Cyprus Wetlands (View Larger)

Although it doesn't look like it here, there is actually a foot or two

of water throughout this entire area. If you tried to walk in this

marshy wetland, you would sink even further as "muck" or decayed

vegetation lies beneath the shallow water. You would also run into

deeper areas where alligators have dug out pits for nesting and

retreats..

Stunning... this is a classic landscape and is on the way to my favorites! Wonderful detail and the best thing about it is the natural capture and presentation! Just like being there, except without the gators... Mike

 

Thanks Michael I appreciate you taking the time to comment!

This is one of your best recent color landscapes! The sky is to die for, and the composition rocks! This is really in the tradition of the grand landscape. Excellent post-processing and presentation; and I'm with Mike, this image just went straight into my "Favorites". Well done, Leo! Cheers! Chris

Thank you Bear, I can always count on you for encouragement!

 

Leo, I have been (silently) following your recent series of images from these wetlands and I just had to comment on this one. What's not to like here? The sky is stunning, the colours are bold and vibrant and yet totally natural feeling, and the composition feels harmonious and engaging while retaining an open sensibility that seems to fit with what I can see of the location.

 

I agree with Chris and Michael, this has just landed in my favourites page. Really exceptional.

 

Only two minor thoughts:

 

1. This would make a stunning B&W and could be taken in a number of different directions during conversion.

 

2. How do you feel about the tree cut by the left margin? My immediate thought was to crop it out; but, I think you might lose some very nice clouds in doing so. I'm not sure it is that much of a drawback -- but, I still wish it wasn't cut in such a manner.

I had to chuckle at Ian's observation at the cypress tree on the left edge. I had the same initial thought, and then also thought, "But, oh, it'd mess up those great clouds over there..." I'll also wholeheartedly second Ian's thoughts about a black and white conversion; and I'll bet a little dose of Ektalure cream might not hurt here either! Cheers to Both of You! Chris

Three great minds all coming to the same conclusion;to crop or not to crop. And we all come to the same conclusion: the tree is distracting because it is cut off but the loss of the clouds out weighs the distraction. Thanks for seeing it as I did and yes there will be a B&W. Thanks again guys. Hey what do you guys think about cloning out the tree?

"Hey what do you guys think about cloning out the tree?"

 

I think you must be better at cloning than me! I wouldn't be trying it given how complex the background is.

 

My thought would be to simply clone in a tiny touch of space along the edge by shortening the tree branches that touch the frame. The tree's branches are already shorter on the right-hand side of the trunk -- so you could shorten the branches (giving the smallest amount of sky) on the left without making it look odd.

Nice capture! Looks like your having a blast shooting Florida. I really like the clouds your getting in your recent shots. Could make a nice conversion to black and white with a little ekta thrown in for good measure. And see if you can clone out the tree. It is distracting but you don't want to lose those gorgeous clouds either...Lefty

Thanks for your input and taking the time to comment. It always nice to hear what you have to say.

What to you think of the moving the tree over?

Which do you prefer?

Like where you moved the tree. Its off the edge and I think its in the photo. Leo, Leo, Leo. I'm a sucker for your black and white conversions. They totally blow me away with the sheer drama of them. No exception on this shot. The clouds against that dark sky is just awesome. 3 woos and an attaboy on the conversion...Lefty

Leo, I could not possible choose between the color version and the B&W version. The color is so rich, and the B&W sky is so dramatic. It will simply have to be both. BTW, the landscaping company that you hired to move the tree did an excellent job.

Thanks for commenting Stephen and I agree with you, I like them both. You really had me laughing with you landscape company humor. I've used them before and they are good.

The tree moved over is wonderful. Nicely done!

 

As for the B&W vs. colour, I slightly prefer the B&W. It has such drama and the sweep of the clouds seems all the more impressive. But, I really think both have their place. The colour seems much more to be about the place, that particular place -- the B&W is more general and it plays up the drama of the light and sky and the emotional qualities of the scene.

As always a well thought out reply. thanks Ian