Indeed, a charming slice of Georgia nature. Of course, the unfortunate absence of clouds makes for a common white sky, unless of course, you try filtering through colored filters: using film, these glass filters attach to the front of the lens on the camera, while similar tools can be used in post-production via digital software, like Silver Efex pro, for one example.

I edited your composition to experiment on an alternative visual narrative: cropped closer to the tallest tree, then using a Red filter I made the blue sky black, then adjusted luminosity for effect. In addition, I further Dodged the white'ish leaves differentiating them from the darker areas, more than you already nicely achieved.

The final result makes a spectacle of the sky, while helping to enhance the tallest tree against the sky. An Ansel Adams effect, if you will.

Both compositions are acceptable, and wonderful images, but one adds a bit more for viewers to think about ... and perhaps make them stay longer to contemplate and enjoy a simple view of natures beauty.





  Posted: 01/05/2025 16:32:02

Hi Elsie. I like your simple composition that you've rendered very well in B&W. I particularly like how the orange leaves appear in your presented version. Beautiful tonality and balanced contrast.

I like both your original version and Lance's re-edit…although IMO he over-did the sky adjustment a tad.   Posted: 01/08/2025 16:34:14

Hi Elsie,
I like your choice of selecting the tall tree as the main subject, with the open space around it. The patches of light on the ground and the bright sky remind me that this is a peaceful place where I can hear the birds chirping cheerfully.
  Posted: 01/11/2025 20:48:59

Thank you, Don.   Posted: 01/12/2025 03:50:02

Elise, photographing trees in dense location is a difficult task and often times it does not come out well. You did great.   Posted: 01/20/2025 23:06:29