Snowy field and trees

Looks like you guys out west in Galena got a lot more snow than we did in the Dekalb area, Jerry. You didn't give your EXIF data, but I'm assuming that you were using a fairly wide angle, and I like your POV and DoF and the depth that gives to this.

I generally think a left-to-right flow is more natural feeling, and this has that, I think, because of the direction of the branch in the foreground in a left-to-right diagonal, which is pretty strong, supported by several if of the other branches along the left edge and echoed by the top of the big tree that is aligned on the right rule-of-thirds vertical; and the snowy hill slopes that way too. All of that is suggesting a left-to-right feeling.

I agree with you that the snow path coming from the lower right corner is going in the opposite direction, again on a diagonal, and I think that for me these two opposing forces help to bring attention into the center of the frame where a lot of the smaller trees and bushes have become hut-like refuges for rodents or other small animals. I think that the pattern of the snow balances the darker lines going in the opposite direction.

Finally, I like how the whispy clouds in the sky sort of mimick the bumps in the snow below; a clear blue sky would have not worked as well, IMHO.

I didn't see your original post, but I do like this one and I'm kind of glad we were spared the snow in this recent storm.

Jerry,

I think a much stronger and effective composition than your last post. I like this very much. The open path you mentioned makes for a nice flow to the composition and the texture and little bumps/details in the snow hold some interest as well. The one big Christmas tree is a solid anchor to the scene and the sky is very complimentary too.

My only wish is, that I wish there was more of the tree in the UL. Kinda one of those situations where I want to more of that tree. And I really do, that tree looks like a great subject just by itself. Maybe you have some that include that guy?

I do like this quite a lot as presented. Again, a stronger and solid composition.

Lon

Hi Jerry - I like your B&W treatment here. Nice detail in the snowy areas and nice contrast overall. The tree in the upper left is a little distracting, but not a deal breaker.

I like the brightness and contrast. The light looks right. Overall it feels a bit disorganized, to me. Nature can certainly be that way. Bringing order with the camera sometimes helps bring a nice focus to the image.

Thanks for all the constructive comments. It's interesting how everyone has a different feeling when vewing a photo. In this case I made a concious effort to include just a bit of the tree in the upper left to close off that area and force the view back to the large tree. I guess that works and doesn't work at the same time. I don't have a larger frame since I tried to make this a full frame image. Coming from a 4mpx camera where a substantial crop meant a drop in quality, I haven't learned to leave a little room and crop to taste. Another lesson learned.

Thank you.