Sabine Nehls, QPSA, EFIAP
October 2026 - Lonely Tree
Original
About the Image(s)
Bislicher Island is a nature reserve where you can spot spoonbills, kingfishers, and many other birds. It was very quiet that day, so I practiced ICM once again. My main subject was a tree trunk protruding from the water. After many attempts to pan the camera upward, I finally got a good photo. “Original 1” was my first version of the edit, and “Lonely Tree” was my second version. While “Original 1” reflects the atmosphere I found there, “Lonely Tree” has more saturated colors.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the two images. Which one do you like better? Of course, I’d also appreciate any suggestions for improvement.
Canon EOS R10, 35mm, f/29, 1/6 sec, ISO 100
5 comments posted
So interesting to see the effect you generated. An impressionistic approach to the subject and well-framed and cropped. I admit to being indifferent between the two photos - yes - more color in the second one but I'm partial to the muted tones of the first as well. Not sure it needed saturation.
Thank you! Posted: 10/04/2026 11:20:29
Thank you! Posted: 10/04/2026 11:20:29
Sabine,
I tend to prefer bolder images so I like the enhanced saturation of your final version. In fact, just to see what it could be, I tweaked it even further. I can't say it's an improvement but it's definitely a more dramatic look. Posted: 10/04/2026 18:23:19
I tend to prefer bolder images so I like the enhanced saturation of your final version. In fact, just to see what it could be, I tweaked it even further. I can't say it's an improvement but it's definitely a more dramatic look. Posted: 10/04/2026 18:23:19
Hi Sabine,
Very interesting subject and great for fall. I don't have a big opinion between the original and the one you presented. I did wonder how it would looked cropped off center.
I cropped in old software that has an 'I'm feeling lucky' button and added that.
I think I prefer the off center crop, but I feel like the more saturated color gives another option rather than a clear winner. Posted: 10/04/2026 22:49:32
Very interesting subject and great for fall. I don't have a big opinion between the original and the one you presented. I did wonder how it would looked cropped off center.
I cropped in old software that has an 'I'm feeling lucky' button and added that.
I think I prefer the off center crop, but I feel like the more saturated color gives another option rather than a clear winner. Posted: 10/04/2026 22:49:32
Nice job, Sabine. I prefer the "Lonely Tree". It is saturated perfectly. The image emits a calm, solitary mood. I prefer an off center crop as Sylvia has suggested. You captured a great image. I found that ICM is a helpful technique on a windy day. Posted: 10/05/2026 13:16:47
Hi Sabine, I initially liked the second version of Lonely Tree. The saturated colors added an unsettling edge to the atmosphere. However after another study the original version has an ethereal quality. The blurred background adds to the quietness of the scene. For a serene scene I favor the original. Posted: 10/09/2026 19:45:16