Morning at the Lake

[skyline315]

I'd really love some critique on these. I'm especially curious to hear what advice you guys might have for post-processing. These are pretty much straight from the camera, except for photoshopping out a stray hair that landed on my lens at some point and altering the color balance a little on the tree shot.

Thanks!

[MB1]

The problem with the sunrise image is that it is overall too dark and there really isn't anything in the foreground to add interest.

The tree looks interesting and well worth reshooting until you get a stunning image. The shape is great but the colors are too monotone.

[freedom1500]

Beautiful texture in the tree trunk. I think you could really make that come out by doing some selective sharpening in PS. But don't sharpen the background. Nice shot.

In my opinion, the sunset is nice but ordinary. It needs a stronger subject, a focal point. You've got talent... keep shooting and keep posting.

[CanonFan]

I agree with the sunset - beautiful colors but nothing to focus on. I really like the tree but don't like the background. What would happen if you moved left - what is in the background to the right of the bridge? Can you open the lens more to lessen the depth-of-field?

[Frog]

I agree with the above but I'd move right so I could fill the frame with that tree....you might have to stand in the water though.
I think bumping the shadows would bring that tree texture out a lot.

[skyline315]

Thanks for the comments, folks.

Do you think the tree photo might work better in b&w?

[Frog]

I don't think so as I like the rich color and texture that may be lost in b/w.
No harm giving it a shot in photoshop though.