A Rhododendron tree grows out of the side of a Redwood, in Del Norte State Park, California.
I'm not completely happy with the comp here. I think could have done more to simplify the background but the fog was thinning out fast. By the time I got around to simplifying the background the fog was pretty much gone, so I still prefer this one better. And it's a really nice spot that I'd like to come back to next year.
Any other thoughts on the comp or processing? Thanks for looking.
This is just fine, and this scene can be photographed in so many ways. Be happy with it, and keep yourself creative when you visit it again.
Posted by Steve Sieren on July 14, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I like the comp you chose Mat. The brighter foliage works great as a strong lead in and the verticals on the right keep your eye from exiting the scene. There is still enough fog to give it that atmosphere.
Mat, this is a very fine image IMO. For me, there has never been the perfect composition yet, we take them as we get them and make the best of them. I will say that is why we keep attacking the many locations out there, we are all looking for that perfect image overall. Although I have had few chances to go back on a given scene, we also can learn a lot from our original take in hopes of improving on it if we do get that second look.
Very nice mood, and composition with the fog, the strong verticals broken by the subject's complexity.
However I agree it doesn't quite all fall together here. My thinking is the bottom front foliage is too much here and spoils the great show behind it. I'd crop the bottom, a little past the bottom of the right tree.
A horizontal reframing would work even better. Full width, adjusted height around the bloom, none of the foliage at the bottom.
I think I know what you mean about the comp here. For me, I really enjoy the right 3/4 of the image. Although I'm not sure cropping off a bit of the left side works either... I'd have to see it. It sounds like you found a pleasant comp and will be able to take advantage of it at another time. Nice work and I look forward to seeing your future takes from this area.
Discussion
5 repliesI'm not completely happy with the comp here. I think could have done more to simplify the background but the fog was thinning out fast. By the time I got around to simplifying the background the fog was pretty much gone, so I still prefer this one better. And it's a really nice spot that I'd like to come back to next year.
Any other thoughts on the comp or processing? Thanks for looking.
However I agree it doesn't quite all fall together here. My thinking is the bottom front foliage is too much here and spoils the great show behind it. I'd crop the bottom, a little past the bottom of the right tree.
A horizontal reframing would work even better. Full width, adjusted height around the bloom, none of the foliage at the bottom.