Crooked Tree, Glen Coe

Reposted to sharpen. For me, this image captures the essence of Glencoe, Scotland--

green hillocks, a puff of cloud descending a hilltop, a cool rocky creek, and a lone tree

against a sullen morning sky. Can't wait to go back! f11, 1/60, 17mm.

I'm American, but years ago, I spent seven weeks in the Scottish Highlands and the Orkney Islands. I fell in love with the beauty and history of the area and remember Glencoe well. I like how you captured the moodiness I remember from my visit and how the tree twists toward the moody sky. I also like the accent of the red stones in the foreground. Well done.

I like the compostion and the way the clouds darken in the corners framing the tree. I assume you used a GND filter and since I can see it's use that is a problem for me (the tree should have some color in the leaves). I have had the same problem many times, so I've limited my use of those filters and depend more on software or HDR with limited success.

Thanks for the comments.  Jim, this is the shadow side of the tree.  I agree that in this small image the leaves seem dark, but I printed a 12x18 and the leaves are green.  I don't see where you see a grad filter line.  Jeff

The tree is in the perfect position. Beautiful result.

The very perfect composition! Great tones and details. Inspiring!

Best regards,

Alain

Thanks Tony.  Thanks Alain.  It took this shot in June 2008.  Since then I have seen other shots of this same tree on the internet, but none with conditions as fortunate as this.  Indeed, I went past this tree on my trip in September but the sky and everything was quite different.  Jeff