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Phil Douglis | all galleries >> Galleries >> Gallery Three: Expressing human values > Relaxing on the Merced, Yosemite National Park, California, 2004
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15-OCT-2004

Relaxing on the Merced, Yosemite National Park, California, 2004

Two friends leave the chaos of Los Angeles behind to spend a lazy afternoon relaxing on one of the ancient boulders that line the Merced River. I was drawn to scene by the light. Whenever I can relate a bright foreground to a dark background, I know my image will be rich in contrast and emphasis. However as I considered my possibilities, the body language of the fellow in red captured my imagination even more forcefully than the light. His posture expresses a human value we all can relate to – relaxation. He looked even more at ease when I compared his posture to his friend, who sits upright next to him. The Merced River itself makes an idyllic context. My vantage point aligns his legs with the middle of the river itself, virtually wrapping him in dark waters. Yet his body rests firmly on a warm rock that has spent an eternity in Yosemite. He seems to be living a dream, and he was.

Canon PowerShot G6
1/160s f/7.1 at 12.7mm full exif

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Phil Douglis01-Feb-2008 20:52
Glad to see that you recognize the role of light here, Vera. It goes far beyond simply illuminating the subject. As you suggest, it helps create the emotional tone here -- the warmth of the sun expresses the essence of relaxation itself, which is the human value at the heart of the image. The light in your own image does the same thing -- only it makes the winter ice seem even icier through reflectance.
Guest 01-Feb-2008 02:33
What amazes me is how you are always thinking about the light. Today I thought of you as I shot this photohttp://www.pbase.com/saltzman40/image/92375456 as I noticed the light. I didn't get the best picture but I don't think I would have noticed the light as much as I do now. The lighting helps create the emotions you are trying to evoke in the scene.
Phil Douglis29-Aug-2005 16:47
He is more than just at home on that rock, Ramma. He seems to be part of that rock, indeed, he is part of nature itself.
ramma 29-Aug-2005 10:23
seems as if he's at home on that rock !
Phil Douglis24-Dec-2004 03:21
Still more human values come to mind as you respond to this image, Mikel. A peaceful spirit is a human value. So are relaxation, and tranquility. And those values can be appreciated instinctively by virtually anyone who takes the time to absorb the expression in this image. Thanks for doing so.
Guest 23-Dec-2004 22:02
As I said in the first photo of our instinct, nature gives us a certain peace of spirit. At least it does to me, true though that it is always like that in a controled enviorment, less relaxing it wold be to think that there is a predator lurking in the dark, don't you think? Aniway, inevitevly without having to depend of natures moods, in apearence, gives us a certain feeleng of confortability, the warm light in this photo also gives a relaxing point to it, the same as the dark, little information makes the photo simple and as such relaxing to the viewer too. Also the posture of the red guy is a point were most of us wold like to bee in any moment of a hactic day I imagine. and though the second person is in a less relaxed position perhaps he has his feet cooling up in the fresh and clean watter, or at least is concentrating in the tranquility or even having a relaxed talk with his friend since it doesen't look like a stresfull enviorment.
Guest 03-Dec-2004 19:03
A calm image that invites is to be there. The feeling of that moment is perfectly expressed.
Phil Douglis06-Nov-2004 22:28
A sunny rock to rest upon, surrounded by an idyllic context. You are right, Nut. This is indeed a warm and peaceful image -- an expression of very basic human values.
nut 06-Nov-2004 22:12
Warm and peaceful.
Phil Douglis02-Nov-2004 17:50
Larry, that is how i want you to feel. An expressive image allows room for the viewer's imagination to take a leap and participate in an image. Because they can't see you, and you can see them, you can vicariously become them without them even knowing it.
Guest 02-Nov-2004 16:26
I can feel the sun warming my body...I want to be there!!!!
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