Wilsonville, OR -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/16/2014 -- Invariably, when it comes to photographing flora, the majority of photographers, including most professionals choose to get up close. In other words, the photographs tend to be close-ups of the flowers, plants or parts of the trees in question. And wider frames are used only to describe the majesty of the tree’s canopy or structure. Here is where Dennis Frates’ photograph of a lone tree in fall colour near Ennis, Montana, stands out (pun intended).

While the tree in question forms the subject of the photograph, it is, in fact, technically not in the foreground. The lush grass of the vast pasture sets the stage for the play of colour and deepening contrast, as the eye travels towards the background and upwards to the mountains.

While infinite depth is possible in most outdoor photographs, the beauty of the technique depends entirely on the photographer’s eye and the choice of location. In this photograph, Dennis Frates successfully combines both. But it also stands out as a study in striking contrast. From a warm yellow-green that is evokes images of summer and warmth, the colours slowly mingle and angulate towards a deepening blue that is unmistakably more stark and evokes images of isolation, solitude and distance. And in the middle of these two worlds, stands the lone tree.

It isn’t for nothing that the geography in the photograph is called big sky country. While there is very little sky visible, the sheer beauty of the frame evokes the feeling of standing in front of and under something much larger than oneself. And here, is where the true beauty of the photograph lies.

The lone tree in the foreground is not a prop, but a true life representation of the photographer himself. Which is why, as a lay observer, one is able to put oneself in place of the tree, and experience the magnificence of the far blue mountains, feel the dance of the dry grass behind, and feel the sky that is, in a sense, too large to be held within a frame.

About David Frates
David Frates is an award winning photographer whose works have been featured in National Geographic, Sierra Club and Audubon.

Media Contact:
Dennis Frates Photography
10759 SW Wellington Lane
Wilsonville, OR 97070 USA
Phone toll free: 866-657-2717
Local phone: 503-685-9826
Website : http://www.fratesphoto.com/