Aspen boredom... (added diff version)

Well, I'm not really "bored" with aspens but I was tired of working on this one. I just couldn't get anything working with the color version so I just started playing around with it. this has a number of things applied including a bit of Orton, b&w, and the usual compliment of Tony Kuyper's adjustment layer masks.

I expect the painted leaf will not work for everyone... but I know color painting on b&w prints has been going on since, well, forever. Maybe I could start a line images starting with this and the Bodie flag image?

Anyway, just playin' around. What do you think of the b&w anyway?

Thanks,
Lon

Here's the original color version with simple levels and minor saturation. I think part of what I don't like are the trunks themselves - they're just not very pretty or photogenic?

Lon, I think the B&W version is a good idea on this one too. I feel it does a better job in the presentation of the trees, as well as the leaf being in color. I would say the left large tree has a bit of anomaly to it when first viewing it, in both versions. To me, it almost looks as there are two trees blending together in the lower portion, kind of an odd look to it at first glance. Good job on the B&W conversion too, it looks real good to me.

the b&w is beautiful! Well done!

Lon, the B&W version is just beautiful. Great use of orton.

Lon, Love the B&W, that touch of color & Orton is nice, very well done

I have been contemplating this one for a couple of days. I like the B&W and color effect of the one leaf is cool, but I can't decide if it works for me artistically. It looks cool, but deep down, I think of it as a bit of a gimmick, so I am torn about it. I like it, but I question its validity for me (and me only). I do like the Orton effect, but I don't consider that gimmicky. Go figure.

Lon,

At first glance, the B&W is very nice. Then after a while I start feeling like the leaf is out of place, maybe to low in the frame. I search for other leaves but can't find any and I start wondering where it came from

Thanks for the comments folks. I guess the color version did little or nothing for anyone, which confirms my own struggles with it.

Harley, yes, certainly a bit on the gimmicky side. Although I think as we discussed offline that there may be an appeal to the non-photographer audience.

And Youssef, yep, the leaf was placed. I'm attaching another version without the leaf. The b&w processing is a little different here. It's pretty hard to duplicate something when you're just playing around and you can't remember the things you did. I think I like the processing in the first b&w, but here's another rendition, sans the leaf.

Lon

I would agree, I like the processing in the first B&W better. It is a bitch to duplicate image processing. I have tried it on images I scanned more than once and if the layers are complicated, it is tough.

I like the image both with and without the leaf. Both have their advantages depending on the desired effect. That said, I particularly like the B&W versions, because the distant trunks at the top of the frame blend into background much better... thus placing all the focus on the nicely arranged trunks in the fg. Good stuff!

Very creative Lon, it looks as if it is almost the last leaf of fall. Well it makes a statement in one way. I like the first post the best.

I prefer the simplicity of the B&W with a splash of color rendered by the yellow leaf. Good graphic lines as well as texture in this image.

I like the second b&w version without the leaf. It has a moodier feel.

- Dan.