Al, I have always enjoyed your images and the effort and feeling you put into them - it shows. I think this is a very good image, but since you asked? What about a little more light on the middle grasses, the Aspens are handled perfectly. I would like to hear what you think if that might keep the eye in the image longer. I noticed that I kept moving around the image looking for an anchor.
Patrick Kolb wrote:
Al, I have always enjoyed your images and the effort and feeling you put into them - it shows. I think this is a very good image, but since you asked? What about a little more light on the middle grasses, the Aspens are handled perfectly. I would like to hear what you think if that might keep the eye in the image longer. I noticed that I kept moving around the image looking for an anchor.
Thank you for your comment, Patrick, and I will work on what you've suggested.
BTW, as a funny aside...I was working on this at 1am, and in a fit of frustration I remember asking - 'What would Patrick do?'
It's a beautiful image as is, but I think there are two ways to go with it. One is to leave it mostly the way you've processed it with no deep blacks and no bright whites. It has a soft, ethereal look to it that way. Another direction would be to bump up the whites a bit and increase the blacks, along with what Patrick suggested about bringing up the light on the grasses. You almost can't lose whichever way you go because it's such a nice starting point.
Brent
Ahh...yes...I reworked the image per Patrick's suggestions and I think it's much better! I added some brightness to the grasses leading upwards and to the left. A linear mask darkened the bottom of the image. The differences are subtle but do look better. Thanks for the help guys!
Bob Jarman wrote:
Late to the discussion but I agree the rework improves with the better definition between the trees and grasses - original a tad muddy to my eye.
I like them both for different reasons Al! The subject is a great and I always "think" of aspens in great light.
Not to say your light here is a negative, just saying they might pop a bit more for this time of year!
But the subdued light makes the bark and limb artifacts stand out very well.
Great work regardless!
Dan
