Critique Required Beneath the willow tree

[Rob MacKillop]

It was so beautiful beneath the willow tree, I couldn't not photograph it. I have a feeling this is a good shot, but I don't think I'm bringing out the best of it. First the original jpeg, then a B&W version. All the branches are falling down, but look like they are growing upwards.

All advice gratefully received.

tree3 by RobMacKillop, on Flickr


tree3a by RobMacKillop, on Flickr​

 

[Chris Dodkin]

B&W gets my vote - maybe a touch of unsharp mask to crisp it up?

 

[Darren Bradley]

Agree on the B&W. Very nice shot, regardless. Love the abstract pattern.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Cheers, guys.

 

[Dan Cattermole]

Agreed, B&W is the one for me too.
Very good rob, lovely network of wood there!

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, Dan.

 

[Paul Lange]

I often look up at trees and wonder if it's worth photographing the branches against the sky. Yes it is!!

 

[Ronald Atchley]

Rob,
Gotta go with the B&W myself.
I wonder what your thoughts on the upper center area of the image would be ?
There seems to be indistinct areas there that breaks the strong pattern .
Nit picking for sure but it caught my eye.
Really very nice.
Ron

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Hi Ron. Yeah, that bit is bugging me, but I don't know what to do about it...

 

[Ronald Atchley]

Clone tool ?? Tedious .... Very tedious
Honestly, as good as it is presently, I don't know that
it would be worth the effort. Zooey is a true master at such things.
Ron

 

[Allan Batchelor]

Ive looked at these a few times Rob. Couldnt make my mind up if I liked them but must say the b&w is starting to grow on me

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, Allan. I still can't get over how it looks like the branches are going upwards, when they were in fact falling.

 

[Paul Lange]

The indistinct parts just seem to be a branch that was dangling close to the lens. Cloning would be a right pain but you could try using the burn tool to darken it. If you have LR you could also try upping the contrast and clarity tool. This wont get rid o fit but it might make it a little less distracting.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

I do plan on getting LR, but that will have to wait a while. I've started taking RAW files to work on later. Thanks for the advice.

 

[Garry Lee]

Great photo no 2

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, Gary!

 

[Pete Askew]

I too like the B&W version Rob but I'm not so keen on the heavier area on the left. What about a square crop focusing more on the branches on the RH side? Maybe something like this.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Hmm...I'm not sure about that one, Pete. Once you were my hero, now you're just another guy only kidding. Still, not sure...

 

[Pete Askew]

I think the angle is wrong but I wanted to try a crop. I should have done it in LR rather than PS as the crop tool is better (until CS6 that is).

I'll try to come to terms with my fall from grace - where's that bottle!

 

[Pete Askew]

By the way, I was listening to an oldish recording of 'Concierto de Aranjuez' featuring John Zaradin recently and on side B is some wonderful pieces performed by him; Baletto by Weiss, Air and Variations by Frescolbaldi, etc. Fabulous. Do you know the recording?