Photo Opinions Please if you have time

[Atemas]

I would go for the lightening tree although I might want a little extra sky at the top.

I agree with that.

Although the Oak grove is lovely its just like any photo you would take when out walking.

Agree with that too.

 

[David]

Thanks everyone - the Lightning Tree it is then.

I would go for the lightening tree although I might want a little extra sky at the top.

The oak grove is lovely, but just some nice countryside and i don't like the kissing gate much.

Is there also a sign on the bottom of the lightening tree??

No sign. It's the top part of a dead oak that's gradually been breaking up over the last few years. The ravages of this winter has made it look quite dramatic.

The subject is the second image is the fence and gate (I didn't even notice the sign you mentioned until later - the lightness and metallic material of the round thing - gate? - on the left is a far stronger visual pull), and I don't think that's what you're going for. Yet, that's the most compelling element in the frame. The first image is simpler and the heavy contrast draws you into the tree. If any editing is allowed, I would clone out the top right piece of the tree because it draws the eye out of the image, but if that's not allowed, it's still the stronger of the two.

I'll try taking the same image on the other side of the gate - maybe use it in another comp when the subject is more relevant.

We're allowed to edit. The black and white image has been adjusted to really crank up the contrast in the sky and tone down the contrast in the tree a little so you can see some of the texture in the wood. I cloned out an unhelpful branch at the bottom. It wasn't really possible to get more sky in the image because of surrounding trees.

 

[snowbunny]

It wasn't really possible to get more sky in the image because of surrounding trees.

It's such a simple background that you could easily use content aware fill to extend the canvas a little and give the subject more space to breathe.

 

[Loraseal]

Bit late but also the lighting tree. I love the oak tree but my eyes were drawn to the lightning tree. Simple but outstanding at the same time.

 

[FayRose]

I'm late too but for what it's worth, the lightening tree has a lot in it the more you look. Clever photo.

 

[UncleBob]

It's The Lightning Tree, for me. Unless you can crop-out the gates entirely in the other photo. But even then, I still think I prefer The Lightning Tree

 

[David]

Per Fiona's suggestion and slightly rotated.

 

[Stacia]

Both are good, but the Oak one could be any beautiful countryside view, the Lightening Tree is dramatic and that is the one I would choose.

 

[HAH]

Per Fiona's suggestion and slightly rotated.

View attachment 25229

I like the added space, helps it breathe - best of luck! When’s the judging?

 

[David]

Just resubmitted with some final minor tweaks. Deadline for submission is 30 May with Judging on 3rd June.

 

[Jacqui-S]

Good luck David!

 

[Cath]

Yes, Good luck David

 

[Lisa]

Love, love the tree!! Fabulous photo. I’m glad you chose that one.

 

[Beanwood]

Good luck David! Definitely agree... the lightening tree is brilliant!

 

[Emily_Babbelhund]

Good luck!

 

[MellowYellow]

Good luck David, and I agree - the Lightning Tree is the one!

 

[snowbunny]

Best of luck with it! Keep us updated

 

[HAH]

Excellent, good luck - it’sa great photo

 

[Naya]

Good luck. I agree the lighten tree is much more dramatic and summarises 2021 really well.

 

[Oberon]

Added space looks good!