First photo posted

Jack asked me to post a picture. This was on the way to Alabama Hills in CA. Let me know what you think. The only problem I have with it so far is the top right corner is a little dark.

Nice first image post George! I like the comp and the b/w treatment here. If I could make one recommendation, it would be to take down the vignette quite a bit...just a slight hint of one. That should lighten up the upper right corner for you. I'm gonna let our B/W experts comment on anything else since i do mostly color.

You will find this forum is a great place to get constructive critique. By listening to the folks here, my photography has jumped leaps and bounds over the years. I consider this to be one of the best forums to learn and grow in.

Welcome! I also like the conversion here. The comp is a little right heavy. Images that have a juxtapositioning of the two main elements seem to have more appeal as compositions, and the vignetting is a little strong. Still a good first post. And, Jack is right about the people around here helping us all grow as artists. Keep them coming.

Welcome aboard!
I agree with all that was noted above. Try to make the vignette feather to where it is so gradual that it is almost unnoticeable.
Use the "rule of thirds" when composing an image...I have that rule on autopilot...it makes a real difference.
What software are you using for converting and vignetting?
This is definitely one of the best forums for everything.
Keep the images coming.

I made a couple of changes in the picture and here it is.

Thanks for the help. Bret Edge recommended this site last year, but never posted. I really enjoy the Southwest. The only problem is I live in Michigan. The Midwest forum isn't as active as here. I met some of you at Bret's Spring Fling last year.

Welcome, George.
I love the conversion and composition changes in the repost.
The vignetting in the original is very distracting to me.

Loving the re-post!!

George, count me in the same corner with Bill and Jack. Vignettes work for portraits, but I've really never seen a vignetted landscape where it help IMO.

The repost is spot on! My only small nit is I wish there were a tad more room at the top so the very top of the tree was cut off.

Welcome George! Love the comp of the repost with all the great suggestions you received. I might up the Oomph factor by giving this an Unsharp mask polish (if you have Photoshop) of 20 > 50 > 0.

Thanks for all the help. I use Nik Software. I took off the border, it was cutting off the tree. Here's the last version

Now, you've nailed it IMO!! I like how that lower left branch mirrors the rise and dip in the mountains.



By the way, you are welcome to post here anytime you want.

The last version is the strongest. I think the square shape works well with that composition. Nice job!

Last version is spot on. The square crop really focuses your attention and accentuates the way the Joshua tree frames the mountain. Very nice!

Yep, the last one is the one.

That last one is fine. Nice b&w conversion, as well.

Nice shot, agree with the rest of the group that the new cropping makes for a much stronger composition

Nice shot ! the last version is great - welcome to RMNP.

Welcome to the forum! I agree the last image would be my favorite!

George, I'm glad you posted this image. It's been nice to see the progression as you took some of the suggestions and this capture took on a whole different look. That being said, always remember that it is YOUR image and you are free to accept or reject others opinions. Thanks for sharing the different stages with us and we look to seeing more of your work!

The last version is just about perfect! Welcome to the group.