 AM
I saw this photo a few weeks ago, but didn't put it in my favs folder until now. (I had to see who did the monochromatic theme for PEAS! and found it again.) This would make a beautiful print.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
07/26/2006 05:35:52 AM
I just added this to my favourites...what a magnificent shot!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
07/05/2006 06:42:58 PM
This has to be one of the very "BEST" examples of "Perspective" that one could ever find on the DPC site.....
It is also a great image as well..... I just love it.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
07/05/2006 02:00:12 PM
this is unusual and awesome...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
06/20/2006 12:39:29 AM
Originally posted by ace flyman:

I knew this tree farm would be a great shot. I drive by it at least once or twice a year going to Spokane or Boise. You did a great job. I don't think I've seen them this bright and colorful. Once again, nice work...........ace


I can't believe you said that... I saw this shot and said the same thing to my wife right before I read your comment. Anyway great shot Charlie and Ace maybe one of these one of us will shoot this as well.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
01/12/2006 11:19:10 PM
I knew this tree farm would be a great shot. I drive by it at least once or twice a year going to Spokane or Boise. You did a great job. I don't think I've seen them this bright and colorful. Once again, nice work...........ace
  Photographer found comment helpful.
12/26/2005 02:51:23 AM
Sure wish you had a print ready!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
05/03/2005 09:38:24 PM
I posted a comment earlier, but needed to share with you my renewed ambition to achieve higher scores - thanks to your submission & your comments about your AVR. My current AVR is in between 4-5 in my 3 submissions so far. At first I was very discouraged, but knew that through perserverence and some self-congratulations on relatively good shots (albeit not suited for challenge material at that particular time), I could come up with a winner too.

I guess I just wanted to say again how much I have enjoyed your photo and how much encouragement your comments have given me. Thank you.

