Still doing some experimenting with "in the round." I couldn't get this to look exactly how I wanted. Mostly some of the faint parts of the tree on the right side I'd like to get rid of. Also, I think there is too much green especially on the left side so the tree doesn't quite stand out as much. But I don't think I can really help that.
Hi Kyle, with these types of images it is always helpful to include the number of images used in the final image. An indication of averaged opacity also helps, as this can be significant.
Due to the level of detail, I suspect in this image only a few images were used, or otherwise that the opacity of the upper layers was high (negating those lower)
As for the amount of 'green' you reference - like other aspects of photography ITR requires a level of contrast (light/color) to help the subject pop. I include a couple of my own images - the first I feel fails as there is little contrast between the subject and background, whilst the second succeeds. Although set against a similar backdrop the lighting really makes the subject stand out.
Note that in all the background is controlled by the number of images and the amount of movement between each.
I hope this helps. If you'd like further help with the process let me know. I have years of failures so can definitely pass on advice that may help avoid pitfalls.
I'm not the greatest fan of this technique, Kyle, but can still appreciate the results and understand it to a degree. One thing that immediately strikes me about your image is how frame-filling the tree is, so we don't actually see it "in the round", which I think requires some perspective. Alan's images here and elsewhere have much more space around the central feature.
I just mention this because it's something Alan doesn't touch on.
Besides, I can proudly claim zero failures, never having tried it! Ever the armchair general... ;-)
I do admire your endlessly enquiring spirit and experimentation.
That makes sense and something I didn’t really think of. Thanks as always Chris!
I don't think the subject absolutely needs to have space around it, but in a lot of cases it does make sense. In your case if you could have found an angle that would separate the subject from the background (as with the sky on the right) that may have helped
Larger subjects are in challenge in that space regard, but you can still get good results - I've included a couple of examples just to give an idea.
Kyle, I can't claim much more experience here than Chris has, but my one attempt was fairly well received (https://fstoppers.com/photo/602611)...
I did get a decent head-start by coming across a tree that was almost perfectly symetrical all the way around - and in a bit of space. I've posted some shots from further back to show the setting, in case that's of interest.
Despite the symmetry of my tree, in editing I did come across faint sections as you describe. I tried to remove some by creating layer masks - essentially dropping the opactiy to zero for sections I wanted to remove, but you can see my "finished" image still has something of a halo around the tree which I'm not so keen on. Maybe I'll try re-editing it some time, and will let you know if I discover any tricks!
As to making the background less distracting, I would agree with Alan that it's all about the number of images - if you walk a complete circle of the subject and take enough shots, the background should start to blend together as in Alan's second image above.
That tree is a perfect find Mike, thanks for sharing. I see a few others that would also work well in that scene.
As these perfect opportunities don't arise too often (at least not in my neck of the woods) I'd encourage all to be open to experimentation.
Thanks for all the feedback everyone. This tree might not have been a good candidate after all. It's right up against the marsh next to the water and going in a full circle was impossible. I probably also did not take enough images this time around. I actually was trying to have the tree off to the right and the road going down the middle but that didn't really work either so I went with this as the composition. I think my main problem here might have been the subject just wasn't good. I'm having a harder time than I thought finding a good tree in my area but I'm going to keep trying! Thanks again.
Late the party here, but FWIW, and I might be in the minority, but actually like this a lot. The depth in the leaves is my favorite element and the tight crop doesn't bother me. Go figure :/
Thanks! I don’t hate it myself just couldn’t quite get the look I was hoping for.
That's all that matters Kyle. As long as you love your work it matters little what others think.
Keep experimenting and I'm sure you'll get to the point you want to be (and beyond!)