Tree

I like this tree and the exposed root structure but I feel like this picture could be better.

Love this! I like how it looks like you could just flip it upside down and it would still look like a tree (that is still right side up) a dirt tree but still a tree

Thanks, I thought that too when I saw it, like the Tree of Life.

I feel like if it was pulled back a bit then it would help still like it. Try Black and White at the full spectrum it may add some drama to it

lets see...

Hmm that was a horrible idea on my side LOL!! NOPE.... SORRY!!

lol, thanks though, for being honest.

Pulled out the yellows in the photo and added a little contrast.

I realize you start to loose the background but that could be masked of really easily so that its not blown like I have it now.

happlegate11 said:

I realize you start to loose the background but that could be masked of really easily so that its not blown like I have it now.

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I think you're onto something there...it is all about the roots and leaves...whole photo seems to hang on the trunk...somewhat challenging perspective but I guess it works pretty good...

I liked this shot a lot Jen. This is the first time I tweeked someone else's shot, and hope you don't mind. I had it looking pretty darn good in CS5, but I find that I loose a lot of info when I save it as a JPEG.

I like this with the enhanced color and contrast. I think the lighting at the time had washed it out a bit. Would be interesting to see what different lighting conditions would produce, if it's a place you can go back too. The root structure is awesome.

Hey Chris, I like that, can you tell me what you did?

jengajoh said:

Hey Chris, I like that, can you tell me what you did?

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I would be happy to Jen. When I get back to my house later, I will recreate what I did. Honestly, I ended up rushing it to get to my office this morning. It could have been improved further. What PP software are you using? I enhanced this in Photoshop CS5. It has "content aware fill" that easily removed the electrical towers (though you may have wanted them for the photo). The rest I will have to write down when I get home. I did this because I really liked the shot. The roots are awesome.

Very nice shot, Jen. I think you have some competing elements in this photo . . . the root structure is impressive, but so is the top part of the tree. Add to that the brightness behind the tree trunk. So my eyes are not sure where to go first. It all depends on your artistic vision. You stated that you liked the root structure, so I'm guessing that's what attracted you. You might try cropping out the top part so that the brightness of the water reflection is gone or shows very little. Then really bring out the texture and details of the trunk and root structure. The next time you go visit this tree, try to shoot from a different angle so that the water reflection is not behind the tree and get some bokeh in the background.

This is a nice photo to play around with in PP and possibly get something spectacular.
IMHO

I agree with Helene, but will add that, if you do revisit this one, use a CP filter...It will reduce that glare on the water quite a bit.

Might just be me, but I keep getting drawn to what looks like electrical towers on the right side. Perhaps photoshop them out, or shift the picture so the trunk is in the right third and those towers eliminated.

I like the B&W, but as an alternative I would try lightening the base of the trunk so you can see more detail and somehow lighten certain areas of the leafy area. I did this and am pleased with the results, but I don't know how to post it to this message!!!

Slothead said:

I like the B&W, but as an alternative I would try lightening the base of the trunk so you can see more detail and somehow lighten certain areas of the leafy area. I did this and am pleased with the results, but I don't know how to post it to this message!!!

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You just have to click on the "Go Advanced" button bottom right of the reply window. Then you can browse and add pictures.

jengajoh said:

Hey Chris, I like that, can you tell me what you did?

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I added a vibrance adjustment layer in Photoshop. I increased the saturation (over saturating the whole photo). I then took the paint brush tool (making sure the color picker was set at black) and painted over the areas like the tree and roots to bring those areas back to original saturation. I was trying to bring out some of the colors that were washed out in the background. The water was to over exposed to bring any detail back. Please note that I am a Photoshop novice to say the least. There are numerous folks here that are much more skilled and could give you better advice (i.e. Marcel).

Anyway, I love the idea of your shot. Maybe you will be able to revisit the spot sometime and blow us away with another photo!!!