Sunday, November 4, 2012

Oak Alley Plantation

Oak Alley Plantation is located in Vacherie (VAH-shah-ree), LA. Lining the entrance are 28 Virginia Live Oaks, 14 on each side, equalling 1/4 mile in distance. They were planted in the 1700s, about 100 years before the home was constructed. They are now 300 years old and their expected lifespan is 600.




Since this shot has been taken numerous times by infinitely more talented photographers, I experimented with various edits for a little something different. The black and white images were processed with two different CoffeeShop actions, then tweaked further in Lightroom. I can't remember which is which, but one is called Raspberry Tea and the other Irish Breakfast Tea. The color version is an action called Amapad Florida. I have no idea the origin; it's an action I've had for some time and rarely use. I tried to Google to give proper credit, but couldn't find it.

Sharing with:




51 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

really, really great scene! no matter the edit, i loved them all!

Jeannie Marie said...

I'ts beautiful. Richly beautiful.

Suzan said...

Gail!! The places you find!
One of these days I'm going to be knocking on your door so I can shadow you to all these BEAUTIFUL homes and trees and history!! GOD bless those trees!

carol l mckenna said...

Fantastic place and magnificent photography ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

Suzan said...

Ohhh - my question - so if these oaks were planted 100 years before the house - what were they planted for and by whom??? They had to be the entrance for something?

Bridgit's Bell said...

Dramatic shots!

Lisa Gordon said...

Gail, the first image here is absolutely gorgeous!
Beautifully done.

Brian King said...

What an awesome setting! I've never seen it before. Your photos are beautiful and I like the edits! Let's face it, those trees make that scene and they're fantastic!

Kerry said...

Oh wow. What a fantastic, dramatic place. I absolutely love visiting Louisiana with you and your camera! Can't get enough of it.

These three great versions of the plantation house are all cool; I think my fave is the first one? I wonder if it's Raspberry Tea, which I also like to drink.

Unknown said...

WOW. That must have been a fabulous site to see. Your photos look amazing. Don't ya just love playing with photos.

Hugs~

the wild magnolia said...

A lovely home to photograph.

If every we return to Louisiana, I will have to visit.

Happy new week......

hootnonny said...

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE! The Florida action is probably Amanda Padgett of everydayelements.

Do you have any waterfall images? I'm looking for one for a book cover.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

I marvel at the foresight of the individual who planted those magnificent trees. Wise planning was involved in the exact spacing of them. And the planter had to know that it would be some future generation that would enjoy the fruits of his labor. I can see why this scene has been the subject of many photos. I can't image that any were better than yours. :)

Nancy said...

Oh, for God's sakes, how can anyone compete with your photos, Gail? Lol.

Love you! xo

Anonymous said...

Oh Gail...all three are absolutely stunning....you are very gifted!! The top one really got to me...there are so many different interpretations for me....really beautiful.

Spare Parts and Pics said...

Wow, what incredible beauty!! Nothing like that here in CA. I'm a sucker for b&w, so it's a toss-up between the 1st and 3rd photos.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful... love the canopy of trees lining the drive to that old southern mansion! Beautiful =)

Anonymous said...

Oh goodness - these are just magical!

Hilary said...

I feel so much gratitude to those who planted these wonderful trees.. and to the fine blogger who photographed and shared them.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

those beautiful live oak lined walkways are something I'll always remember about our trips through the South. I tried a few pictures of them too...but as you can imagine, yours are better.

Deanna said...

Oh I love this iconic southern scene...just beautiful. The top b&w looks almost like snow. They are all just great!!

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

What a sensational sight, a photographer's dream. Now if only they were jacarandas........

:)

Oak Alley Plantation Staff said...

Stunning shot! -- Oak Alley staff

Phil Slade said...

I saw the first picture and thought "I'll bet folk are lining up to take that view" and then you just confirmed it with your shots. Great opportunity which you didn't throw away Gail - lovely.

Rosemary Aubut said...

Gail these are breathtaking! Don't understand actions but hope to someday! great post!

rainfield61 said...

I am glad to see all my friends start to come back, one by one.

And with such a great post.

Anonymous said...

I definitely prefer the color version ;) amazing trees! the awesome places you get the chance to visit! thank you for sharing :) happy week ahead. xxo

renae said...

Gail! hi, hey is that the plantation they filmed in Gone With the Wind? That sure looks familiar. Hoping for a great week ahead for you also. Last week was fun but crazy busy!!!

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

Imagine all the sights those trees have seen. Beautiful pictures!

Tanya Breese said...

so very beautiful!

Buttons Thoughts said...

Wow I love them all but I think my favourite is the top one.
I love your history wow this is very cool for this Canadian girl. Very cool indeed. B

Anonymous said...

Stunning images...you did an awesome job capturing this beautiful place here in Louisiana! Big hugs, xoxo, Mitzi

Patrice said...

Classic Louisiana plantation - I never get tired of it!

Amy Burzese said...

What a beautiful place. Your photos do it perfect justice. Just gorgeous.

Starla said...

Oh.MY....

I love the photos! We have oak trees in our neck of the woods, but they are much more "scraggly"...not as magestic as these!

Barbara said...

I love them all, and I'm sure they rival any others that have been taken there. Beautiful! The first one is haunting!

LindyLouMac said...

Those trees are amazing Gail, you captured them perfectly. By the way so pleased to introduce you to a sweet chestnut. :)

Nadine, Chewy and Lilibell said...

Gail, I love what you did in the first image, it's beautiful!!!

Anonymous said...

I'm pretty sure I've seen photos of this plantation before, but your edits are REALLY beautiful, Gail! What an amazing home. Really stirs the imagination, doesn't it?

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful place! Those live oaks are amazing.

Mary said...

I too would be welcoming Autumn from the heat and humidity you must have. We are having a very warm autumn...loving it.

Dave said...

An interesting three photos Gail. I liked the last on best - Dave

Arti said...

Spectacular shots indeed!! I am seeing them for the first time!
Looks so beautiful.
Have a nice day Gail :)

renae said...

Hey you changed your profile pic. You are younger than I thought, I think. Thanks for the words regarding my up tree shot. Yes snow is around the corner here and I don't want it. lol

Jori said...

Wow, this is so pretty! The shape of the trees is so interesting. Beautiful plantation!

Tammy@Simple Southern Happiness said...

This is outstanding and every inch professional. Love the b&w ones, looks like snow.

Anne (cornucopia) said...

WOW!

Unknown said...

Wow! what a shot! I like all the versions!

Jeanne said...

What an awesome spot this is. I looked right away to see how far it is from where I live. Amazing trees and your shots are great!

Courtney said...

They are all gorgeous photos but the last for me is breathtaking--beautiful!

Georgianna said...

Wow, Gail. These are marvelous! Classic and stunning. I like all three versions! Probably the last one best for the graphic qualities.

So glad you are pursuing your photographic dreams.

xo