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Ray Zee's picture

Bendy trees, standing trees

I took these two photos while on a hike on a misty day. looking for compositions.
Your feedback/critique welcome.

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12 Comments

theses are really nice with plenty of potential depending on your style and taste of post processing, great bones with a lot of character. i would tell you to look at Nick Page for ideas as he does a ton of work with moss covered trees
something like this

I didn't consider post processing like you suggested. Thanks for the comment and the example.

no problem

Hey Ray,

I love the woods and photos like these. Two thumbs up. You captured the misty mood really well.

I have suggestions (stop laughing Joe!) but before I give them, let me say that these image work already. And, you as the artist, should go in whatever directions makes you happy.

I know most landscape photographer are all about clarity throughout the image. But I think that there is too much here. A little softness would add some drama and msytic forest feeling. To show what I'm thinking, here are screen captures to which I did 3 things: brightened a bit, then dehazed and the reduced clarity. This brings out the mist, emphasizes the foreground trees and helps the eye land in front and then move down the path. Otherwise, in the first image, my eye landed right between the cool twisted trees to the slope above the the path. I think the reduction in clarity of the background brings your eyes to the trees first. But - I may be talking craziness too!

These are just suggestions. Really nice work Ray! I look forward to more!

Hi Ruth,

Thanks for taking time writing a detailed explanation. I appreciate it. I am taking notes about your comments on clarity reduction. Again, thank you for showing me examples.

I like both images equally, Ray. Very appealing. Strong compositions.

Ruth makes an interesting point I wouldn't have thought of, and about the first in particular. Your more literal interpretation, and the others' versions, striving to create a particular impression, all have their pluses to my mind. I'd have been inclined to do it your way, always tending to want to honour what I've seen - but that's just me. I respect Ruth and Joseph, always interested in their comments (and backed up by fine work of their own).

Your portfolio images are all strong, all so far featuring mist, and broadly in this soft, but faithful-to-nature style - your own style, and it appeals to me. Keep posting!

Well said! :)

I did want to add that, for the first image, if you keep the background this crisp-ish, the trees on each side of the path form a natural frame the definitely makes your eye focus between them and there isn't anything to see but background. I really suggest softening the clarity in this one spot even if you don't go with any other suggestion. :)

Thanks for your input Chris. I'm know I'm not strong with post processing, so at least for now, I stick to "literal" interpretation. So, all the feedback is really useful to me.

Lovely work Ray, I love these types of images and they inspire me further to get out in the woods on such days.

For me, I think if you add a bit of contrast to #2 then apply a little /judicious highlights to the lighter areas of foliage at the bottom of the image it may be even better.

Thanks Alan! I see what you mean.

I like these and I think they have a great potential. I think the second one works best composition-wise. There is a current trend to make these shots very dark and moody these days (for best examples take a look at Enrico Fossati and Daniel Laan), and I think these are calling for that type of post-processing. Basically, what Ruth suggested. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for your comment and insight.