Happy New Year, Cindy!

Well, I will be honest, though I think the subject has potential, perhaps within an abstract presentation, I do not feel it has been accomplished here.

Instead, more time may have been needed to create a view/perspective that enhances the objects shape ...likely closer or perhaps recorded straight overhead?

The lesson here is about spending more time to "work" the subject. In many instances, after I work a subject for several minutes I decide it offers no visual characteristics that will initiate, what I term, a "Contemplative Structure". Alternatively, working the subject (including looking at background and lighting, i.e. where the sun is located relative to the subject) is all part of the process in creating from behind the viewfinder.   Posted: 01/01/2025 14:33:02

This is an interesting subject and I do like the textures and shapes; however, I think the composition is marred by harsh daytime lighting. If you were not traveling this would be a good spot to return to on a cloudy day or at dusk. I would also try if possible to separate the subject from the trees near it.

  Posted: 01/01/2025 15:04:11

Very interesting image. I like the contrasts throughout the photo and your conversion to B&W is very good. A couple of thoughts...perhaps take the photo from the right side perspective, with the tree in a diagonal position to the viewer. This has the tree and especially the curved portion flowing up and away from the viewer. Also, you might consider cropping a little off the top to remove the bright spot in the upper left corner. As I mentioned earlier, a very interesting image, thanks for sharing!   Posted: 01/01/2025 15:54:38

Thank you for all your comments. I appreciate the honesty. As I said, we were on a rest stop break, and we didn't have much time. I nearly didn't take the picture at all, but…I do need to spend more time, as you said, figuring out what's going to make the best composition.

Will, I think there are some marker trees in my area. I may try to find some and do this again.

Dale, I appreciate your comments. As I said, BW conversion is new to me, so I wasn't really sure what needed to be adjusted. Thank you all.   Posted: 01/01/2025 21:32:01

Keep exploring B&W! I've been amazed (including some images posted in this group) - how B&W dramatically improves pictures in ways that are unexpected (for example, flower petals). It's as though the color gets in our way of visualizing (look at Chan's image this month). Our eyes are drawn to bright/colorful things; that can either help or hurt and image. I like the story behind this image (I never heard of marker trees). Agree with Will that softer/diffuse lighting would have made for a more pleasing image.   Posted: 01/02/2025 16:13:35

Thank you, Cindy. I had never heard of a Marker tree, much less ever seen one. I, too, enjoy this B&W image. I could simply leave my remarks there. However, I have promised to investigate other options. In the image I have attached I have done no more than reduce the contrast and add a crop. This group helped me so much with my December image by suggesting a less contrasty B&W image. I hope my attached image will do that for you.   Posted: 01/02/2025 20:24:59