Ready for Winter - Well Almost II (Larger View Recommended)

I would be interested in knowing which of the two "Well almost" images you prefer and why.  I am leaning towards this one but I like the clouds in the other one a bit more. No processing on this except to add a bit of contrast.

Tony,

I definitely prefer this one! I think the more prominent yellow leaves add that extra sparkle to the image despite the lack of blue sky.

Thanks for taking the time to comment on my images. I would welcome your thoughts on this image, especially what you might do to improve it (Would you remove the rock in the lower right corner?):

http://photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=11871830

Thanks,

Tahir

I like this one. The leaves appear to the falling right towards you. It's November and the end of all the October glory.

Vicki - thanks for letting me know.

Tony,

Thank you so much for commenting on my image! That image is still a work in progress and I definitely plan to take your suggestions into account and repost.

Tahir

Classic composition... Floating frame well match this outstanding work! Well done!

This one!  The blue sky in 'well almost' took my attention up and out or away from the main subject, which for me is the few remaining leaves and the bare branches.  In this image the the center leaf is more prominent, a stronger subject to attract the viewers attention before exploring the rest of the frame.  I like this very much.

Jim

I prefer this one, despite lack of blue spot. This sky is most evocative of next snow, and the grey very well works, making a right mood. Yellow in this sky is very beautiful, and the warm color well contrasts with cold grey sky (autumn vs winter). Beautiful and classic composition. Delicate frame with yellow line. Best regards from Italy, Antonio

Tony... This one for sure.  After recovering from a little vertigo :-), my senses came to appreciate the stark trees wrapping around the lonely yellow leaves... Mike

I have to go with the crowd Tony, I really like this one.

I like the symmetry of the branches, they form a "nest" for the open centre. The leaf in the centre of the branch triangle is fantastic and the grey clouds suit the obvious time of year. And the branch triangle is offset from the centre of the image to give it some extra dynamic.

Fabulous shot.

I'm convinced only photographers look up when they are walking and looking at the world around them. In this case it produced a great image.

All my best,   Bill

The picture with clouds is dramatic and attractive for its wide angle view straight up.  With a hint of fall colors.

This one to me has a message. Last of the fall foliage and bare trees all looking to heavens for a new life. The color of the large leaves adds a special touch to the stark trees. I would pick this one. Regards, ifti.

many thanks for all of your inputs and thank you for recommending this image over the 'other' one.

Excellent capture Tony! Outstanding angle and perfectly composed ! The few yellow leaves adds more dramatic effect to this beautiful image. Bravo!

Best regards Sadegh

This one really wins, thanks to yellow accents (lightly outlining a spiral, leading our glance) and the sky tones, which are exactly perfect fit here. The bright blue sky on the other variant draws too much attention to itself and the composition falls into pieces. 

A very beautiful photo.

Tony,

  Excellent image with amazing composition.  It make's you realize winter is near.  Great job!!  Take care, Patsy

Wonderful design Tony - and I really like the muted colors under a cloudy sky.

Late autumn is always bittersweet, with a tinge of regret for the lost season.

Well done - Regards, David

I can appreciate your dilemma.  Only the thickness of a cigarette paper separates them.  I'm going to be the odd man out here in coming down on the side of your other similar offering.  I like the patch of blue which brings the hope of the possibility of a ray or two of warming sunshine, a condition which is denied here.  In a perfect world this shot with the patch of contrasting blue to offset the yellows would top the list.  I saw a similar shot somewhere, taken with a fish eye lens where the photographer actually placed the leaves right on the surface of the lens.  Stopped down, with the incredible DOF inherent in the combination, it was a visual treat.  At first glance I thought you had done the same thing until I realized the leaves were still on the branches.  Whatever, you have two great frames here, double what I consider a successful take from any outing.  Best, LM.

Superb composition and finish, Tony! Top shelf.

I like this one very much, the leafs brings a lot to it. (D'autant plus que je cherche à me procurer un objectif 10-20mm)

I will be responding soon but thought I would express my appreciation for all of the comments and ratings (5.25 Avg). I feel blessed that all of you have taken the time to stop by and comment.

You have all given me input that this image is the preferred one and that is very helpful.

Len you have given me a balanced view on which is the preferred one. I have to admit that I took an image of just the sky where there was a sliver of blue. I thought about adding that sliver and then decided against it. If I did add the sliver, I would have announced it  - something that fewer photographers are doing these days in my humble opinion.

Richard: I highly recommend the 10-20 mm even though there is an Tokina equivalent that is supposed to be slightly better than the Sigma 10-20mm. Au revoir,

Best regards,

I am grateful that your comments on one of my photos led me here.  I rated this "7"; it would be higher if the system allowed it.

The first thought I have while looking at this photograph is that there can be concentricity in nature.  I imagine myself lying on my back within a circle of trees, looking up at the sky and, despite the presence of only a few leaves, I feel sheltered; I feel safe.  Most of all, I have an overwhelming sense of peace. 

I love the tonality in this photograph  There is just enough color to offset the dark silhouettes of the trees, and the sky simply is beautiful. 

My best,

michael

Michael - that was one of the nicest descriptions I have had with this image and I certainly appreciate you generous rating which helped this to be a nice 5.4 average.

The concentricity and the triangle enclosing the large leaf was important to me when I was making this image. Hope all is well with you and warm regards,