Dead Glory in Last Light

Harley, this is a rugged looking old beast for sure. The larger version works better on the shadows as you've mentioned too. The light works well in the larger version overall.
Nice work on taking a shot a bit out of the norm and our normal comfort zone maybe. I find it refreshing to see things a bit different over time....
Although admittedly & sadly with all the fires we might be seeing a lot more trees donning less foliage in the end......Sigh!...

Nice idea and nice execution.
I think it is fine as is, but you could lift the whole image a bit I think.

Harley, The larger version does look much better and I like it! The darker light works quite well on this image and I like how the dead tree stands out against the rest of the forest . You captured a mood that works really well for this image.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

This is very nice, Harley. Thought provoking, somber and moody. I think the dark presentation works well for the subject matter. Not bad for a "desperate attempt" .  

A real story teller and an impressive realization for me, Harley. Your choice of tonality fits in perfectly with the atmosphere of this scene in my opinion. The rather deep shadows make me curious to explore this forest.

Peter

This a darn good image, Harley. I like the interplay between dark and light here. It's also very appropriate for the subject matter. I would like to make some constructive suggestions. My first reaction was that the composition feels a bit static. That is, it's a straight tree on a dark background. I'm going back and forth on this but I put a lot of credence in first impressions and so there is that aspect to this image. I modify things to play the tree of the lighter stump on the left. Another words, give it more importance. Even those this story is about light in darkness I would crop some of the darkness (top, right, and bottom) to place tree just left of center. Also, I would include a white frame around this. I believe that a white frame makes a dark image even darker (at least on my monitor it does). 

The larger version is a real delight. Like I said, I like the current composition very much also. If you were to keep it as is I would darken the slightly lighter branches coming in from the upper and mid right. They do draw the eye somewhat. The ground has a subdued spotlight effect that also plays a nice supporting role to the white tree. I think this is just marvelous really.

This works very nicely, Harley. Since I was standing there, I can say the light was as portrayed here--gently luminous. I like the framing as it is. To me, the fir with the light top to the left of the snag is important--it's subtle, but adds to mood.

This red fir forest is very old, and not very large in areal extent. To the best of my knowledge, this forest has never burned.

Well done, sir!
-P

Very nice and somber image, Harley. I also think the background trees are strong assets and frame the the image nicely.

A solitary, somber, and stark reminder that even in dying, nature is beautiful.  I like the dark feel here H.  My only thought was to burn the trunk of the standing fir on the left side.  Other than that, nicely done.

The delicate light is surreal and does a masterful job of showcasing all the elements in this forest scene, Harley. The dead tree has a wonderful luminous glow to it that is very captivating. The slightly darker presentation is moody and thought provoking. Great job on this.

Ed

Harley, the larger version is indeed, luminous, with the dead tree standing out very well even as there are some fine details in the rest of the view.  You've got a good dynamic balance between the snag and the brighter ground in the lower right.  This is a fine, moody presentation.

I like the contrast of the dead tree against the needled pines, but this feels a bit dark on my monitor.  It seems the dead tree could maybe stand out a bit more.

Harley,

I've admired this sentinel snag for a number of years as you and Preston have as well.  You've really captured this in such fine, glowing light (as you described.)  I can picture in my mind how you saw this.

The large view opens up much better (resolves comments about upping the exposure level  - for me anyway)  Processing is excellent.  The composition, for such a static scene - is spot on; appreciate you capturing this off center.

No suggestions sir, just appreciation.

Lon

ps. Not sure I'll get to see this beauty this year as a 12,000 acre fire looms within a 30min drive west of here....very sad conditions
 

I like the feeling of the low light and how the center tree stands apart.  A possible suggestion would be to select and slightly reduce the brightness of the broken trunk to the left and base of the  tree to the right.  What is it about dead snags that make them so interesting?

A very nice take on the Sonora Pass landscape. The composition is sophisticated and the rich dark tones make the forest appear so mysterious. I am also enjoying the star of the show, which is the beautiful dead tree. 

A really strong image Harley.