Then there were three

This was taken last week in the frosts. It is a location I've been returning to for a month or two but never quite hit it with interesting conditions. There is something about these three trees that I find very appealing but the background isn't so good so it very much suits fog. I took a number of different compositions but I liked the relationship between the little tree, the big trees and the sun in this one. Does it or does it not work for you?

Bigger version

Thanks
Tristan

Nothing to do with anything: Despite the title I can't stand Phil Collins. Peter Gabriel on the other hand - solo or (especially) his genesis stuff I really like.

It works and is a fine image.

It's a superb image Tristan

Only thing for me is, the moon?? isn't working at all, just looks like a bleach mark on an otherwise stunning BW print.

Could it stand being lost do you think?

very nice shot, the detail is amazing

why is the sky lighter around the trees, i like the affect and just wondered if it was natural or some sort of darkroom or PS thing, seem to see it a lot in foggy tree landscape shots,

A lovely image. Beautifully composed and processed.

Very fine image! Superb composition.

Hello Tristan.

Its a fine image and I like it. But I have to go with Andy on the small white mark.

I like it very much indeed but would clone out the white bit and see how it looks. The big image has a real impact.

Tim

Hi Tristan. For me the composition doesn't really work. IMHO there needs to be more foreground interest. Personally I'd have gone in the ditch aiming for frosted grass and rocks, using the ditch as a stronger lead-in line and put the trees to the left and bigger in the frame with the sun on an intersection of thirds. Might do with a bit more contrast. A scene with lots of potential.

Tristan,

agree with the comments about losing the "white mark". I like the comp, i think if you were in or closer to the ditch you would lose the perspective of the three tree trunks, but would it suit a square crop better?

regards

John

Tristan,

Apart from the already mentioned white mark (which may well be better if this image is shown large) I have to say it definitely works for me.

Adrian

Hi Tristian,

The composition work great for me. I like the way you've composed those trees and cracking frost/mist. The moon doesn't really bother at all and would be interesting to see enlarged on a print. Overall a superb landscape image!

As allways another wonderful landscape shot from your hand!
I do agree that the small white spot (sun/moon) could be cloned out.

Well done!

Greetings,

Jeroen Stel

When I first saw it I thought is was just ok but taking a longer look I like more and more. The comp works well I think, especially with the moon breaking up the otherwise blank grey of the fog, this also contrasts nicely with the detail in the foreground.

Well done, another nice shot

Paul

Thanks for all the thoughts on this one - really interesting. The white mark is the sun - I can see why people might prefer it without but personally I do like it. It does kind of unsettle the composition in the fact that it prevents the eye just sitting comfortably with the main trees but I personally like this and how it makes the eye wander about more. The small tree, bigger trees and sun also create a diagonal which kind of echo the foreground lead in lines. That’s just how I see it. It is not possible to get much closer to the ditch because tree trunks then merge into one. Jack - the sky is brighter behind the trees but there is a grad darkening the sky and some dodging and burning going on to darken the edges. Cheers, Tristan

Just to add my two cents...

The sun does not work for me. I think it too small to provide a real point of interest. It appears skewed to my eyes (especially in the larger pic) - is this because of a long exposure (you didn't post techs and I can't see any movement blur elsewhere) or barrel distortion?

I really like the forground and the high contrast grass and rocks hold my interest. The ditch works well as a lead in to the trees, with the wall completing the journey after. For me, this works as a stronger composition with the trees central, the ditch leading in from the bottom right corner (IE cropped from right to exclude the sun).

Greg

Thanks Greg - the sun will be effected by barrel distortion, easy to fix but I've not had chance for this version. Will have a look at the crop suggestion thanks - sounds like I've other shots that match what your suggesting.

Hi Tristan,
I like it.
The Sun does definitely work for me, I really don't think the image would be anywhere near as interesting without it - I would fix the distortion though. Love the 3 trees (agree with you about Collins , I've never been a massive Genesis fan, guess I'm more of a Pink Floyd kind of guy).
Tom.

Very nice indeed, good toning and textures. Do you live in permenant fog or something?!

It's a lovely photo Tristan! Those trees are bent in some sexy way.

Cheers,
Marko

Very nice indeed. Love the wealth of contrast and textures in the grasses. The inclusion of the sun works perfectly IMHO for the exact reasons you mention.

A real bonus being able to see a decent sized version too