Bleak Midwinter [+edit]

I wrestled with whether to include the upper corners or not; here's a cropped version to compare.

John, I prefer the cropped version. I think it zeroes in on the important elements. I think the reds are little too saturated, especially in the trees on the left. Also, I think the darks could be a little deeper, especially in the reflection. I like the various textures and the quiet mood.

--P

Lovely image John!  Love the comp and the color. Wonderful.  I like both versions. 

My only nitpick is it seems a tad over sharp on my Mac 27 Thunderbolt. 

Even though you did not get that fiery sunset, you came away with a winner, John. I too prefer the cropped version because it has a better flow without those corners. I love all the layers along with those colors.

Ed

The lichen creates a strong contrast ...almost sparkles.  As Mark M said, it could be oversharpened esp near the top of frame on the cropped version.  The colors are strong and vivid.  Nicely seen and shot.

John,

I've always enjoyed your work and I'm so glad to see you post this image.

I love both versions and think they stand up on their own for different reasons.  I really enjoy the first because it has a radiating look to it I think most because of the reflection and the ripples and abstractness.  the bright values also give this almost a color version of a high-key image, yet the colors are displayed beautifully here.

The cropped version doesn't have that same dynamic feel, but I do like that the top corners have been removed.  It really boils this scene down to it's core elements, and so I think the cropped version works beautifully too.

This is also pretty unique; beautifully seen and captured.

Lon

Both are real nice, but I prefer the cropped version. I would agree with Preston on the colors, a little strong for my tastes. 

I prefer the cropped version, John. I like the enite image, but the foreground abstract reflection is truly amazing. 

I honestly have a hard time choosing between the two versions. I love the reflection in the original, but I do like the look of the trees in the cropped version without that corner. In the end, I do think both are great anyway, it's a small nit to pick! The reds look a tad too strong compared to the rest, but that is also a small nit.

Thanks all! I'm working on a newer monitor, so the saturation/sharpening feedback is really helpful to dial it in.

Here's a final crop try, also trying to adjust the sat/sharp, abandoning the 2x3 ration to trim the upper corners yet keep the reflection.

John,

This repost nails it for me!  You've addressed all the feedback.  And hopefully it's the version you're most happy with too!

John, The final version looks fantastic! It is such a beautiful scene and really has a wonderful look and feel. I love the colors and the reflections look awesome. I think you came up with a real winner!! 

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Hi  John    Magical  color and  light ,  the reflections add  to the beauty of the scene...     I  too  prefer the repost.   i like the softer detail.


Albert Darmo
Canada

having remembered one of your previous images, john: http://www.naturephotographers.net/imagecritique/ic.cgi?a=vp&pr=217721&CGISESSID=fc0e10a2745cf66425112bdfaebd0ab0&u=5789&title_action= I can only imagine the starting point for this. we'll all have an opinion on your processing but the final image looks grand - i wouldn't mind it being slightly less contrasty but then if you offered that up, i'd bet that people would be demanding it to be more contrasty. can never win with these folks, me included. nicely pulled out of a grey drizzly day!

This looks warm and dreamy, John, in spite of the title.  One of the treats of overcast, is how saturated colors become.  I'm really enjoying all of the colors and textures.  I especially like the longer reflections in the final repost.

Hi John,

The last repost works out great for my liking. With the combo of wonderful comp, and killer colors, there is so much to enjoy in this capture. For me, the layers in this image really make it work, and beautifully seen and presented.

John,
Beautiful image. Well seen and composed. Prefer the final repost rendering. Nice work!