Mike Patterson
October 2026 - Mountain Landscape
About the Image(s)
I captured this image in Waterton National Park, on the Canadian side of Glacier National Park in the U.S. Several years ago, a massive forest fire roared through the park and burned somewhere in the range of three-quarters of the forests. While driving through the park, I spotted this scene of the burned trees that created an intriguing pattern alongside a mountain. Already, the forest is starting to rejuvenate with grasses and sprigs of new trees starting to appear. Captured with a Canon R5, using a 700-300mm lens at 170mm, F/8 and 1/800 second.
7 comments posted
Great eye, Mike. I think this image could easily be the background of an Andrew Wyeth painting. The trees are so thin and densely packed, with almost no branches or foliage, giving the forest a stark, almost skeletal appearance. The repetitive vertical lines create a striking texture across the entire landscape.
The tonality is excellent, and the image has tremendous visual impact. The lighting really accentuates the story and adds to the mood. I honestly wouldn't change a thing other than darkening the small triangle in the top right.
Posted: 10/04/2026 13:01:17
The tonality is excellent, and the image has tremendous visual impact. The lighting really accentuates the story and adds to the mood. I honestly wouldn't change a thing other than darkening the small triangle in the top right.
Posted: 10/04/2026 13:01:17
Thanks for your comment. I darkened that upper right corner to balance the lower left corner. Seeing it posted, it's obvious that it needs a bit more darkening. It didn't look that light when I processed it. Posted: 10/05/2026 13:26:28
Mike, I can't add much to what Tom has already said. This is a very well-composed image. The burned vertical trees create a strong contrast with the green landscape and suggest rebirth after destruction.
I agree that the upper-right corner is a bit too bright compared to the rest of the image and tends to draw the eye away from the main scene.
Best
Michele Posted: 10/12/2026 16:20:37
I agree that the upper-right corner is a bit too bright compared to the rest of the image and tends to draw the eye away from the main scene.
Best
Michele Posted: 10/12/2026 16:20:37
Agree with Tom and Michele that this is a nicely composed image with the repeating vertical lines and the diagonal groups across the frame. Posted: 10/13/2026 23:43:49
Your photo captures an eerie beauty of this burnt part of the forest, with all the tall bare trees stretching across the hillside. The repeating vertical lines create an interesting pattern. The mix of the cool grey tree trunks against the warm earthy tones give it a painterly effect. Posted: 10/19/2026 20:08:30
Like those repetitive vertical lines. It's a beautiful setting of abstraction. Cleaned a bit. Posted: 10/19/2026 23:54:12
I agree with what's been said - good spot there Mike. Very interesting lines. Posted: 10/20/2026 10:30:46