— In our July 2022 trip to Colorado, in addition to taking several memorable hikes, I was constantly open to surprises. As I often tell my friends, I photograph when I travel and do not always travel to make photos. Therefore, the unforeseen shot can easily be just around the corner. It happened on this trip when we encountered a moose along one of the trails. Well, that is the subject of another post.
While on the Rainbow Lake trail, the light along the way was breathtaking. It was a beautiful sunny day with blue skies and just enough clouds. Although the Colorado wildflowers were getting much of my attention (see “Flowers along the Rainbow Lake trail“), I could not help seeing the sunlight filtering through the trees. That is how I created the ICM photo above. The aspen trees looked like summer ghosts being carefree. The green ground cover was at the bottom of the image, and bits of blue skies came through at the top. With a little intentional camera movement (ICM), I created the photo you see at the beginning of this post. This is an excellent example of how a mundane scene can be transformed into something entirely different and more visually appealing. The image on the right is the area without camera movement.
At another location along the same trail, I saw the potential for a black-and-white image that would take advantage of the white bark of these Aspen trees. What made it more special was the sunlight filtering through other trees around those aspens. The amount of contrast between the highlights and shadows was magical. A simple edit replaced the forest color and enhanced the Aspen colors.
I hope you have enjoyed this month’s ICMPC entry. The ICMPC rules are in Kathleen’s blog. Her most recent post is here.
SoyBend
Very beautiful, Egidio! I love aspens.
Egídio Leitão
I’m happy you liked that ICM, Siobhan. Thank you.
Wind Kisses
I icm photos are so soft…mesmerizing. I am with you when I take photos for when I travel. What fun to come across a moose.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks again, Donna. It’s fun to run into these unexpected surprises when traveling.
Ingrid
The aspens are the perfect composition for ICM. Love your image. ICM is something I plan on playing around with.
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Ingrid. I look forward to seeing your ICM. It is fun and always leads to unexpected results.
Amy
Oh… I love your ICM image!!
Egídio Leitão
Thank you so much, Amy.
Anne Sandler
Wow Egidio! What great ICM. I like that you posted the original and a black and white version.
Egídio Leitão
Anne, I’m happy you liked the gallery. Thank you.
Writing to Freedom
What a unique view of the aspens. Nice!
Egídio Leitão
Brad, I’m glad you liked my ICM. Thank you.
Rebecca Cuningham
Aspens, well captured. They are soulful and their leaves make the most beautiful rustling in the wind.
Egídio Leitão
Rebecca, thank you for your comment.
nesfelicio
Great ICM output. Excellent choice of subject.
Egídio Leitão
Nes, many thanks for your compliment.
Toonsarah
What a beautiful ICM shot! You’re right, the trees do look ghostly.
Egídio Leitão
Sarah, thank you so much for your compliment.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Alberi meravigliosi ed elaborazioni altrettanto meravigliose. Buona giornata!
Egídio Leitão
Grazie mille. Buon weekend!
Kathleen Jennette
Oh WOW! The ICM looks just like a beautiful impressionist painting! You shot some amazing photos and even though I am doing ICMPC I am just enamored with the black and white Aspens. What a stunning adventure this much have been for you. Beautiful photos indeed!
Egídio Leitão
Thank you, Kathleen. It is wonderful to share this photo with people who appreciate ICM as I do. Thank you very much.