Nice close up shot, Gerard. The shape and curves of the branch, buds, and leaf coupled with its' placement in the frame worked well. Great details. I like the light and shadows. I wonder if you included some of the original background it would add depth to the image. The image is great but it lacks depth. It looks flat and pasted onto the grey background. I have this same issue when I try to select the subject and use a different background. I try to blur the original background. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. It's fun experimenting.   Posted: 01/12/2025 15:12:04

thanks for the thoughts ... in this shot there was no background, merely blank sky and so I decided to go for Zen; can you hear that one leaf clapping?   Posted: 01/12/2025 16:00:41

Yes, I do now. Love the curves and twists of dried leaves. They have character as well as beauty. There are so many leaves, and yet each one dries differently.   Posted: 01/12/2025 23:17:18

Gerard, this is an interesting composition. I like the curve of the leaf stem and the bud stalk reaching as if towards it. But strangely that bud stalk does not seem to be as sharp as the branch it is coming from. Good texture on the leaf. A story about past present and what's to come.   Posted: 01/13/2025 09:36:18

I get the Zen bit, but (for me) the lower twig and bud, which are a bit out of focus, detract from the visual impact. Good separation from the background.   Posted: 01/20/2025 21:41:30