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Saturday, August 6, 2011

Sunset Trees


The trees you can find at the coast always fascinate me. I don't even know what they are called. Is it a Monterey Cypress? I have no idea. And really, is it so important? I enjoy their beauty anyway.

While in Bandon, Oregon, we were lucky to experience a gorgeous sunset without any incoming low clouds. Of course we took the opportunity to shoot away happily and capture this amazing light. I love the shape of the tree, the way they lean a little bit inland after enduring all the strong winds. Their silhouettes are just stunning and don't stop to amaze me over and over again.

Back home, I got this itchy feeling... and loaded a picture up to Photoshop Elements and started to play around with textures and overlays, until I got this. It somehow reminds me of Africa. We just need a cheetah hanging from one of those branches.

Here's what I did:
"Photo-Tints-Orange" by Shadowhouse Creations, blending mode at 100%
"Polaroid-4-bokeh" by Shadowhouse Creations, blending mode at 80%
"White Frame" by Shadowhouse Creations, blending mode at 20%


This is my entry for Inspiration Avenue's challenge "The Forest for the Trees".

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15 comments:

  1. windrock studioAugust 6, 2011 at 1:12 PM

    Hey Carola, your first image is truly stunning! but I can see why you wanted to play around a bit ... aren't Jerry's textures fun? You did a great job! and it's fun to see a shot taken in Bandon.
    Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

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  2. MaggieAugust 6, 2011 at 1:13 PM

    The trees are so beautifully silhouetted against the sunset. Trees on the coast have been so exposed to the harsh weather, it gives them a unique beauty! I love your entry!

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  3. NancyAugust 6, 2011 at 1:23 PM

    Very pretty, Carola. Aren't Jerry's textures fun to use? :)

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  4. Bleubeard and ElizabethAugust 6, 2011 at 2:57 PM

    Oh Carola, I love both versions of this photo. I love the sunset view from the coast and the lovely view of the water at sunset, but I also love the second, manipulated photo. You are right. It does remind me of Africa, especially because the water is less noticeable in that photo. Both are superb IA challenge pieces. You always have super photos to share, anyway!

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  5. Kay L. DaviesAugust 6, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    Beautiful photo either way, Carola. I may have mentioned I think the Oregon coast is wonderful, and obviously you agree.
    — K

    Kay, Alberta, Canada
    An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel

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  6. TerrieAugust 6, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    Stunning tree photo - and reminiscent of my watercolor painting of the silhouetted trees! I love this shot! Thanks so much for sharing!

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  7. Cynthia SchelzigAugust 7, 2011 at 2:58 AM

    wow, what a shot!! manipulated too...looks fabulous. We used to call them California Cypress...if that is their "real" name? but I have painted them in Monterey....the Lone Cypress...do you know this cliff? and other locations. Quite a sight to be out there with them... Happy Sunday to you.......

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  8. ChantalAugust 7, 2011 at 5:34 AM

    amazing sunsets

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  9. Maria OntiverosAugust 7, 2011 at 8:46 AM

    Gorgeous work, with both the camera andvthe computer. I think you're right that both evoke very different places.
    Rinda

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  10. gmaAugust 7, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    Lovely photograph. I love the trees along the coast as well. They get that windswept look gorgeous especially at sunset.

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  11. Kim Collister StudioAugust 7, 2011 at 12:33 PM

    Gorgeous Photo! If I had to guess and I didn't know, I would have totally guessed Africa!
    Beautiful job!

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  12. artangelAugust 8, 2011 at 1:57 AM

    That was a gorgeous sunset to start with, but your version has made it stunning! I can definitely see why it reminds you of Africa.

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  13. DarlaAugust 8, 2011 at 5:53 AM

    Both views are stunning. As a native of Oregon I spent many hours on the coast and just the mention of Banning makes me homesick.

    Darla

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  14. Kat WAugust 8, 2011 at 9:05 AM

    Stunning photo Carola! I love the original & the photoshop version has a fantasy feel to it. Great entries for the IA theme.

    Kat :-)

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  15. GloriaAugust 8, 2011 at 11:48 AM

    Both photos are beautiful and the second one makes it look as if the land goes on for days (if you were walking.) Good for dreamers.

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