This image of a tree and hill is a photomontage. Two separate images were combined in Adobe Photoshop to achieve the final result. Both photos were taken in Sedona, Arizona on two different visits about a year apart. It wasn’t a technically difficult image to achieve. Basically, the tree image was placed on top of the hill, re-sized and masked to isolate it. Coming up with the idea to combine these two particular images was the challenging part. Although I am primarily a minimalist, each image by itself left the feeling that something was lacking and need something added to complete it. The combination of the two photos creates a unique image that never existed exactly that way in the real world.
Below is a color version of it which I made at an earlier date:The silhouetted tree and hill make an interesting contrast to the fading light in the sky.
I have trouble deciding which version I like the best. At certain times, I am drawn to the complementary blue and golden yellow colors. At other times, I prefer the mystery of black and white. Both images possess a graphic quality essential to the simplicity I wanted. Normally, the hill contains many distracting visually elements in the daytime and it’s full potential was only revealed at twilight.
More images:
The Stone Steps
Valley of the Skulls
Rock and Peaks