Friday, October 03, 2008

Bark Code

Never Be Stumped For A Tree Shot

Photograph copyright: DAVID McMAHON


Sometimes the least expected situations can bring you a great photo. This shot was taken while we drove the Top Of The World Highway from Dawson City through Alaska and then through to Canadian territory before heading to Beaver Creek.

We’d been told that there were a couple of places on the highway where crews were carrying out resurfacing work. So it was no surprise when we were flagged down and had to wait for a pilot car to take us through the one lane that was operational.

At the second place, we were still on Alaskan soil when we spent about ten minutes waiting for the pilot car. On a glorious autumn afternoon, with the sun still fairly high in a clear blue sky, I suddenly realised that the sun was positioned perfectly, alongside a fleeting patch of powdery cloud.

I had been shooting through the window of the SUV all along the highway and I quickly changed the settings on my camera before jumping out onto the shoulder. I only had to walk a few feet from the vehicle to get this shot, with the sun conveniently hidden behind the cloud, silhouetting the narrow trunk of this nearby tree.

And yes, I made it back to the SUV before the pilot car arrived. But if we hadn’t stopped here, I probably wouldn’t have been able to capture this image of Alaska that I’ll always treasure.

For other participants in Dot’s concept, go to Sky Watch HQ.

35 comments:

Hilary said...

Great composition, as usual, David!

Craver Vii said...

Did you sing under the natural steeple? No bells in that spire, but plenty of whistles and chirps, I'm sure.

Daryl said...

I think there's some cotton balls stuck to the top of the sky scratcher ... I'm just sayin'

:-Daryl

Celebration of Life said...

Hi David!
As you may know, I love photos of trees! Loved your post today!
Jo

San said...

That was a detour that was meant to me. That tree just soars!

imbeingheldhostage said...

did you ever admit how many photos that trip accumulated? I'm just curious how many photos it takes you to get these shots you post-- like those beautiful mountain and fall foliage (and gorgeous lake) shots a few posts back... beautiful.

Cath said...

What a gorgeous shot! I have just searched for my sky shot for this week and almost posted one of a tree against a sky - glad I didn't now because it is not a patch on the Canadian landscape! I went seaward instead... ;0)

Coloradolady said...

Great photo. Love the tree in the clouds. Wonderful.

Guy D said...

Excellent pic, love it

Cheers

http://reginainpictures.blogspot.com/

Dick said...

Beautiful silhouette.

Ivar Østtun said...

Beautiful shot and a great conposition. Have a nice weekend

Max-e said...

Great shot david

imac said...

Very eye catching David, love the contrast in colour.

Photo Cache said...

Hats off to you. Fabulous composition.

Anonymous said...

So cool - with the clouds trying to hide behind the tree. Yo - pick a different tree, guys! Sure enjoy reading your featured posts - thanks for stopping by, and for sending others my way too!

Cheffie-Mom said...

This is one for a frame. Beautiful photo, as always.

Dave Coulter said...

Really dramatic shot there...happy SWF!

Pernille said...

A wonderful tree/sky-shot! Veruy nive composition!

Have a nice weekend:)

Leslie: said...

Beautiful, as usual, David. I never tire of seeing your shots of the Yukon...come see my simple little shot over at my Photologue. :D

Pretty Life Online said...

Perfect one for Skywatch! I truly enjoyed viewing God's handiwork.... Happy Skywatch! Hope you can visit my SWF entry too...

Pretty Life Online said...

Perfect one for Skywatch! I truly enjoyed viewing SWF shots every friday... Happy Skywatch! Hope you can visit my SWF entry too...

Carletta said...

Great silhouette against a really beautiful sky!

Anonymous said...

New meaning to "punching holes in the sky"!

Jane Hards Photography said...

Serendipity is the photographer's best friend. A beautiful natural skyscapper.

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

The clouds have a surreal look to them-- they are so very white with the hidden sun lighting them from behind.

Annie said...

ah, well done David, I like it...sometimes you just have to work around the sun, as I did in my first shot, today.....I like to make best use of the time too, when having to wait somewhere!

Annie

ps Thanks for your visit to my skwatch post...glad you liked the first two...they nearly didn't get in!

DeniseinVA said...

It was just meant to be, a great photograph as always.

Anonymous said...

Very pretty David looks like you painted it...Happy sky watching...

Anonymous said...

'Catch the Moment'!

Tootie said...

That is a really neat shot!

Tom said...

I David... I saw your comment on another blog about your post and theres being similar.... boy you are not wrong mate... take that tree out of the frame and it would be very much the same..

Ecellent as always David... and enjoyed your very topical poem above..

Tom

Gemma Wiseman said...

That white cloud is so pure white and looks like a marvelous palette behind the tall tree! Beautiful!

Unknown said...

Very nice capture, David.

Have a nice week end....

Anonymous said...

I love it!

esnorway said...

great shoot have nice weekend