Critique Welcomed Sunlit Moss (now For Something Completely Different ...)

[Keith Hollister]

This is way out of my comfort zone as far as visual concept goes. I visualized something like this when I took the shot (well 3 shots actually - HDR) but wasn't sure at the time how I was going to produce the print. I guess I channeled my inner Rob and started experimenting Needless to say this thing has been stomped on pretty heavily.

Not my normal "look" so I need some feedback.

Fuji X-E2, 14mm/2.8 @ f/8, ISO 800, handheld 3 shot burst

 

[Brian Moore]

I like this a lot. The whiteness of the moss almost looks infrared-ish and I wouldn't have guessed this was an HDR.

 

[Keith Hollister]

Thanks, Brian - now that you mention it, it does resemble an IR film image with the halation halo

 

[Dan Cattermole]

Nice perspective.....
Is this Spanish moss?

 

[Keith Hollister]

Nice perspective.....
Is this Spanish moss?

Yup - it is quite common down here on many of the older oak trees.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

Inner Rob? That's a scary thing, believe me!

Kinda like it, Keith. A little bit menacing. I like that ;-)

 

[Keith Hollister]

Here's the color version of this BTW - curious what folks prefer.

 

[Brian Moore]

The color one is very nice also. I'm not sure I don't like it better. (How's that for a clear answer, Keith?)

 

[Glenn Clabo]

There's not an easy answer on this one Keith. I usually tend to go B&W when is comes to trying to convey a specific mood...and when it's shot for contrast and tone. Your B&W is successfully moody...I like IR feel. Then comes the color version...and it's stands on it's own merits. I guess if I was forced to pick...I'd pick the color...it has more punch and makes me happier.
Whew...that's too much thinking at 4am...before coffee. I need a nap.

 

[Pete Askew]

Tricky choice Keith but I think I like the B&W one as it has far more mood and mystery to me.

 

[Keith Hollister]

Yeah, the first is certainly more abstract - you have to stare at it a second for it to register as a tree. The color one certainly pops more, but it also immediately discloses its subject IMHO (not that its a bad thing).