+RP 100 Sq. Yards #2

Real nice, Lon! The processing works for me. I like the neutral snow in this one compared to the blues in the prior image. I like it brighter, too. Very well done. Master of the Trees!!!!

I actually prefer the original posting because I believe the shape of the tree and the tree itself really pops in the first image and is less apparent in the second image. The blue tones in the first image are just part of the coolness of the composition. Yes, this one is a little warmer.  The tree here is less symmetrical than the original image. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. It is different. The lighting here creates a slightly different mood because warm than in the first comp.

I prefer the processing you did on this one, it has more clarity and feeling like this. Compwise I prefer your previous version by a small margin though.

I think I prefer the first one because of the greater contrast between the tree and El Cap.

Lon

very nice image, but I also prefer the prior image due to being able to see the wall behind, which with the sun on its features makes the image have power.

cheers.  Tom

I think the first image was better that this because:

1. The overall layout of the tree. The 1st image has the bg evenly popping out through the branches throughout the image. In this one it goes from no bg to no fg. I just like the other approach. 

2. I like that the snow is bluer and flatter in the 1st image. It plays off better against the warm wall. In addition shadows look naturally flat so it also looks more realistic to me. 

Although if if there was nothing to compare this image to its a 'home run'. 

Nice job here Lon. 

Lon, these two views of trees against El Cap. make for quite a comparison.  The "back lighting" works great in both cases.  The extra brightness looks good in this one, but I find the tiny branches up top fading into the textures of El Cap a subtle distraction.  Maybe a modest crop off the top...  I think the bigger branches in the previous post make for a stronger subject.  Overall, I have a slight preference for the first view.

Hi  Lon     Agree   ,  warmer &  brighter,  and  again with  exceptionally  fine   detail, light and  color.  i  love all  trees!  but  this one does not have the  beautiful form  of the first post.  and  the colder  tones  of  the first post  turn  me on  more  for  a winter scene

Albert Darmo
Canada

Thank you all for your comments so far, with excellent observations.  I too prefer the first posts for most of the reasons given already.

Then Igor writes:

Although if if there was nothing to compare this image to its a 'home run'. 

Lesson learned?  All images should stand on their own right?  If I (or anyone) posts similar images back to back, there will naturally be a comparison.  I knew that too, but had this been shown independantly without knowledge of the first, would there be different feedback?  hmmmmm  

@Mark - thanks for the comment and observation about the tiny branches up top.  I actually cloned some small ones on the right edge.  I was wondering if anyone was going to suggest a crop.  I actually played with a significant crop because I was also unsure about the large branch in the LLC.  Always options and alternatives.

Thanks again.  I guess I'll post the 3rd one in a day or so.  

Lon, Both of these are really nice, but I do prefer the first one overall. I like the shape of the tree better in that one and also prefer the cooler tone of the snow. Two different moods and both are excellent.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI

Love the fresh snow Lon. My personal preference would be to lighten the snow a bit but it's a matter of taste.

Lon

very nice image, but I also prefer the prior image due to being able to see the wall behind, which with the sun on its features makes the image have power.

cheers.  Tom

I've reworked this some to incorporate some of the suggestions and observations.  I used the color picker, Color selection and a Levels layer just to adjust the snow on the tree.  Then I did the same with the wall.  The snow a little cooler, the wall slightly warmer and I think a better separation between the two.  I also cropped slightly from top and right.  also, not sure if I've mentioned, but am getting in to the habit of adding a 10-20% opacity Orton at the end for a slight boost in contrast.

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

edit: changes are pretty subtle now that it's posted...

I am a sucker for tree abstracts and this works beautifully, Lon. Dig the color tones and contrast between snow and the dark tree limbs. Very well composed too.