Tree Bark

Interesting and dramatic take on tree bark, Ram. The larger version is really impressive in detail and tones, but even the small version has plenty of character and "juice." Excellent subject for the B&W study. On my contrasty Imac monitor, both versions look oversharpened (especially compared to the thumbnail), but I'll see what others think since processing is not exactly my strong suit.

Oversharpening was very intentional, Scott. Not that it works but I kept it that way to make it look more bold and crunchy.

Thanks for the clarification, Ram. As I said before, interesting and dramatic take.

Ram, I loved the spider web abstract you recently posted, but for me the tree bark abstract is too crunchy and over sharpened IMO to be effective. It just loses enough of the detail for my taste. Just my 2 cents.

Ok.... --> Two don't likes in a Row is not good. I'll post reworked version in the evening.

Ram, don't get me wrong. I appreciate your willingness to experiment, and I have tremendous respect for your artistic vision. As we often say, it's very beneficial to see new ways of photographing and portraying nature. I think I am somewhat myopic when it comes to nature photography.

I'll throw in a vote for the high level of sharpening, Ram, ( and I'm not always in favour of it !! ). Here I think, especially with the conversion, it helps make the image through the fine texturing and the way it seems to bring out the variations in tone. What tree is this by the way ?

No problem at all --> I'll provide a comparative shot with less sharpening. I am reasonably thick skinned. Don't worry.

Here is a less sharpened version. This version might have some less steps in conversion to B&W as well. Let me know what you think.

LINK TO LARGE VERSION

Hi Ram

Your PP has produced 2 quite different images. The original post give the impression of looking through textured glass and the second is more literal. From artistic point of view, I prefer the more abstract looking original post which has a more photoart feel to it; it draws me in more to examine the image more carefully.

We'll, put me down for the repost. I think it is much better for being able to see and study the detail and tones but still abstract in form and nature.

Hi Ram With my failing eyesight, i hesitate to comment on this but it seems Scott's opinion reflects mine. I hope you will continue to post tree bark. with their fascinating detail..


Albert Darmo
Canada

This gives a strong sense of a topo map, especially with the b&w conversion. When I look at the larger version I feel like I'm flying over the canyons of southern Utah. It may be what you wanted with the drama, but it feels a bit over sharpened to me. Interesting in that the repost looks like tree bark, , showing a lot of good texture.