Contrast

THINKING:

On a wet and cloudy day I wanted to create an image about basking in the sun. The classic photographer's problem - an image in mind and weather that won't co-operate. I had spent most of the day shooting with the weather rather than against it, but when I saw the green moss on this tree I realised I could accomplish what I wanted.

SEEING:

JammyLou's red hair is a strong key in this image, since it sets the tone against which all the greens are judged. The skin tones also work well against the greens.

As well as the colour contrast, there is also a huge texture contrast, especially from the rough moss against the smooth skin.

Compositionally there is a strong diagonal flow from bottom left to top right in this image. The main trunk and JammyLou's pose were down to me as I saw it. However, even the grasses in their small way also reinforce that flow - while I can't claim credit for them they do help make the image stronger.

DOING:

I deliberately chose a camera position that was low down in amongst the ferns and grasses because I want them to appear out of focus and provide a sense of frame in the image.

They play a part in the "story" of the image since they introduce a sense of the wood nymph sunning herself in her private glade.

The image has been warmed in post processing.

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