David

The sweep of the trunk and angle that you chose give it a sense of grandeur.  Nice detail in the trunk and tonality too. The cloudless top of the sky works well here, letting the shape avoid an competition. Wouldn't change anything.

If you could have gotten a less steep angle, I think I would prefer it.
Just a tad to keep the tree above the horizon.
Other than that, nice B & W.

Exquisite image! Not the tiniest nit from me -

Sandy

Igor, I like this interesting perspective. I also like the fringe of light on the outermost edges of the tree. Tonal range looks great to me as well.

I'm not sure how I feel about the lean of the tree, however I know that these different perspectives are hard to read for what is level. If it were mine, I would try it with the trunk completely vertical, though that may look terrible, I don't know.

Really arresting portrait.  The perspective creates a certain tension that really works well. I agree that the lack of clouds behind the crown is ideal.

This is a classic beauty, both the image and the tree. I like the B and W treatment with its wide range of tones. It really evokes that part of the Sierras, and puts my feet right down on the granite. I love the upward look; it does give it a regal feeling. Excellent!

I love the upward look; it does give it a regal feeling

Thank you for that observation. I titled it David after Michelangelo's David. It reminds of his full head of hair. The early photographers, it seems to me, often shot trees suggesting human forms. Since that was during the Hollywood's golden era I started to see this tree as a Hollywood film star with glorious furs draped across her shoulders and along her arms. But what title was appropriate? Heddy Lamar ("That's Hedley!!"). I couldn't come up with a good one - so, it's David.
 

Igor,

And I was going with "David and Goliath..." but see your comment regarding the title.  And this is an image that can demand a title. Of course for my thought to work, I think the title would be Goliath, not David.

I used to teach composition at the Parks Dept years back.  One of the very basics is learning the difference between choosing a vertical format vs. horizontal.  I know this is rocket science, but your image exemplifies what your choice of format and perspective is so suited for this subject.  Kathy wrote, "I love the upward look; it does give it a regal feeling..."  Exactly. Regal, grand, towering, strength, dominating presence, bold, powerful; these are all things that can describe this regal tree. 

I think the composition is spot on and I love the space the tree occupies, it's shape and presence.

On a processing note, If I had a nit/suggestion it would be to tone down some of the highlights. In particular there's the brightest vertical streak in the trunk, but also a few of the granite boulders seem nearly washed out.  Granted, very hard to judge in these web versions, and also the exposure is appropriate for the light.

Still, I like this very much.  A grand portrait indeed.

Lon

Going b&w and your pov sure do make this an impressive looking tree, Igor.  It definitely has an 50's, large format presence.

Nice portrait of a stately tree! I would clone out the background tree on the right of the trunk just above the ridge. This image works well for me. 

Very nice, Igor.  I agree with Harley that the little bit of canopy peaking thru on the right side of the trunk could be removed.  I also agree with Lon, that some of the highlights could be burned.  I like your decision on the perspective, and I also like that it doesn't look over processed.  Well done.

Igor, Very nice work setting up this composition and I'm very much enjoying this scene...great view angle! The b&w looks great with this image as well. An impressive b&w image.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI.

Just a classic Yosemite monochrome image, Igor. I can't find anything to critique, really enjoying it as presented.

I love the way the dark foliage stands out against the gray sky. Nice "retro" Igor!

Igor:
I love the image and also really like your quote. I definitely am going to work on being more interesting. 
Thanks for sharing your b/w image,
Michael