Tree & Snow

Spotted on a recent field trip to the Craigleith area, Collingwood,

On. I felt this scene would best be presented in B&W even at the

time of exposure. Not much colour there anyway and the shapes,

tones, & textures are revealed with no other distractions. Your

comments on subject matter, composition, or any other aspect of this

offering for that matter, will be gratefully received. Give it your

best shot! Best, LM.

I like the sweeping curve of the snow together with the shadows, and the lighting that enhanced the textures nicely. Well placed the tree, very good tones. Maybe a slightly upped contrast only for the tree would be fine, and I cropped for a square just because I like this ratio now ;-) The snow line should end in the LR, IMO.

Carsten, Thanks for your input. The low cross lighting and the diagonal shadows were my first attraction here with the fold of snow at the bottom being a bonus. To retain the delicate texture of the snow, contrast adjustments must be done selectively as you suggested, to the darker tones only. This is a rather simple scene which, due to the low contrast film, 400NC, converts well to B&W. Your placement of the exit point for the curving line formed by the fold of snow needs more contemplation by me to determine if it is indeed a superior location for it. I'm open to considering all options should there be any others. Best, LM.

I took this shot just prior to to the posted version and, using Carsten's compositional suggestion, cropped square so the line formed by the fold of snow exits at the lower right corner. This one is interesting for the more pronounced highlight on the left side of the tree. A superior version? Your call! Best, LM.

Hi Len, I see that the expert was here... So I like the second square version. all details in that version are enhanced and better contrasted and I like the shadow triangle starting from the Lhs corner, and leads the eye to the lighted area. The snow fold is a very nice form. In general to spote this kind of situation needs a good eye! to learn ps skills take time but slowly we learn. I like as well the discussion on the previous one.

Pnina, The expert? Yes, Carsten's input is always welcome, as is yours. I was trying not to follow the herd, so to speak; the rest of the photographers in our outing was busily photographing the area where the land meets the water (ice, actually, at the time). Sometimes it pay to point the lens 180 deg. from what attracts everyone else, just to see what they're missing. Best, LM.

Len, I have just stated a fact about the expert( Carsten) being befor me.... He has good knowledge and comments., And you have well done going your own way.!

Len, very nice composition, I love the shadows of the other trees. cheers Jana

Jana, I thought of that when I came across this one. The shadows nicely break up an otherwise large mass of white. Thanks for happening by. Best, LM.

Hi Len et al,

 

I see that I am late to the party here. My thoughts.

 

Of the two images I like the first one better--probably because the interpretation there is snappier. I see what you mean about the light on the left side of the tree and perhaps if you reinterpreted that one with the same contrast as the first one I would swap my preferences.

 

The image is very successful. Why? The gentle fold of snow leads my eye in. The textures are very rich. Contrasting textures, snow and tree. Lovely rich tones.

 

I much prefer the cropped version. I think I am with Carsten about the minor trim at the very bottom. Not so much because of the corner issue but because I think the image appears more balanced that way. Finally, I am toying with one small change to Carsten's crop. I want to add a bit to the top so this is more of a portrait format which would make it feel even more balanced to me. Take it up to the point where the diagonal shadow meets the tree.

 

Great image. Thanks for sharing.

 

Bill

Bill, It's never too late to party. :-) Thanks for your in depth analysis, it's much appreciated. You had to dig for this one & that's appreciated too. Your comments have pushed me to the decision to print one for display. Our local camera club's theme for Feb. is winter shots so I'll kill two birds with one stone. I'll be using Carsten's crop though I may well modify it with your suggestion. Thanks again for your valued input. Best, LM.