Lifespan+Scroll to 3rd Version

The comp is very nice, the roots pointing like tentacles to the solitary leave as if they are taking care of it, is well seen. It does feel a bit contrasty for me though.

I like the roots as tentacles and the looping eye flow that swings from the front right around the tree into the distance.  The fallen leaves are nicely located and there's a good emphasis on the left most leaf.  I do agree with Roel the the contrast seems too strong.

Really like the composition, with the nice dynamic flow.  The highlights seems too harsh to my eye; wonder if you could try and reduce the highlights somewhat, especially in the background.

Thanks everyone.  I was debating this more contrasty version v. another version I processed fairly differently.  I didn't mention contrast because I wanted to see if it came up naturally (and it did)!

Here is another version. There are two changes here: contrast and aspect ratio.  The first one above was 12x20 aspect and this one is 4x6.  Sometimes I like to change two variables to get feedback on both.  So, let me know if you like one aspect ratio better, and also whether this dials back the contrast sufficiently.

Thanks as always
ML

Marylynne, I like the reduced contrast in the repost and the extra content showing in the background.  I think the reduced contrast is a major improvement, although the combination of extra space and more content in the top center does add a nice touch of "what's over the ridge" that was missing in the original post.  You've created a very primordial feeling in this image.  (I expect to see a hobbit or maybe a dinosaur pop over the ridge at the back any moment now. )

Nice job on the repost. I might even burn down the background highlights a bit to put more emphasis on the main attraction, the root structure. I like Mark's term "primordial", an apt description. 

Hi Marylynne,

I very much like what you have come up with in the repost of this image. The image just feels better, if that makes sense. I think it is the extra room that is created form the 4X6 aspect ratio. The graphic nature is sweet,a nd nice work.

Thank folks.  Here is one last (I swear) version.  I tried to strike a balance between encouraging the eye over the hill (as Mark said) and focusing on the roots.  It's ironic, isn't it, that more sky draws the eye back to the roots.

Anyway, this one is also 4x6, but lower and tighter.  I also processed it entirely in lightroom to see what an even more subtley in contrast would do. 

At the risk of demanding too much attention, here's are my two polling questions now:
Do you like the third crop or second crop better?
Do you like the LR version better than the NIK version? (I own stock in neither).

Thanks again to all who have helped and will help with dialing this one in.  It is special to me.  It's one of the first pictures I took after my father died, and it reminded me of him (but I'm not offended by the primordial comments in the least .)  The entire forest was primordial with lots of nurse logs, and I was in an introspective place.
 

Interesting shot thouugh my eye seems to be hungry for less contrast in the fg so maybe a little more definition there.

Thanks, Lucy.  Are you referring to the third variation posted, or the first.  I dialed back the contrast a good bit in the third, so I just wanna make sure I know which one seems too contrasty.
 

Hi Marylynne!  I'm a bit late to the party.

I think the 3rd version is outstanding.  "Primordial" is definitely a good description.  The detail, texture and contrast improvements in the 3rd version are just right.  This image really works well as a B&W.  Well see!

Love this composition and the black and white works very well here. It really brings out the detail of those tree roots. I also like the white leaf that's just off to the left. It's an interesting touch. Nice job!