The story behind my photo of the "naked" aspen tree

Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA
Cascade Canyon, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, USA (Image credit: Reed Miller)

Reed Miller has lived in Idaho all his life and has probably spent more time photographing in Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks than anyone else. He has shot many memorable scenes of the surrounding landscapes and the spectacular wildlife and has a special eye for composition.

“I came across this scene with a lone aspen tree in full autumn color among the dark green pines in the Teton mountain range of Grand Teton National Park,” Reed says. “In the right light – and it is always about the light – Cascade Canyon is magnificent. The aspen tree in the foreground stood out, creating a dramatic contrast to the sea of evergreens. I processed this image in color, as always, but I eventually decided to add depth to the mountains and canyon and converted the image to black and white using Nik Silver Efex,” he adds. 

“The black and white image was much better at showing the depth and detail of Cascade Canyon, but I just couldn’t live without the standout lone colorful aspen tree. Having both color and black and white versions of the image, I decided to see if I could create a credible look by attempting a mixed black and white and color image. In Photoshop, I stacked both the color and black and white versions, created a mask and simply painted in the leaves on the aspen. Although I am typically circumspect in creating partial color images, this has become one of my all-time favorites.”

Reed Miller Portrait
Reed Miller

Reed Miller, an Idaho native, feels fortunate to live in an awe-inspiring part of the world, adjacent to both Yellowstone National and Grand Teton National Parks. As he embarks on further travels, he continues to explore the numerous remarkable and unique locations on our planet. Although landscape photography is his primary passion, Miller's photographic interests extend to wildlife and any captivating subjects that pique his interest or catch his eye.


Tech details

Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM (Image credit: Future)

Camera: Canon EOS 5DS R

Lens: Canon EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM

Aperture: f/18

Shutter speed: 1/160sec 

ISO: 100 

Focal length: 70mm

Image

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Kim Bunermann
Technique Editor

Kim is the Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography. With a Master’s degree in Photography and Media, she is driven to educate through an analytical approach, visually and technically. With her guides and tutorials, Kim seeks to uncover new facets of this time-honoured medium and foster a deeper understanding of its profound role in culture. Kim highlights topics that resonate with modern society, including women in photography and critical issues such as environmental conservation. She also discusses and reviews camera gear, giving you an overview to find the best fit for your photography journey.