A fallen tree that still had beautiful green leaves next to a small pond. Photographed around Great Falls national park. I was intrigued by the shape of the triangular rock next to the tree and tried to it within the frame.
I think if the Reed was taken out of the frame, it would be less distracting. Not sure if it’s the rock works in the frame with the tree and wheat grasses. Any input or feedback appreciated. Thanks.
Hey Peter, I can see how you were intrigued by the different elements here. However, I don’t think everything is working together in unison - the pond feels quite empty, and the tree and rock feel cut off to me.
The tree feels cut off because it doesn’t really have a complete shape, the luminous leaves just continue up and out of the frame - you could make it feel more contained by darkening the uppermost section of leaves that have that dark backdrop showing through.
The rock feels cut off because we see the peak of it, and then it starts heading down again right at the edge of the frame. We know it’s a triangular shape, but don’t get to see it completed, so our mind follows along with the expected shape out of the frame. If the rock is going to be included, I would say include the whole thing, or cut it off at the peak so we don’t have the other side of the triangle leading us out to the right.
The pond feels empty because it’s relatively featureless. If the tree were reflecting here I think it would work, but as it is you’ve got all that pond scum blocking the reflection. So my best suggestion there is to dodge up the scum so it becomes a more prominent element in this area, taking care to leave the bottom edge of the frame darker as a vignette.
Lastly, the color all feels a bit drab and warm - I think this could work well in black and white, otherwise I would punch up the color a decent amount and cool down the white balance.
Peter,
A lovely and inviting scene - I can see the attraction to all the elements, including the triangular rock. This begs the question though, why not include the whole rock? I’m guessing other elements that forced the situation?
I really like Alex’s edits and simplification of the scene - and boost in color. The only thing I would change would be to go ahead and clone out the two reeds at the bottom; yes, I think those are a little distracting. The wheat grasses leading in to the tree are a positive element in the scene, I think.
Do you have any wider frames that take in more, where the rock and tree could work more together? Of course I wasn’t there so don’t know what’s outside the frame here.
Thanks for sharing and posting.
Lon
