Wane, Gretsky
Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON
Sometimes, stark images can work just as effectively as those with vivid colours or arresting shapes. I was up very early on Saturday morning and shortly before the sun came up, I was struck by the position of the moon just above this bare tree.
Should my point of focus be the moon, or should I instead concentrate on the bare branches?
I opted for a composition that highlighted the branches, stripped of their leaves, against a clear, cold blue sky highlighted by the waning moon. The conditions were perfect to use the slender silhouettes of the branches against the chilly sky - and quite frankly I don't think the shot would have been effective if the tree had summery foliage on it.
This is a plane tree. They're very common in Melbourne and they have huge leaves that are shaped like maple leaves, but they don't have the striking burgundy hues of maple in autumn.
By the way, you did notice the birds, didn't you? (They're the two dark shapes just to the right of the frame.)
Your plane trees are rather plain! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is great! I love the crisp white of the moon and the deep blue of the sky. It is almost like a cornflower blue. It is not an every day sky color.
ReplyDeleteAnd yes I saw the birds. Is there the head of one to the lower right?
Wistful. I could wish upon that moon.
ReplyDeleteYep, I was going to say "what do you mean bare? It's got birds does that tree!" But lovely shot none the less...specially with the birds!
ReplyDeleteSandi
The sky is a lovely colour. That would be a summer sky in England. Wintertime is always grey! Noticed the birds.
ReplyDeleteWe got plain trees too! Maybe they need dressing up!
The starkness is definitely arresting.
ReplyDeleteYou have an amazing eye for the perfect shot.
ReplyDeletelighthouse family do a song called once in a blue moon. it's lovely. and it has been stuck in my head ever since i clicked on this. it's not *that* lovely. i wish they'd take a five minute break or something.
ReplyDeletebut these SHOTS are lovely. :)
The photo is great.
ReplyDeleteThe title is really good.
Our black & blue is odd.
Come visit,
Troy and Martha
A moon on the wane. Nicely done David. How cold are your winters there? Pappy
ReplyDeleteI noticed one bird. I thought the other was a nest or brush. :0/
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful blue. I've been trying to get shots of the moon and so far, too blurry. So I appreciate the skill in that shot, and framing the tree in just makes it a superb view.
Your plays on words tickle the crapola out of me; D
ReplyDeleteThe lines of the branches are perfect, like gentle fingers laced in a basket to catch that moon.
ReplyDeleteMy Weekend Wandering post is in. Independence Day
ReplyDeleteVery unusual I must say and what a sight indeed.
ReplyDeletePretty. I love it.
ReplyDeleteDivine images, David, what a wonderful blue, and the perfect crescent moon...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shade of blue behind that tree, and a lovely silvery moon.
ReplyDeleteI too wanted to comment on that shade of blue.
ReplyDeleterhyme unintentional....
My eyes caught the birds first and the cornflower blue 2nd and then the really defined moon. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThis reminded me of Antietam: The Cornfield, just posted by James Oppenheim, a friend. Both of you have produced a moody piece open to wide interpretation.
ReplyDeletehttp://commart.typepad.com/
Tammy
LOVE these! I want to blow them up and hang them in my house!
ReplyDeleteThe blue is an absolutely perfect blue.
The second shot is just wonderful with the moon balanced out by the birds who couldn't have been better placed if you had been in control!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful image, but what's a hockey player got to do with it?
ReplyDeleteThe trees were a good choice. I love trees in winter. Their personalities show so much more.
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