Checkered Past

I like this bark image more than your previous ones. It's the overall darkness of the image that appeals to me. It's an image that is less representational and more interpretative. I would go a bit even darker to emphasize the emotion being conveyed. 

Preston,

I continues to amaze me how two people can view the same subject and not only come away with different images, but also to "see" and be attracted to certain elements within a given scene.  We worked this grand old tree on two separate occasions and we each came away with different and I think compelling images.

Similar to Igor, I like the story that's been captured here; the imagination of the history and various stages this tree has gone through. I like the little blocks of decaying wood vs. the longer, stringy bark and still another texture, the furry, cat-scratched and weathered bark on the right.

I think the processing of the reds/yellows are spot on.  the only small nit/suggestion I have would be the darker crevice that runs just left of center. To me it leans heavy on the cyan. Also, there's a bit of cyan in the furry stuff on the right as well.  Minor nit and of course in the realm of personal preference.

Great job isolating these details and patterns in this old tree.

Lon

This is a fine, finely detailed look at this tree, Preston.  The overall warmth is very appealing, with the darker areas contrasting well and adding interest.  This would look good very larger.  Relative to Lon's comment about "vision", the differences in vision are one of my favorite aspects of going on a outing with other photogs. and then comparing shots afterwards.

Another excellent tree study, PB. Great patterns, textures and variety of color. The processing looks spot-on to my eye. Sweet image!!

These tight studies are fascinating to compare. I think an image like this would work the best if displayed next to shots like your previous post, as opposed to either on their own. The Portland Airport has a gallery along a walkway that connects the two main terminals that changes every few months, and I think a series of these would look great in a display like that!