A stranger here (+1 re-work)

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
1

A stranger here
A stranger here2000×1196 522 KB

As per Dean’s suggestion I used a color range mask to select the leaves an added contrast and clarity -

Kristen_SmithJune 21, 2019P1016217-Edit
Kristen_SmithJune 21, 2019P1016217-Edit2000×1196 544 KB

Whenever I sit on the dock I keep the camera and long lens handy, mostly for wildlife, but it has other uses. This is a look back at the shoreline at some of the hazelnut bushes that dangle out and over the water. When the nuts ripen squirrels are all over these and I never get any. My dream is to be ready with the camera if a greedy rodent falls in. One can hope.

Specific Feedback and Self-Critique

Just a playful shot, not processed very much, says summer day to me. Reactions? Improvements?

Technical Details

Handheld

image

Lr for a crop and work to bring up a lot of contrast and color. Some distraction removal. Topaz Denoise to pull that down and bring up some detail even though there isn’t much.

2

The color is nice and rich with a story waiting to happen. The lighting looks good. I was to try anything, maybe a contrast curve on the leaves. The lighting is pretty even out so may not help really. Looks like a very quiet scene, well until the visitors come.

3

New photo in OP, I think it helps a little @Dean_Salman so thanks for the suggestion. It’s sometimes hard to tell how far to push things with these kinds of scenes.

4

Yes, Kris, there’s a fine summery feeling. The clarity in most of the leaves is quite striking.