Winter's Grasp III

Overall, the image has a strong orange/brown color cast, but I thought it looked quite natural until I read your questions, Jim. Looking at it again, the only areas that look intense are the stems. They do seem to almost glow (on my contrasty Imac monitor). You could maybe selectively desat and burn the areas which have a concentration of the orange stems, as well as the two round small orange leaves at the bottom middle which also stand out. 

As for the comp, I like it. The four leaves are nicely shaped and arranged, the frost is great, and the entire comp is well balanced. I don't think it's too busy or cluttered, but toning down the stems will help in that regard anyway. You could clone out the small protruding stick in the llc if you were so inclined.  I like leafscapes with frost, and I find this image very attractive. 

This is perhaps the best image that you've shown recently. I like the more complex nature of this composition rather than the more straightforward icescapes. The fact that it's a bit 'chaotic' is attractive because it invites greater exploration. I am not completely sold on the greens in this image but the small blade of green grass is particularly disturbing and should be dealt with. I'm not sure how the eucalyptus green will look by itself though. I'm also interested in how the image would look overall just a bit lighter. It might be interesting to explore a tad cooler interpretation. But generally the four leaf shapes with a variety of lines going in all directions makes for a strong composition from my point of view.

Jim,

I love these intimate leafscapes, and this is a great one.  Not even close to being too chaotic; in fact it's rather organized with the 4 main leaves keeping order here.  There is lot's of small detail, but that is countered by  the frosty leaves. Works beautifully for me.

I would say from this web presentation that the orange/reds ar a bit heavy and saturated, especially the stems in the UR area, and that little orange leaf at the bottom - a bit of an eye magnet,  If it were mine I would pull back on the saturation. The frosted leaves are the story.

Lon

I think a bit less saturation would fit this type of image well, and put more attention on the leaves themselves. I'm with Igor about the greens, I find them a bit distractive as well. But otherwise I do really like the comp and those frosty leaves. I'm also wondering about a b+w conversion?

I like this a lot, Jim.  To me, the reds and yellows are a tad too strong,  In particular the green leaf that Lon pointed out and the orange at the bottom of the frame.  Tone those down and you have a winner.

The frost stands out well here and I believe that is your focus but the saturation is too intense and grabs my eye pulling me away from what I thought was your main intent, more so in the upper right corner, less so elsewhere.  But it is a nice image.

I like the comp and image a lot, but I do find it  too saturated for my tastes. You keep killing them!

I prefer this one over the single leaf.  The natural chaos seems well organized so no problem for me.  Saturation is also not a problem for me, as damp folage has that effect - No polarizer though?  Might have saturated colors more but it does not seem to be an issue.  Nice mix of shapes and textures.

Hi Jim,

 The composition is wonderfully seen and captured in this fine image. All the elements work in cohesion to make a very interesting scene. I for one like the saturation levels in this image. The vibrant colors help to separate all the fascinating elements.

Wonderful work

Hi  Jim   Can't  say  much more , after reading  scott's and Lons's comment...     but i think its human nature to  add a bit of saturation on  leafscapes


Albert Darmo
Canada