B/W REPOST - Symbol-Southern Strength

Carol,

The textures and tones of the trunk of this sturdy olf oak are eye grabbing, but I think you need to take it fully full on mono chromatic, the slight blue cast steals some of the strength of the image . If you can get the sky dark without losing the light on the main trunks and still a little open shadow in the background foliage. I believe it would improve the impact of the image IMHO.

I am kinda with Paul....... full B&W but I am thinining full color would work as well. Your wonderful textures and contrast could make either work well either way.

Paul and Eva, I appreciate your comments. Agree that the blue cast does not help and am posting a Sepia version, but one with a warming filter applied and would certainly appreciate feedback.

Thank you.

Carol

I dont mind the colors, th eonly nit i have is that the transition form very bright on the bottom to shadowed at the top seems a bit strong. I love the subject, though!

Carol,

I'm with Stan's comments. I think the colors are fine. To me though, it's that transition of light to dark - primarily the light parts at the bottom including the foliage and bottom part of the trunk. You mentioned adding an ND gradient fill that I'm guessing is what created the effect. Personally, I think it almost makes it look like flash was used, where the light falls off in relation to distance. Or perhaps even light painting, or car headlights or something.

You've certainly got a grand specimen of an oak to work with.

Lon

I'll echo Stan and Lon. I find the color unique and intriguing.

Stan, Lon, John, thanks for your comments.

Even though the tree was captured fairly late in the afternoon, the light was still a bit harsh. I've modified the density of the gradient overlay but without it, the image would not stand a chance.

This is the lighter version.

Thanks, again,

Carol

Love the textures, Carol, and the bold, heavy oak really does convey a sense of strength in your composition. Your last post works the best in my opinion, of the three posted. Well done.

That oak has some great shape Carol.

The first one looks like an early version of color photography. Interesting effect. I think maybe easing up on the gradient effect and even trying a straight black and white conversion might be fun to play with.