Congratulations Erno!: Assignment #86: In the Forest

On behalf of Assignment #85 winner, CLS, we present Assignment #86: "In the Forest"...now VOTING

As described by Claes:
I live by the coast and most of the time I end up shooting along the shoreline. Now and then I go the other direction and try to find scenes in the forest, but I could use some inspiration and I thought this would be a good opportunity.
The interpretation of the topic is free – it could be wide angle forest landscapes as well as macro details, animals or plants, a line of treetops as well as portraits shot in the forest. Use your imagination! The idea is simply that the photos should be taken in a “forest”. Some of us literally have a forest outside the doorstep while some of us live in big cities. If getting to a “real forest” is difficult for you, I suppose you could still find a park or some other “forest-like” places. Have fun!

The finalists are:

neuroanatomist "Watercolors" – The colorful reflections with many details make this shot remind of an abstract painting. I keep finding new details in it.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8472/8...fc3903cf_b.jpg

erno james "The Rostrum" – A great capture of a dramatic scene - simply beautiful.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5336/1...d3d2873c_c.jpg


Jonathan Huyer "Forest Guardian" – This shot almost looks like it would have been from a planned portrait session with the elk. (And if so, I’m sure he’s quite happy with the result ;-)

https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Wi...39Q0970-X2.jpg


The poll will be open for 5 days.

Good luck!

"Stealthy"

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5465/3...861cb902_c.jpg
Stealthy by Andrea Magnelli, su Flickr

Fall in a national forest
https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5745/3...22748717_h.jpg1DS_0008 by Mark Clem, on Flickr

I really liked this series. I kept it dark purposely - I could have pulled up the shadows, etc, but it doesn't have that same feel - turns into a bird snap shot. Perhaps another caption would be "looking at you"

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/727/32...e718b789_b.jpgEye On by mbarrett5076, on Flickr

As someone who grew up in Northern California, I love forests. Real forests (and real mountains) are one of the things I miss most now that I'm on the east coast. Don't get me wrong - fall is the best time in New England, and the riot of colors is beautiful...for the few days it lasts before the next nor'easter blows all the leaves to the ground. But there's nothing that compares with the majesty of a redwood or sequoia forest – nature's cathedral.

Nevertheless, here are a few local shots, all from my closest local hiking spot, the Broadmoor Audubon Sanctuary. The first is my entry.

"Watercolors"
https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8472/8...fc3903cf_b.jpg
EOS 1D X, EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM, 1/100 s, f/5.6, ISO 200

"Forest Path"
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4152/5...595457af_z.jpg
EOS 7D, EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM @ 10mm, 0.6 s, f/14, ISO 100

"Troubled Bridge Over Water"
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4127/4...90ac2214_z.jpg
EOS 7D, EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM @ 55mm, 1/2 s, f/13, ISO 100

From a site in Yosemite National Park not often photographed.

Rising clouds add to this ever-changing ethereal scenery. Taking photographs in the rain has never been so rewarding. Kudos to new photo-buds Anton and Marco for their collective patience here this morning, waiting and waiting for just the right conditions to unfold. I scouted this scene on a clear day last winter and was finally rewarded with the drama provided by the clouds and rain, the latter adding a shine to the tops of the huge stone pillars.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5336/1...d3d2873c_c.jpgThe Rostrum by ernogy, on Flickr

Winter Forest Sunrise

http://joeleadephotography.zenfolio....10515687-5.jpg

"Fall Light"
https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5771/3...9435346b_k.jpgIMG_6383WM by gerard melillo, on Flickr

Here is my submission. Was lucky to see the moon crawling over the treetops at a distance.
LarsAttachment 2615

"Forest Guardian"

https://photos.smugmug.com/Nature/Wi...39Q0970-X2.jpg