Owens Layers + Edit

I love the subtle colors and layers in this!  My only suggestion is to consider cropping from the top a bit to remove what looks to me like a plowed field.

A colorful comp, beautiful winter colors.  I wonder if you know how these areas look in the summer, do they lose their appeal?  On the fence about the very top.  Inclined to crop it off.

Dave,

Now we're talkin'!  Love the range and tones of colors throughout.  I like the position and inclusion of the larger bush in the center; it a good place for the eye to fall back to while exploring all the colors, details and texture.

I'm with Harry and unsure of the top.  It's not a distraction but it almost looks like a plowed field (I know it's not.) It's not an image killer for me, and in fact at least the ground up top is somewhat uniform (like a sky might be,) so again, not a distraction.  Just an observation.

Love the arrangements of color you manage to see and photograph.  Love 'em.

Lon

Dave, I really enjoy the interplay of colors, textures and layers. In my opinion cropping the field at the top would make for a more consistent look. Your image makes me want to explore this location.

Peter

Another beauty from the Owens Valley, Dave. The layers and colors are just gorgeous. My only suggestion would be the already mentioned crop from the top.

Ed

Thanks for the comments. Cropping the top seems to be a consistent thought. I played with that but think I personally prefer not chopping off the tops of the trees. I tried reducing the strip up top and gaining more separation by increasing the contrast and dodging the tree tops. Not sure reactions...

Harry,
The color of this foliage changes dramatically as spring progresses and IMO loses its photographic appeal.  

Another vote for cropping the field out at the top.

Dave,

Excellent compromise! The slight crop and the darken of the tone up top resolves my comment.  In fact, the tone at the top is now more in line with the rest of the image and colors.  Well done! And thanks for taking the time and considering the feedback.

Lon

I can't get enough of these, Dave.  Love the layers and colors.  Your repost works very nicely in dealing with the space up top.  Love this one.

Beautiful, Dave. I like this presented, and I understand not wanting to cut off the tops of the trees, but I could also see cropping the trees altogether, as an alternative. What I especially love about this image is the amazingly beautiful foreground. 

Excellent layering of color and vegetation. I like the repost. It would not look right cropped in comparison. Beautiful. 

Dave: Love the color palette and textures here and I like your crop choice. Really well done. >=))>

The re-post gets my vote, Dave. It was a small, but significant change. The variety of tone and color is excellent.
--P

Yes, the colors in the shrubbery look familiar and again wonderful. The repost has a nice added pop.  I always enjoy spring colors.  They often rival fall colors but with a very different set of colors.  Yes, you need to catch them early to get the biggest color changes.

The repost looks really good Dave. I love the beautiful colors and layers.

Dave, I like the color differences in the brush.  My thought/suggestions may run opposite in that I would reduce the contrast in luminosity mode to retain the saturation. I would go for a softer feel.  Also, crop off the darker 5% on the bottom, off the top to the treetops, and some off the left to rid the bare patch.

Dave, The layers, colors and textures in this are absolutely wonderful. The repost looks fantastic!

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.