# Winter Hillside **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** landscape\ **Created:** [February 10, 2019, 4:40pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/winter-hillside/4016 "2019-02-10T16:40:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ed\_Lowe](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/e/e36b37/32.png) [@Ed\_Lowe](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Ed_Lowe)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2019, 4:40pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/winter-hillside/4016/1 "2019-02-10T16:40:55Z")
Another scene from our recent trip to Blackwater Falls SP, WV. I do not know how much appeal this will have, but the image has really grown on me so I thought I would see what others think. I was attracted to the mood with the low lying snow clouds partially shrouding the snow covered hillside along with all the details of the deciduous and evergreen trees. ### What technical feedback would you like if any? all C&C welcome ### What artistic feedback would you like if any? All C&C welcome ### Any pertinent technical details: NikonD800, Nikon 80-200 @ 200 mm, f 14 @ 1/60 sec, ISO 200, cable release & tripod ##### **_You may only download this image to demonstrate post-processing techniques._**![_DSC5714%20copy](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/2X/e/e1a02a7fc39f2d65e5193857e6a59d7ec091ac95.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Lon\_Overacker](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/lon_overacker/32/10929_2.png) [@Lon\_Overacker](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Lon_Overacker)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2019, 8:25pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/winter-hillside/4016/2 "2019-02-10T20:25:46Z")
Ed, I can see why this might be growing on you. It is for me as well. I particularly like the opposing diagonals and the zig-zagging of the layers; not only from a shape and layer point of view, but also the fading contrast. In fact, my thought would to somehow enhance that where itโ€™s the fading contrast that helps define the scene. In other words, perhaps increase the contrast in the foreground hill, a bit in the next hill and then let the rest fade to obscurity. Since the top is a bit bright relative to the scene and blank, perhaps cropping just a bit off the top maybe halfway to the mountain top on the left. Or heck, make this go square. No doubt a winter wonderland. Looks like a great day to be out shooting! Lon ---
**Author:** ![Ed\_Lowe](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/e/e36b37/32.png) [@Ed\_Lowe](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Ed_Lowe)\ **Post date:** [February 10, 2019, 10:07pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/winter-hillside/4016/3 "2019-02-10T22:07:29Z")
Thanks @Lon_Overacker; glad you liked it. Mike and I had two superb days shooting in this winter landscape. ๐Ÿ˜€ I had already cropped the sky a bit, but I like your suggestion so here is another version. I also converted to B&W which I think I like better. ![_DSC5714%20copy](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/2X/6/68d53e20977ec61884bd8404849fd7216d716b7e.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Lon\_Overacker](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/lon_overacker/32/10929_2.png) [@Lon\_Overacker](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Lon_Overacker)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2019, 2:49am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/winter-hillside/4016/4 "2019-02-11T02:49:09Z")
B&W is very effective here Ed. It actually accomplishes what I was thinking. Thanks for the repost. Lon ---
**Author:** ![Ed\_McGuirk](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/ed_mcguirk/32/30542_2.png) [@Ed\_McGuirk](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Ed_McGuirk)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2019, 4:45pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/winter-hillside/4016/5 "2019-02-11T16:45:21Z")
Ed, the B&W approach looks great to me, I like the added contrast you gave the image in the B&W version. This location reminds me of the view from the top of Crawford Notch, NH, just above Silver Cascade. I like your B&W re-post as presented, but I think there is another alternate crop that might work too, which is to completely crop out the sky and fog, and show nothing but hillside. ---
**Author:** ![Michael\_Lowe](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/michael_lowe/32/7118_2.png) [@Michael\_Lowe](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Michael_Lowe)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2019, 12:05am UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/winter-hillside/4016/6 "2019-02-12T00:05:15Z")
Ed, I like both images but feel the B&W as presented with the greater contrast and detail makes the scene pop. I would probably crop a little more from top to just above the middle mountain. ---
**Author:** ![Ed\_Lowe](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/letter_avatar_proxy/v4/letter/e/e36b37/32.png) [@Ed\_Lowe](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Ed_Lowe)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2019, 4:29pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/winter-hillside/4016/7 "2019-02-12T16:29:39Z")
Thanks @Ed_McGuirk and @Michael_Lowe for taking the time to leave a thought; always appreciated. Glad you both enjoyed the image. @Ed_McGuirk: Funny you should mention the crop because I had did just that at another location. I am hoping they turn out as I think the focus was a little off due to some lens issues. @Michael_Lowe: Good idea, I will give that a try.