Guarding Bittern Lake

Aaron, I don't normally like a "centered" composition. In this case, it works. I think the second tree balances the composition nicely. For me, the color is a little too "pretty" for this stark and threatening scene. I took the liberty of trying this photo in b&w. I hope you don't mind. Let me know what you think.

I like the composition. They really look like guards... make it to the right of the first (the left is blocked by the branches) and the second is ready to catch you. The location of the two in the frame and the tight crop work well toward your message of choice.

 

I like Laurie's BW proposal. The reason is that the bushes at the horizon and the leaves on the ground are a tad too mundane and contrast with the more imponent appearence you've given to the trees. In addition, the bluish tint of the lower clouds and the brownis tint of the bush tend to attract the eye away from the trees. The BW version solves these two small problems and IMHO makes justice to the nice composition of the trees.

Interesting, I hadn't considered this in BW. When I shot this, I really wanted a clean horizon, but that just wasn't possible, so I've never been happy about the placement or colour of the bushes relative to the whole. However, were the bushes not there and only the pale heavy sky, I would not do this in BW. The pallette would then be crisp enough, I think, and would also convey a sense of the penetrating cold - something that would not be as noticeable in the BW.

 

Your perspectives are, as always, much appreciated. I don't "see" in BW, so any BW I do are usually the result of lots of thinking in a controlled environment in front of a computer several weeks after the shot has been taken, LoL.

 

 

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

cheers,

Aaron

nice image.... the two tree really balance... ang good caption tooo

Awesome shot. Strange trees and an almost painted looking sky. I personally prefer the colour image, its very minimal colour anyway, and yeah, looks colder with blue in there I think. Ive attached a mod with the clean horizon. You could do a good job on it if you really wanted to.

i'm not gonna add much in the way of a critique, but i will say that this one definitely jumps out at you. there's just something in the color of the image and the strong lines of the trees that is foreboding - great work!

Aaron, this is a very, very stark view of nature. I really like Laurie's b&w version--seems appropriate for this subject. That said, you've done a good job controlling the color here: blue sky and white snow are right on. I think you've placed the horizon just right and I like how you've composed the trees: this has a nice sense of balance. I'm wondering what this would have looked like shot a f4 or f5.6? It may have ended up even moodier. Just an idea. Overall, very nice shot--makes me wish we'd get a little snow around here!

Robert, thanks for the suggestion. I will definately try a shallow DoF, next time.

Here's an alternate processing of the image--tried to do some quick and dirty blurring . . .

Actually, instead then blurrier I'd like it sharper... The -almost mythological- wardens of the lake should show their timeless apearence, carved into the texture of the trunk! So, for me, BW, more contrast, more texture!

Salvatore, you're uncompromising in your quest for sharpness!!!

Actually, I wish the original was sharper, too. I didn't bother adding a new body in the tech details, but I was using a Pentax SMC-M 28mm; it's very, very small, but not great DoF at f/16 and not that sharp at f/22.

I kind of agree with Salvatore on this one. Sharper rather than blurrier indeed is better. B&W instead of colors. But what I don't like is the "blocking" in the sky of the B&W/toned image.. But I love the simplicity in this shot! :-))

 

Cheers!

 

Ivar

Ivar, thanks for stopping by. I probably will convert this to BW, but I will take my time. Expect a few more compositions in "simplicity."

 

My N80 finally sucumbed to -20 weather. I hope the local camera shop can repair it : (

Great photo. Sorry about your Nikon. At least you still have your Pentax ME. I loved mine but it broke. :-(

Tad

Think I like Robert's version best, although it does completely change the mood of the picture. And yep, if it had had a colder atmosphere, the colour would be better.

Stephen, I'll have to start running a tally, for which one is getting the most votes, lol!

 

Tad, thanks for stopping by. I quite enjoy your work.

Great photograph Aaron. I see you've decided to take full advantage of what you have available locally :).

love this one! have been seeing this photo quite a few time. It's unique! Pentax are super strong @this kind of overcast day.