You're following in the footsteps of Ansel Adams! In 1960, he captured his famous "Moon and Half Dome" with a Hasselblad camera near this very spot behind the Ahwahee Hotel. I grabbed nearly the identical composition as you in 2017. You have an excellent sense of composition as demonstrated by the ice anchoring the image in the foreground that points to the river leading to Half Dome. The foreground seems a little too dark. Lightening the shadows might be a good fix. Also, the branches hanging from the left seem messy and distracting. If you had been able, it might have helped to step more to your right to avoid them.   Posted: 01/01/2025 18:37:33

Thank you Mike for your comment. I struggled a bit with the branch hanging from the top left also, but I wanted to keep the Half Dome in the center of the frame and not be obscured too much by the trees on the right side, so this is what I ended up with. :)   Posted: 01/05/2025 06:45:16

Spring, I certainly wouldn't change anything. I see Mikes point about the foreground being slightly dark (think it is in some shade) so I put it in PS and lightened it. Didn't like it! The slightly dark foreground aids in drawing you towards Half Dome. I think this is a very strong composition and all technical aspects are outstanding. I am afraid that in years to come as the branches on the left may grow and this outstanding view may be obscured.   Posted: 01/05/2025 13:47:33

I think most of the comments reflect what I think of this. However, I think that although you said you struggled with the overhanging branch, it would work well slightly lightened for framing effect. In other words, make it a part of the image that you meant to include, not part of the image you wanted to get rid of if that makes sense.   Posted: 01/09/2025 16:04:42

Spring, this is very nice capture of this iconic view. The ice on the trees and the light create a special atmosphere. I think you managed well the branches of the tree on the left almost creating a frame in the frame. I believe as others that the foreground is dark. After reviewing it I took the liberty to crop your image in the landscape format. The reason for doing this is that in my opinion the foreground does not add much. In the image I attached you still have the water but also two triangular shapes that represents strong compositional elements. At the end the subject of the image is winter and the Half Dome. I also darkened a little the very bright spot between the branches. Let me know what do you think.

best wishes

Michele   Posted: 01/12/2025 00:33:21