What changed: After hearing from Igor, I went back to the raw file and re-adjusted several settings (changed the b&w conversion, edited the sky to be softer and lighter, brought the bright outcrop in the LLC back up some). Since my idea was “Tenacity”, it seems like the emphasis should be on the gnarly roots and outcrop, not so much on the needles and sky. Also dodged the darker sky areas; tried to soften the “cloud hole”, but it’s still annoying.
The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Another from the Utah workshop. Jennifer gave us an assignment to study the trees and make an image that told a story or conveyed an idea. Tenacity was obvious for many of the trees growing in the rock.
Specific Feedback
I’m not sure about the processing on this. Did it all in ACR (not my usual method, but trying new things). Did a lot of targeted adjustments darkening areas of rock, lightening leaves, etc. Any comments on processing and/or alternative ideas are welcome.
It sure looks like you were graced with dynamic skies for your outing with Dave and Jennifer. Great clouds, which I’m sure changed frequently!
You clearly succeeded in capturing/creating a nature story with the tree, clinging to the cliff/outcropping. “Tenacity” indeed! I already mentioned the clouds and sky, but combined really add some dynamics and contrast to the overall scene.
Composition - just about perfect. The B&W conversion is also outstanding; the contast, "black blacks’ and “white whites” really make this pop. Interesting though… and independent of your comment on my last post about being slightly dark. This was not as readily apparent with your image here, but I was thinking the midtones were just a little tiny bit on the dark side. It’s almost like the highlights in the clouds, tree bows and rock face are so bright and lively, that you had to turn down the volume a little bit. Mind you, were splitting hairs and this too may be just how you intended. If you want/need, I can post my visual if that helps. But I’ll hold off for now.
I like this image a lot, Bonnie. It’s such a wonderful subject: this tree, its roots clinging to air as much as rock, as perhaps the air has more nourishment anyway. The repost creates a bit more contrast between the tree and the rock, and I think I needed that to fully appreciate the tree’s tenacity and its context.
The only thing that distracts me a bit, and I still can’t decide whether it’s a negative or a positive, is that perfectly oval hole in the clouds. In so many ways, that feels kind of other-worldly, like a wormhole or portal to another universe. Part of me wishes it were not there, and part of me things it explains the entire image: a tree in an impossible setting with a very long history and an unknown future.
Revision looks great Bonnie! Change was subtle, but effective. In fact to me the image has just a tad more clarity (and no, not the “clarity” slider in LR/ACR… )
What a terrific subject, Bonnie. The tree is interesting but the roots clinging to the wall of the canyon holding the tree up, now that’s a the story of this image. Unbelievable. The black and white conversion looks great to me. I like Bright Whites and Dark Blacks in most of my conversions and this one nails it for me. The moody sky adds to the feeling of tenacity. I believe I like the rework slightly better but the original is terrific also.
My first impression of the this image is that it is a bit busy. Now that I’m home and seeing it on a larger monitor I still find it that way. I think it’s coming from all the tones in the sky and clouds vs all that’s going on in the tree. Personally I think they clash with one another tonally. But since no one has mentioned it it may be just the way I see things. I tend to like simple well defined forms. The problem is more noticeable in the top of the tree where it’s tonally hard to distinguish sky, clouds, branches, and pine needles. Yes, the problem is in the upper half of the tree. Below the ridge line the comp is more straightforward and works better for me.
I like this capture but I’d look at cloning in a bit of cloud to that oval in the clouds if it were mine. Reminds me of an Ansel Adams shot. Well done,
A couple of you noted the oval hole in the clouds. Now that it’s brought to my attention, I can’t unsee it. I didn’t even notice it before, though - it was like that gorilla-walking-through-the-frame video.
I agree with you Igor. Maybe I can change the b&w conversion to make the sky less dramatic. That was my initial desire, but you’re right - it clashes with the tree.
