Trees on the Lagoon

[CLKunst]

I have two similar shots and am curious for a group preference.
Comments, preferences and critiques welcomed. Suggestions cheerfully explored.

[Don Schaeffer]

These are lovely

[Anbesol]

CL - definitely the first for me. I'm a bit mixed about the hazy look. On one hand, it seems quite evident that there was mist in the scene you shot, and it is the reality of the scene and looks like that is something you wanted to capture. On the other hand, the tones are muddy, undersaturated and flat as a result. Its necesary though if the photo is emphasizing the mistiness - but I think a strong contrast would do the shot very well also. I tried an edit but dont know how you are with reposting, I adjusted the curves by dropping dark, slightly raising mids and bringing highs to an even keel. Followed by a levels adjustment, raised black point to 10 and midpoint to 0.9.

Though I think its a good photo as it is, just wanted to try and put a slightly different spin on the tones. Heres showing what I did with curves.

[Greg McCary]

I agree with Don, very nice but also think a slight contrast boost might help.

[gahspidy]

Love that first one. The second just has too much open space on the right and feels empty.
I like the very low contrast which makes the misty scene what it is. The only thing I don;t like or find questionable is the near tree branch at the top left corner. If you could clone it away smoothly replacing it with some distant branches i think it would help.
great mood here.

[Shebang]

Number 1 just as it is for me. I like the contrast of rich color provided by the branches and the leaves and water in the foreground compared to the misty, subtle colors of the trees in the background, and the connecting gradation of color the reflections provide. Nice. Another poster described #2 as rather empty feeling -- that's a good description as I see it, too.

[gahspidy]

The more I look at this the more i like it. The fall colors in the mist give this a painterly feel, almost an impressionistic look. The scattered leaves on the still water breaks up the mirrored image and gives us the strong foreground of the reflection.
I would not want any further saturation, and also in a misty foggy image like this there usually will be no true black or white in the histogram. Bringing in black will reduce the misty mood.
This is fine work

[Katastrophe]

I love these shots. The colors pop out even with low contrast.

[CLKunst]

Wow! Thanks for the great comments everyone!! I surely didn't expect to get stickied!

I just started work at the Biltmore Estate here in Asheville as a tourist photographer and I got this one and a few more on my way out after my first morning meeting at the estate. It's no mystery why they call them "smoky" mountains, the fog gets thick up here. Anyway, I'm allowed to photograph on the grounds as long as I don't include the house in the pictures.

Anbesol & Greg: Good points. I did play with the contrast and levels on this one for a while but found that as soon as I adjusted the blacks the mist would disappear so opted for a more "misty" look.

Gary: I took a stab at those stray branches but don't have the post processing patience, (say that 5x fast) to get them out effectively. Any suggestions for clever clean up are appreciated.

Katastrophe: Thank you for your nice comment and welcome to the forum!!!

[Canyon Hiker]

Very nice. Great job and congrats on the Featured Photo.
I think the first pic would look spectacular on canvas. I like the soft flow. I do agree it could use a little more contrast and the leaves in the top corner keep dragging my eye in that direction. But that's nit picky stuff because I'm jealous . I know when I first looked at the photo I was wishing that I was the one standing there taking that picture. I love water, fog, fall colors and the fallen leaves on the reflective water just seal the deal for me. I think you did a great job.
If you are able to capture this scene on a regular basis go all out. If you can, get there before sun up and experiment with different settings on you camera. As well as different angles. I'm sure you can get those leaves in the top corner out of the picture with a slightly different angle. The lighting will change within minutes and can change the whole mood. A scene like that looks to be a great bonus to your new job. I look forward to what is to come from you.
Congrats!!

Darin

[Overbeyond]

Very moody images Cindy and a well deserved Sticky and Featured Photo.

[Old Timer]

Beautiful image, congrats on the Feature selection.

[gahspidy]

Darin has some good suggestions with getting there in different times of the morning and conditions, since this might be your photography playground for a while

I know getting those bit of leaves out from the top is not easy in PP because of the fine lines of the branches from the trees in the bg. Might as well leave it be. It does not kill it.
Best to you in the new work.

[GB1]

CL - I prefer the bottom image. I like the negative space on the right side, and the softness. It works quite well. My only problem with the photograph is the way some of the branches are chopped off. Somehow, it makes the image(s) seem like a compromise, like you couldn't get it all in so had to make some tough decisions. The decision is OK, but I wish you didn't have to make one.

G

[CLKunst]

Tom and Larry thanks very much always great to know you're looking!!!

Me too GB!!!!!! The second comp was first.
I was on my knees, water's edge, in the mud and still couldn't get those :blush2: tree branches to cooperate and get out of the way.

P.S. Gary and Darin: Went back by the island today, it' s naked, so I guess it's another year before I get a re-shoot. Will certainly be looking forward to catching this place in all kinds of weather and light!!!!