Kashima maple

Treebeard

Hi All,

I have been trying to arrange this photo shoot for two weekends now, today the weather finally picked up and I was able to get out and play about.

The tree is an Acer palmatum 'Kashima', Tree of the Day regulars will recognise it as the featured tree for April 13th 2005 TOD. I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all the people who commented on this tree in the TOD thread, ALL the comments were interesting and useful. I have made several small adjustments to the tree based on suggestions received, it is always amazing to me how much difference the removal of a few or even just one leaf can make to the overall look.

The accent is moss, with a full crop of spore capsules. The moss has not come out as sharp as I'd hoped, something to work on for next time.

Regards,

Chris.

Attached Images

kashima with moss.jpg (66.7 KB, 185 views)

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Jay

Hi Chris,
This tree shows how far you have gone with your art....it is 'looking good'. The display also is extremely enjoyable.

Jay

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JohnQuinn

Wonderful composition...and very nice photography. I was able to tweak the sharpness a bit using Photoshop, but your original image is very pleasing.

Attached Images

kashima.jpg (62.3 KB, 69 views)

pootsie

Very, very nice, Chris. I feel a meadow here. Wonderful.
It must have been encouraging to see the TOD responses.

What is your backdrop?

pootsie

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Treebeard

Thanks, Jay, John & Pootsie.

The backdrop is an ordinary blackout blind, the kind of thing you hang in front of your bedroom window to keep out the light that the curtains don't keep out.

I hang it up outside and the drape the bottom over a table giving me the even coloured base and back.

Regards,

Chris.

__________________
"Do not be hasty, that is my motto"
-JRR Tolkien, The Two Towers.
-----------------------------------
christopherguise.co.uk

Ralph

Smart looking maple! I'm jealous.

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Emerging from winter slumber
Bonsai trees burst buds anew
Spring is upon us!


-Paul S.

Treebeard

Thanks, Ralph.

I thought I'd add a picture of my photo setup, if anybody is interested.

The backdrop creases very easily, especially if the wind catches it. it also scuffs easily and picks up akadama dust easily. In fact, it is a right pain to work with sometimes... but I do love the colour.

The camera sits on the turntable, I can adjust the height up and down quite easily that way. It would be even easier with a tripod, but I had to give the one I used to use back.

Regards,

Chris.

Attached Images

DSC01398.jpg (65.6 KB, 55 views)

__________________
"Do not be hasty, that is my motto"
-JRR Tolkien, The Two Towers.
-----------------------------------
christopherguise.co.uk

bonsaikc

So Chris, do you ever show the tree defoliated? I'd love to see it naked!

"Do you have an pictures of your tree naked? Wanna buy some?"

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Attila

I like this shot a lot. The fact that there is no suggestion of space in the background or on the floor where the stand is sitting, gives an abstract quality to the picture. Sort of like the tree and accent is floating in the space.

The result works for me very well. And the tree is very pleasing to look at, not boring at all as some suggested on TOD. The lithmus test, of course is in the winter silhouette, but that's irrelevant right now.

Great job!

Attila