Went out shooting today in the hills. These strange trees are quite common here and can live to a great old age and reach quite lofty heights. I will have to decide on which one to keep out of the three.

Have decided on #1

Edited by Bill Sutherland on Jul 15, 2008 at 10:17 AM GMT

I like the composition of #1 the best. #2 is more scraggly looking and does not project the loftiness of the plant as well and the cityscape in the background of #3 distracts from the subject instead of adding interest to it. Just my opinion.

Bill, I nearly posted one of these myself! Currently on hols visiting brother-in-law in Noosa. I believe these trees originally had another name which could be taken in a rather racist context so they're not longer called by that name!

IMHO #2 is the better shot.

Bill,
Very odd looking tree! I actually prefer #3, myself. (Though I would've liked a smaller DOF to make the tree stand out from the BG a bit more.)
Good luck to you,
~ Carrol

Thanks guys, I have decided to keep #1

Adam, these trees are still referred to by the politically incorrect name of black boys. I think the original reference arose from the fact that most of the tree trunks are blackened by frequent bush fires. As part of nature's system the trees will not reproduce without being burnt!! They look completely dead after a fire but they regenerate and recover quite quickly.

Good choice, Bill. I liked #1 the best. It has the most interesting composition and color. Fascinating shot of some fascinating trees.

All the best,

Endre