Just a Tree

[GB1]

Comments if you have em. Thanks,
GB.

[Lava Lamp]

We see so many HDR and highly-processed landscapes, "normal" photos like this one can look a little bland by comparison. Beyond that, I'm not sure I connect with it. It looks a little two-dimensional and I'm not sure the composition is working. I struggle mightily with own landscape compositions, so I have no great advice there.

Sorry if I sound a little too negative on this one. Just so you know, I'm seen a good amount of your work and am a fan.

[GB1]

Thanks for taking the time to comment Lava. I personally find something attractive about this one, maybe the way the tree's standing alone in the middle of the field, but I'm pretty much a woods lover myself. I may clone out that upper left branch just to see what it looks like w/o it.

Yeah there's a lot of high-impact HDR out there, but it really wasn't necessary on this one. I do wish I had a tripod though, as it's not quite as sharp as it could be. Hard to lug a tripod that far and that high though.

G

[hawkeye62]

The branch in the upper left corner is definitely a distraction for me. And, you might try cropping left and right so that the focus is on the three trees.

Regards, Jim

[armando_m]

GB,
Another crop suggestion

vertical keeping the big tree, and the small one on the right

nice colors!

[Frog]

I see similar scenes on the east side of our state.
The photo reminds me of the feel and smell of those areas and since I like those places so much, this photo is pleasing to my eyes.
It feels REAL.
II wonder how many of the surrounding trees are offspring of the monarch

[GB1]

Thanks fellows. Like the title says, just a tree One that stands out though. Here's a few more versions that try what you said here. The clone of the branches was a quick job, but doesn't look too bad. I think it works better than the vertical format.

Frog, you hit it on the head: the smell there is awesome! But sadly, there's no way to get that in to the photograph (yet!) ... I really like the forest, the sounds and smells, and just being away from the city for a day. Heading out to the eastern Sierras tomorrow, will see plenty more.

G

[hminx]

The last is along the lines of what I was going to suggest, perhaps you could try a similar crop with those little trees on the left. Also have you thought about layering this over a tone mapped layer at about 80% opacity to boost the colours.

[gotrocks]

I like the picture with limb cropped out best.


I think that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth's sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in Summer wear A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree. -- Joyce Kilmer

[Frog]

I prefer the one with the branches on left still there but its all personal choice so go with what you like.

[mattb]

I like it without the branches on the left much more than the original.
Also, I thought the subject was too centered originally.

I'm torn on the portrait vs. landscape orientation. I'm a big fan or portrait for tall subjects so if I have to choose a favorite it's going to have to be the vertical one. It also puts the subject on a 1/3 line which usually works better than centered.

[Tyson L. Sparks]

I like it with the branch cropped out in the first edit..

[GB1]

Thanks fellows. Personal preference I guess, though I expected people to have comments on this.

Pete and Matt, interesting point to ponder. Here's my rationale:

I think this one calls for a non-classical composition. I could have used the rule of thirds or even something like the golden ratio, but I purposely centered it here because I wanted it to show straight-on that this tree was so isolated from others, which is sort of unusual in a place like this.

But even given that, is it thing still just too centered? There's really no definitive answer, but I think that when something's obviously the subject, and the background isn't so important, that using the rule of thirds comes across looking fake. Not every time of course: it really depends on the subject's angle, action (was the subject moving in one direction, calling for leading space?), or what not. But not every shot calls for a classical look.

I'm also concerned about art/photograph-by-the-numbers ('rules' in this case, actually), and that all my shots will come out looking the same. At the same time, those rules do apply in most situations.

Points to ponder, anyway.

One thing I do like about the original's left-side branch is that it gives it more depth. But overall, I think it looks cleaner without it.

Thanks all, for the comments on 'just a tree!!'

GB