Curvature (+ repost)

Bill,

I like the visual look of this image with the tree in sharp focus with the rest of the image in a foggy/snowy backdrop. The visual of the moving snowflakes adds some interest as well. However, from a processing standpoint there is a very obvious halo around the tree-limb... i'd re-work the image to eliminate the halo.

Bill,

I like the concept in this image.I agree with Luke regarding the halo. From a compositional standpoint, I think the depth of field is a bit too shallow. I'd lile to see more deatil in the background to lend some depth. This has potential, so go after it!

--P

Hmmm ... I've come back to this one a few times, but I haven't been able to nail down a specific critique. There's nothing that I'm finding particularly disagreeable about the composition. On the other hand, although I can't put my finger on why, it’s not especially piquing my interest either.

Sorry

I quite like the idea and composition. However the processing is a sticking point. There's an obvious halo and it looks like the trunk lacks contrast because the blacks have been reduced.

Bill I think if you can get rid of the halo on the tree this will be a good photo. I like the in-focus tree and out of focus BG.

Thanks everyone for your help!! Ahhh yes, I've just gotten to look at it on NPN just now, the dreaded halo. I'll rework and repost, thank you for comments.

Here is a repost with some different processing. Hope I didn't take away too much.

The repost is a huge impovement! Not just in eliminating the halo, but also in making the whole scene more natural looking, and with better contrast and tonality. The truth is, that i didn't really like the original too much, but now my mind has changed! Good job.

It's a tricky thing with shadow recovery techniques. I think getting past the urge to create extreme shadow detail is important. I did, and sometimes still do make too much effort trying to sqeeze every possible detail out of the shadow. I have learned to not feel the need to do that nearly as much. I think for me, it robs my images of depth/dimension and natural looking contrast.


Chris

The repost is a huge improvement, Bill!

--P

Thank you Preston!! And Chris--I struggle with every post as to how much to do with my images. I know what style I want to convey, yet struggle with going overboard or as I'm told, doing too little in processing--it seems I can't win either way. I like what you say here: "think for me, it robs my images of depth/dimension and natural looking contrast." That's all I'm trying to do, in my heart anyway.

Bill, the repost is defintely more realistic and natural(whatever that's worth). Most of the haloing is gone and the colour-cast seems better. I use processing to enhance(i hope) the emotional impact of the moment that I experienced, to better convey it to the viewer. It always seems to be a constant struggle

I would concur with the others, the repost works for me much better. Makes me cold just looking at it.