Image Description
Once while hanging around with a few friends from the south (Georgia & South Carolina), I tried to explain spring to them from the perspective of a northerner. They didn’t get it. Up here, spring comes late. Calendar spring is mostly winter. We get substantial snowfalls right through April. So when that finally quits, spring can arrive. Spring is extra special and welcome when you’ve had snow on the ground since November.
This was taken May 20, 2020 on what was my first kayak outing. I was coming back to the Wisconsin river from a side channel and when I saw this I had to stop and marvel at it. Nearly as colorful as a fall photo, the trees are finally making their voices heard again. With winter taking up 1/2 the year, we crave color come March and April, but we don’t really get it until May. People use the least excuse to go outside, to skive off of work, play hooky from school, get the boat out or simply tidy up the yard from the winter damage. Of course I hit the water as soon as I don’t have to wear a down coat to do it!
Specific Feedback and Self-Critique
Ok so it’s bluebird skies and harsh light, but it still sings of spring to me. I feel so positive when I see it and that I have to grab it and grab it now, because it won’t last.
Technical Details
Handheld in the kayak
Lr for a pano crop and the usual S-curve for contrast, but I deliberately lowered clarity to keep it soft and only used a little sharpening & texture. Played in the HSL panel to boost the luminosity in the greens and yellows. A touch of lens correction & distraction removal.