Pahono Garden +rp

Here's an alternate version.

I dont know where you guys come up with such pristine gardens, the gardens around me have half eaten leaves and rotted logs, quite messy. yes, I love these small scenes of nature, as you probably know, as to which one I like best, definitely the darker exposure, second post, it's just very appealing to me. Beautiful work Lon.
John

Lon: Not a bad FLORA image Love the frame filling comp and all the details in the larger version especially. I give a very small edge to the second version. 2 thumbs up! >=))>

Lon, well I'll have to go with the first, although, the second looks like it could be a bit nicer. But what the heck, they're both very fine images. The first one gets the nod with the resulting larger version.
The Astia always does the greens and yellows up nicely, as seen here. Detail in the larger version really brings things to life.
OK , I took yet another look at the second, I think John & Bill are on to something there with the second one. Hmmmm, got a coin to toss?....

A very strange reaction to both of these, Lon. It sounds odd to say that while viewing the first one, my frontal lobe move upwards, and while viewing the second, it moves downward. The first has a decidedly happy feeling to, a brighter mood.
And, the second has the darker richer colors giving more of a somber mood. I'm not really making any sense, am I?
Well, anyway, right now I like the first version more. As more of the weekend disappears today, I'm sure I will like the second more.

I like the rich color of the second image better. The yellow flowers give just enough variation to make the image interesting.

As already mentioned, this is a very attractive, pristine woodland scene. The larger version is a treat to look at and study. I prefer the more even exposure in the first, but only slightly in this web presentation.

Lon, nice intimate image. I like the contrasting green tones and the dappled yellow flowers. I think that I prefer the original post. The darker plants on the left hand side of the repost draw my eye too much and take away from the cohesive feeling of the overall image.

By the way, thanks for all that you do as moderator and for your thoughtful and constructive comments on everyone's images. I know that I learn a lot from reading your comments not only on my own images but on other's images as well.

Just the right amount of variety of foliage to engage the viewer but not overwhelm them. I like the arrangements and textures very well.

Both images seem just a bit flat to me. Natural, to be sure, but they don't quite sparkle like some of your images.

Thanks for the comments so far folks, I appreciate it.

I think I'm leaning towards the first version and feel like Brian that the darker leaves in the 2nd version draw the eye outward. And Brian, thanks very much for the kind words, I appreciate it.

Tony - I agree, and here's a repost. I think the combination of Astia and that I'm usually quite leary of pushing greens too much, left this one a little flat as you suggest. Good call. Here's a quick workup of the 1050 image (not even from my psd file) adding a bit more saturation and a slight Orton touch to it. I think I'll rework my original when I get this posted on my website.

thanks folks!

Lon

Lon, as you know, I really have a special place for these Sierra gardens. I was all set to go with the initial post, that is, until I viewed the latest one with the increased saturation and orton effect.

That one gets my vote. The extra work makes it sing. It will make a gorgeous print. Well seen, and nicely done!

--P

Lon, the last post works best even at the smaller size. The additional saturation brought it up nicely and now compliments the very fine intimate scene.....

Enjoyable intimate scene Lon. I like the fantastic detail and light you have captured here.

The reposted version is quite beautiful. I think that the two flowers alone in that particular group of foliage really make this stand out. Without them, this just work nearly as well. Nice work!

Your composition is simply wonderful, Lon, the variation in greens and the delicate details of the leaves set against last years leaves works so very well. The flowers are icing on the cake. Your third post really nails it in my opinion. Such a peaceful and quiet image. Exquisite work.

Looks like your archetypical scene and composition Lon. I like it a lot, the composition is beautiful, well balanced and the three ingredients (green leaves, yellow blossoms, forest floor) complement each other well. The saturation was ok for me in the first version, as this is a calm and quiet image, but more pop never hurts such images either.

Ha, what a beautiful understory garden!... I like a lot images like this one, and would hang them around all over my house... Between the different versions... Don't know.
The second is more direct, the contrast is more appealing, and the third is very well balanced and gives a good combination of the previous two... But in the end I may prefer the first one, which in my opinion gives a more intimate feeling...

I guess I'll change my mind, your last post has a slight glow, which is a little more appealing to me, personally, I would be happy with any one of them. Beautiful Lon.
John

Lon, This is really a wonderful shot. I enjoy the earthy and natural feel of this very much. I have enjoyed looking at all three versions now, and the 3rd one is perfect for my taste. Great comp too! Excellent work with this...

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Lon, I definitely prefer the lighter version. Even the small version of this intimate look offers the details that have always made large format special. The repost has a nice pop.

Count me in for the reworked version. Nice image, but as you said, nothing terribly exciting.

You're right, Lon--not terribly exciting
Not that all photos have to be....
I like numero uno here...
EDIT: i swear i just read Harley's comment lol--well, i think there's a consensus growing...

Lon,

The re-worked version sings. What I like about this photo most is the patterns in the plant to the right side. Astia was the right choice for this scene.

Nice composition. I like the brighter version, feels more spring-like

I'm revisiting this and I definitely like the last repost. I think the refinements really bring it more to life.

Final repost hits the sweet spot Lon. I like it with a bit cropped off the top. It's a nice image, but I see where folks are going with the exciting comments. Of course it's your own fault because of your typical posts .