I thought this oak tree on the side of Loch Tummel in Scotland was just about the lushest thing I'd seen (well, in the plant world that is!), top lit as it was by a weak, watery late-morning sun. I stopped the car, put up the tripod on the edge of the road and risked the passing traffic to capture it for posterity. Feedback welcome. Cheers. Paul
The subject and background are both wonderful. I find the brightness of the foreground distracting, and would prefer to see that toned down a bit, possibly with a little subtle corner vignetting on the bottom as well, to help 'contain' the scene, and focus back towards the subject.
I agree with Dave's comment. The foreground is definitely a bit bright.
I really like the the tree, it is beautiful and so "perfectly" grown. Well spotted.
Ute
Nov 07, 2008 at 02:02 AM
David Leask Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
Icypeak wrote:
The subject and background are both wonderful. I find the brightness of the foreground distracting, and would prefer to see that toned down a bit, possibly with a little subtle corner vignetting on the bottom as well, to help 'contain' the scene, and focus back towards the subject.
Thanks for the comment (and to everyone else). I've posted a second version here, with a toned down foreground. I admit to being undecided about the foreground. In real life it was extremely bright, but in a translucent way (a result of being backlit from a high angle maybe?) and at the time of the shot I thought it was an important feature. Clearly, in the translation to pixels it has lost that 'translucent' character and just become BRIGHT. I agree, it needs toning down - in this version I've added a 1 stop grad in CS3 - feedback welcome.
I tried the vignette idea but I don't think it really works - I think the image benefits from the slightly wispy tone of the trees in the background and adding a vignette takes this away.
. I agree, it needs toning down - in this version I've added a 1 stop grad in CS3 - feedback welcome.