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

Lots of depth and character enhanced by the bg trees. Good eye to spot this outstanding tree, Paul.

Al B

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.

Hey Paul,

Very cool find! I love how that tree stands out. I find Dave's suggestions interesting, not sure I agree, but it certainly be worth trying.

Jim

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

Cracking shot Paul! If you asked a youngster to paint a tree this is what he/she would produce. It's the "perfect" tree
David

Gorgeous portrait Paul, really love the atmosphere and the intimate feeling.

Al

lovely specimen, aggree about toning down the grass though,

simon

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.

Thanks again. Paul

much better,

simon