Last of the Rhodedendrons

I took this shot back in June as the rhodies were on the way out. This is on the trail back from Linton lake (Just East of Proxy Falls). It was the texture and spacing of the trees that attracted me to this scene, with the rhody blooms providing some complementary contrast. However, I wish that bush had been a little thicker.

I'd like to know if the bush stands out enough to make this shot work or if it just ends up cluttered with the background.

Candid critiques are ok!

5D
f/11
1s
70mm

Nice wooded scene. Great color and sharpness, seems very well processed.

Very pleasing scene Mike. I can't help but wish the flowers were more pronounced but, the shot is very well done and it is good as-is. Nice work!

Thanks Jeremy, Thanks Hans. It just occurred to me that soon those vine maples will be turning and can maybe a similar scene can be shot without the bush but will still have some contrasting warm tones.

Mike, I think the composition is excellent and the processing real good. However, I do feel that the rhodie bush does kind of blend with the rest of the image. Would be nice to have it feel like it was more of a focal point here.

I think this is real special. The Rhodie bush has a very oriental feel to it in this comp. I eyed without the big tree trunks on each side; wonder if that would make the Rhodie more of a central subject. And a little off the top, too, while you're at it.

Mike, this really is a nice shot.....well composed and I think it works well

You've got a great eye for this kind of shot, Mike. I'd echo Catherine's comment to crop just a bit off the top to bring more attention to the rhodie. That hemlock branch in the upper left, in particular, pulls my eye away from the center. Love the mood - nicely captured!

Tom