Foggy Morning 2

I like the mood and composition of this image, Craig.  The sun rays add a lot of interest.  I do wish that the sky wasn't washed out, but I understand that there is compromise when you are working with such a wide dynamic range.  With the 5D2 I assume that you would have to bracket exposures and blend to retain detail in the sky. 

This is a lovely view. Love the beams and foreground. I wish the sky had some details in it.

I like the great beams of light in this view, Craig. I think cropping much of the sky is preferable even if it means cutting the top of the tree. 

I went back and checked out the previous version and I think I prefer this one because the tree is a little off center, Craig. I really like the rays as they add some nice mood to the image, but I agree with Scott as far as cropping out the sky even at the expense of the top of the tree.

Ed

All, thanks for your comments. I, too, wish that I was able to set up a tripod and bracket exposures, but it just wasn't possible at the time. I wasn't planning on doing anything with this image because of the over-exposed sky, but a few people commented on my last version that they didn't like the cutoff tree (or that the tree was centered), so I decided to work this one up. The cutoff tree wasn't a huge problem for me, and as I look more at both, I really prefer the previous version.

Craig, I love the sun rays in this one but the sky really does take away from it. Now I understand more your previous post better as well. I agree cropping this one might be the best bet here. Kind of think now that I prefer the previous one...

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

I think I like this one with the sky cropped and the tree off-center.  Something about the role of the beams forming a complete backdrop to the tree, which is less prominent in the image.  

Craig, there is a very appealing subtlety to this image for me. The blown out sky is consistent with the atmosphere and the specific lighting conditions in my opinion.

I can understand your preference of the previous version, as this kind of intimate scene makes for a more immediate impression to me; yet I must admit that I have ambiguous feelings regarding the centered position of the tree in this case. Anyway, it is interesting for me to compare these different interpretations of the scene.

Peter

I prefer this composition and light, Craig. There is a nice atmosphere in this that I like a lot. Actually, I think the high-key sky works here, and I like the delicate branches in the crown of the tree.
--P