Photograph info: This photograph was taken a few weeks ago just after the sun had gone down. I was interested in the combination of warm light in the foreground and cool light in the background - the colors on the hand speak to both.

Black Walnut trees grow like weeds in this area and they're quite prolific, so it's easy to get beaned by a walnut on an autumn hike!

The fruit has a yellow-green husk that surrounds a black nut with a yummy, nutritious kernel inside -- but it's a bit problematic to enjoy. The husk indelibly stains everything it touches, including fingers and hands (native Americans and colonists used the husks to dye fabrics and make ink), and it's nearly impossible to break the nut unless you run it over with a car (no kidding) or attack it with a hammer ... or hire a squirrel.

Camera settings and post-processing: Shot with the Canon EOS 5D and the Canon 85mm f/1.2L lens at f/1.2, 1/1600s, ISO 100. Purposely underexposed the shot a bit. Basic curves adjustments in post.

Thank you for visiting Durham Township!

--Kathleen

beautiful!

lovely DOF - love your narrative as well - I've never heard someone speak so fondly of the lowly Black Walnut!

This brings back memories of growing up, and how every other year (I believe that is when the walnut trees over-produce)my brother and I would spend brisk autumn days rounding them up. They ware difficult to rake, they smelled funny, and stained everything, as you mentioned.

I like the composition and colors.

Beautiful composition and lighting, Kathleen. I'll gladly ship you all the walnuts you want for future photos...from my backyard. It's like walking on golf balls back there. But I would hate to cut down the trees as they provide a lot of food for the squirrels and give terrific shade. I just kick them into the woods as I step on them...then watch and laugh as my Lab brings right back.

I REALLY like this pic. It may have a future hanging somewhere in my house. Possibly the kitchen,

Reminds me of some art on a ceiling somewhere......It'll come to me.......and you.

I also recall having black hands as a kid when having to help Grandmother with the "hulling," I can recall that smell now. They taste OK, but if I had to do the hulling and shelling, I'd never eat another walnut. I'll just enjoy your good taste instead of theirs! Thanks.

This is a really beautiful photo. Your use of light and shadow is amazing here and of course the DOF is amazing.

I seem to remember hearing that at one time black walnut trees had been nearly wiped out by disease...don't know if that is true or not. I was told this because my first house had black walnut trim and it was considered rare for a house of that age, 1928, because from what I was told, it was difficult to get Black Walnut. I do not see too many black walnut trees around my town.

Beautiful greens and yellow colours coming through in this! Wonderful image Kathleen.

You are the only one I know that can take anything
as messy as a bunch of black walnuts and make it
into a thing of great beauty! What lovely colors!

very charming composition!

Lovely soft light! Well-composed too.

nice.

Awesome picture. The green is what first caught my eye.

Love the effect of the contrasting lighting. Really beautiful tonal qualities and composition.

They are stacked one atop the other; these ideals that we have selected to shape our lives. But, how many times have these chosen ideals been selected by the wrong processes? We so desperately want certain things to happen that we ignore the warnings and continue to build to a predetermined outcome. We work toward an unattainable goal, deluding ourselves and others with excuses, misconceptions and even lies to make the dream a reality. As we stubbornly and steadfastly reach for these desires, the point of focus narrows and the delicate balance between the emotions of the heart, the calculations of the mind and the spirit of the soul become more and more tenuous. We sadly realize that there is no cause for celebration, no summit on which to stand. Our dreams have tumbled down around us; the gravity of truth can no longer be denied.

Willow; Bummer.

Kathleen - I have recently switched back to film for its color and "feel," and I am happy that I did, but I have to say, shots like this remind me that the photographer makes the shot. You are unmatched for getting the absolute best color out of digital. Beautiful.

Very cool.

beautiful, rich blacks in this.

The 85mm has a beautiful bokeh. I see you are using it more and more.

The hand reminds me of a renaissance painting. Great shot!

Stunning

Amazing Shot! Colors are only second to the beautiful light! Fantastic!

I always enjoy seeing the squirrels with black faces in the fall.... listening to them open up one of those bad boys is always charming...