Spring on Willow Creek (Best Viewed 'Larger')

Interesting shot Len,

On small size my first thought was of a tree blocking a road.. 

In larger view the thing comes into reality.

While I like the composition, springtime seems to want color...

I too thought it interesting, interesting enough to take a frame or two. :-)   At first blush I didn't think the spring colours were advanced enough to justify posting that version.  Initially, I was satisfied with the range of B&W tones.  But now that you've suggested it I will post the colour version so the viewers can pick for themselves.  The colours available, evergreens,  were there all winter long, except for the browns of the grassy areas.  Thanks for your thoughts.  Best, Len.

I forgot about the size limitations.  LM.

Hi Len, While I like the tones of the b&w the array of colors gets my attention a bit more. As Steve stated the composition is good. I especially like seeing the demise of the snow, not soon enough for me.

BR,  Holger

Always nice to get your take on things.  We now have posts for both preferences.  Yah, I still have snow drifts in my backyard, OK, small ones I admit, but I'll be glad to see them gone.  Best, Len.

Hi Len,

  Wonderful image with beautiful composition & details, I like them both but I think I prefer the color image most.  Take care, Patsy

Consensus  of opinion here seems to be favouring the colour version.  Thanks for your  visit & comment.  Best, Len.

Really an excellent photograph capturing the tones of the forest and stream with great faithfulness and clarity. You bring us right into the scene. Of course the fallen tree is the star of the show, the element that really makes this picture special. Without the tree, the picture is technically accomplished but ordinary - but I'm sure I don't have to tell you that. As for color vs b&w, my vote goes to the monochrome.

the fallen tree comes to life in the monochrome (seen enlarged)... in the color version its a sorry thing...

Thanks for the paragraph. :-) I took many river scenes that day but the fallen tree was the deal maker for me.  Surrounded by a sea of healthy trees this one provided the contrast the scene needed to elevate it from the ordinary.  The B&W or colour choice is up to the viewer.  I do like them both but prefer the B&W.  Don't be a stranger.  Best, Len.

My view too.  Thanks for the validation.  Best, Len.

The falling tree and melting snow that swells the water tells a story, perhaps the story that spring has arrived. If that were the case then I would opt for the colour version as the more vibrant scene captures the epitome of spring in it's entirety. The B & W version although more aesthetically pleasing to me, doesn't quite carry that message.  But t's all very subjective and I can only give you my perception of the scene.  Overall a fine image that can be experienced rather than just looked at when viewed. 

Best Regards 

 

Alf 

I can always count on you for a thoughtful review.  Thanks for that.  It's a coin toss really, depending on one's preferences.  I like the B&W version but can easily see the attraction of the colour one, for the reasons you give.  The main thing for me is that the brutally cold winter is finally gone.  Looking forward to warmer weather now. (will probably be complaining about the excessive heat in a while. :-) )  Best, Len.

I like both versions but am leaning toward the black and white. Perhaps it is because I do not do a lot of Landscape and hope to this year. For a black and white image to be really interesting to me, there has to be something that really catches my eye - and it is the fallen dead tree. Colour is beautiful, but there is the element of so much more to see with colour.  Here, we have the many shades of greys to black to white, but the dead tree grabs my attention right away. I know Black and White landscape will be challenging for me, but it will help me to 'see' my surroundings - really take EVERYTHING in..

Nice work Len!

Having had the chance to view both versions for a while I think there is value in both.  I generally try to view all my posts in both B&W and colour to see how they resonate with me.  One version usually stands out.  With this one the B&W initially prevailed.  Now, I find I like them equally but for different reasons.  Thanks for your visit & in depth observations.  Best, Len.

Your constructive comment\critique will be gratefully received. LM.

I'm on the B&W side, though color is nice. 'Particularly like the processing - not exaggerated contrast. The mood is softened by the B&W, but the elements are lively. 'Really like the result.

Welcome to Photo.net.  Just what we need here, new blood!  Things can get a bit stale if no one new shows up.  Happy to see you like the B&W version.  Validates my own opinion.  As for the processing, it pays not to use a heavy hand when doing the post processing.  If it 'looks' like it's been processed it fails.  (unless the artistic intent is to look that way)  Love your sense of humour. (title of this one).  Will be over to check out your portfolio in depth as time permits.  Don't be a stranger.  Best, Len.