  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/29/2005 04:39:26 PM
Dad, Great job! =)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/27/2005 04:02:03 PM
Congrats! You got the coveted "green" ribbon for an evocative image. Now you know close up why they call it green. LOL. You'll catch that upstart kid of yours yet! :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 08:41:43 PM
you had a good teacher! and you learned well. I too, loved this picture when I first saw it and considering the competition, your vision was superb. Good one.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 07:21:06 PM
wow!! that is one funky shot. absolutely fantastic. i wish you'd ranked higher!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 05:50:01 PM
This is sooo surreal... I loved it! Congratulations on your VERY high score (considering 507 entries!). Nice work!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 05:37:53 PM
Ohh.. so close to ribboning. Congrats on 4th, I love this!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 02:36:21 PM
This is awesome....hope you make the print available!! Congratulations!!!!!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 12:10:47 PM
What a wonderful picture. I had you in my top three. Very serene, calm. You can feel God in this picture.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 12:06:26 PM
Quite an interesting color play but in general it all works together. The alchemy is complete to bring forth a forceful but beautiful impression. Congratulations on your 4th placing.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 11:59:29 AM
congratulations
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 11:25:35 AM
after seeing your original I'm just loving this shot even more. Excellent job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 09:54:57 AM
Congratulations on getting fourth place! Next time a ribbon, eh?
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 05:22:38 AM
Well done on 4th place. Beautiful shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 02:05:08 AM
Well I was impressed by the processing on this before I looked at the original - but sheesh - that's some serious ps wizardry. Great composition too. Well done, congrats ont he great score.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 02:00:58 AM
Congratulations on your 4th placing. This photo brings mixed feelings - when I first saw the thumbnail, I thought, "Wow, I mustn't miss scoring this one." (I only managed 63% voting). On seeing it full-size, it somehow gives a strong feeling of claustrophobia. On the other hand, it's a place a would like to go walking through. Anyway, I gave it 9. I like the colours.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 01:37:34 AM
This is an awesome photo - well done !!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 01:17:47 AM
That's fantastic. I've been very intrigued by the unnatural regularity of the Christmas tree farms here in Oregon. I haven't seen a tree farm like this though. Absolutely beautiful. Great job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 01:12:58 AM
Congratulations for your 4th place for a wonderful shot :)))
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 01:03:22 AM
ah i wish i had taken this! :)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 12:47:59 AM
What does your son know about trees?
He couldn't have helped you - no rocks here! (LOL - just kidding!)
Beautiful image and a scene I would expect to see in Lord of the Rigs (or similar) - Congrats David!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 12:39:33 AM
Super job David! Congratulations on your 4th place finish! It could easily have been higher. The shot is simply magical.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/26/2005 12:32:35 AM
Congrats on your 5th place finish.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
 Comments Made During the Challenge
04/25/2005 10:26:00 PM
Very interesting perspective. I really like the feel of this picture.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/25/2005 08:01:46 PM
Really nice color and composition,what arboretum is this? 8
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/25/2005 05:58:02 PM
Wow, could be a ribbon!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/25/2005 03:58:02 PM
Amazing observation and a quite utterly surreal scene. Wonderful. Some slightly weird colour variations but I love this.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/25/2005 01:17:28 PM
Wow! Yes this does feel like a cathedral. I love the way the marks on the trees form a line down to the end of the row. Of course the colors are what really make this stand out. Very special image.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/25/2005 12:08:03 PM
Comment on the photo: beautiful colors, looks like pure gold. 8.
Comment on the title (not affecting the score): this is not naturally occuring in nature - someone planted those trees...
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/25/2005 06:45:31 AM
Excellent colours, lines and compostion. A 10 and added to my favourites.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/25/2005 01:48:05 AM
This is an incredible shot, the color is righteously gorgeous.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2005 10:42:53 PM
Can't wait for the details on this one. Nice composition and colors. Love the play of floor and canopy.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2005 05:15:52 PM
This is my pick for the blue. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2005 04:53:30 PM
love this! the colors are great - surreal. congratulations on a very painterly capture!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2005 04:00:00 PM
wonderful eye for composition and balance, one of my ribbon picks this challange.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2005 12:12:55 PM
this shot took my breath away...i actually feel the need to thank you for sharing it
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2005 10:04:54 AM
spectacular colours and composition
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2005 09:41:06 AM
The rows of trees create a nice vanishing point here, and the yellow of the leaves is amazing.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2005 07:59:31 AM
Looks like a corridor to heaven. Great photo.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2005 05:13:58 AM
wow. very nice.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2005 02:07:11 AM
super color and contrast, looks like an oil paining already
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2005 02:03:07 AM
great shot, but I wish there was more darkness. (contrast)
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/24/2005 01:47:02 AM
fabulous play with colors and technique.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/23/2005 09:59:38 PM
Beautiful yellows and golds, and intriging perspective.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/23/2005 05:43:37 PM
Wonderful and well composed photo, great colours....10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/23/2005 04:15:46 PM
Organic, but perhaps not completely "natural" : )
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/23/2005 01:54:25 PM
This is excellent. The green and gold seperated by the trunks works very well. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/23/2005 09:52:31 AM
Stunning - the colors are so vivid - beautiful!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/22/2005 01:55:05 PM
great picture.....reminds me of impressionism
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/21/2005 09:56:40 PM
Awesome!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/21/2005 09:55:25 PM
TEN !!! Great composition
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/21/2005 05:40:21 AM
very nice image very different from the normal tree scene 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/21/2005 03:14:38 AM
Well seen!!!, Wonderful composition, though I would have prefered a tighter crop so the first trees were the natural frame for the picture. But other than that this is a beautiful picture ... thanks for sharing it with us :))
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/21/2005 01:25:17 AM
This is just fantastic! You've captured an amazing image. Bravo! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/20/2005 10:54:30 PM
Clever connection.... nicely done!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/20/2005 09:41:50 PM
ouuhh, this is erie. those colors are almost creepy. i don't know why, but i just can't look at something like this without thinking 'blair witch'. nicely seen! good luck!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/20/2005 08:07:07 PM
Very nice
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/20/2005 07:24:50 PM
Hmm, something tells me that the hand of man has been involved somewhere 'along the line' here ; )
Beautiful colouring on the leaves. Unfortunate that the ground is a bit drab in comparison, but still a well composed, strong shot.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/20/2005 02:46:16 PM
Hopefully this was taken with a camera that can yeild a nice sized print. I would love to have this one on my wall. Very nicely done.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/20/2005 12:54:03 PM
Very cool image. Great comp. Good Luck!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 11:40:39 PM
wow this is absolutely gorgeous!!! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 11:11:59 PM
Beautiful composition. I like the effect the processing had at the top of the trees, not wild about what happened along the ground. Nice dof.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 09:24:03 PM
Wow! This is awesome! Great colors and composition! It almost doesn't look real. Good eye! 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 03:59:05 PM
Gorgeous color, really surreal looking composition. Excellent. 10.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 02:50:14 PM
This so magic looking. Love the colors.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 02:20:08 PM
Quite possibly the most interesting photo I have seen in this challenge. Great Job!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 02:19:33 PM
i just love the straight lines and the colors of this. i feel like I'm about to meet the wizard! bravo...wish i could vote..i would you a solid 10!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 01:35:36 PM
the title is just fine and the image even better
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 12:40:33 PM
Wow! That is so unusual & awesome looking! I love this one!
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 12:02:44 PM
Stunning...but maybe more so if you had removed more foreground or cropped to include only the central 'avenue'. Well done, regardless.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 11:07:19 AM
wow! Amazing patterns and colors. 9
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 10:35:47 AM
wow! This has got to win! perfect. 10
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 03:38:17 AM
absolutely gorgeous
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 02:37:11 AM
Absolutely stunning! Excellent job.
  Photographer found comment helpful.
04/19/2005 02:35:36 AM
Awesome. Cool angles, colors, made me go WOW!
  Photographer found comment helpful.


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