Redbuds (repost)

That is a very pretty image John considering the harsh sun you were dealing with. Is it too late to return later in the day for a shot under better light?

I think the light is quite good, probably because large areas of the composition are partially in shade. It's a lovely image, I love those purple flowers and the duck is well placed within the frame. My only suggestion is to crop a bit from the top to eliminate that small piece of sky, I think it's a bit distracting.


Paolo

Thank you for the comments, Walt and Paolo. I've attached a cropped version that maintains the aspect ratio so you can see how that looks.

While we are often looking for diffuse light to avoid too high a contrast between highlight and shadow so that mid-tones have a good position, I decided to take this picture for exactly the opposite reason, the same reason traffic on was at a stand-still; to observe the brilliant colors and, in particular, their reflection.

On an overcast day, the same elements are there, but the dynamic range is significantly reduced and with it the dramatic impact: Cars would probably not be stopping. It seemed to me that there was sufficient midrange tonality in this scene to proceed. However, I will be back there Thursday, it will be overcast, and I'll try to do the same shot (probably without the Canada goose, though, and maybe less redbuds, and post it here for comparison. Experimentation is always good.

What gorgeous color John and I think the goose completes the scene. Your crop in the repost works well at eliminating the distraction of the bright sky.

A very poetic scene. I like it.

Yep, the repost is a nice improvement on an already beautiful picture

Hi John, Beautiful colors in the peaceful looking scene, and the goose adds just the right touch. The reflections are just wonderful as well. The repost works even better!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Those are some stunning colors, what a lovely, peaceful scene. I too find the bit of blue sky on the right a bit distracting, but I think your crop creates problems with isolated branches from the Maple tree and the shrub on the right. You might try burning it in to see if you can reduce the distraction without making it look wierd (to use a technical term).

Yes, Mike Moats was the macro moderator for quite some time. Miss his images and comments. This is a lovely scene with nice reflection and peaceful mood. I like the framing of the scene by the spring green foliage. Nicely done.

Beautiful colors and comp John. You worked well with the light. I had the same thought about eliminating the spot of sky but don't like the elimination of so much of the overhead limb. I think I prefer it as is. The placement of the goose in the purple part of the reflections works nicely.

Wonderful colors, John, and you handled the contrast so very well, considering the lighting you had to deal with. I do prefer the repost with less sky popping through. Beautiful work.

I really like the way you've handled the light and the complicated contrasts between brightly lit and shaded. I think you've handled it brilliantly. Then the reflections are just the icing on the cake.

I sincerely appreciate all of the insightful comments regarding this image; the main issues being the sky hole, but the loss of part of the limb with a crop, and the high contrast in the foreground leaves.

I'm attaching another attempt to address the issues using color range layer masks. I made one for the sky hole and reduced its luminance; still there but perhaps less distracting. Then I made one for the lavender leaves, increase that luminance slightly then inverted it, and reduced the contrast and brightness on the offending foreground area. This should make the subject redbuds stand out better against the framing leaves.

So if anyone happens to see this result, I'd appreciate knowing your reaction versus the original and the crop. I personally like it the best.

Thanks again for all the feedback; it was very useful !

This is a wonderful image. It looks like a painting!!!! Actually, it probably should be.

Chris