[nichpr]

Like the comp on this one but feel the shot could be improved.
Looking forward to your comments.
- Paul

[Markulous]

Think I'd prefer a more classic comp: tree on 1/3rds and the whole reflection. Maybe burn some of the tree shadow in the BG to improve contrast a touch

[danpen]

markulous has hit the nail on the head, one example of where sticking to the "rules" works.

cheers

Dan

[mouldy101]

I disagree with the comments about the composition. I think the law of thirds is a great guide, but doesn't always work for every photo. The only thing I would change about the comp. is I would have included the top of the tree in the reflection.

I do feel the photo is a little flat so I did a basic pimp (just levels and curves) not sure if it adds anything to the image, what do you think??



Cheers

Matt

[Charlotte]

This is a super image Paul, a lovely tranquil scene

I like Mark's composition. I'd like the actual processing (exposure, contrast, sharpening, colour etc.) to be somewhere midway between Mark's + Matt's: Mark's tree is nice + sharp with lots of detail, but still needs to stand out from the BG a bit more to make enough impact to keep my attention for longer than a nanosecond; but I think Matt's is just a tad OTT + made the tree too dark + as such it has lost some of the sharp detail + finer tones, especially in the reflection.

Having said all that, I think they're all good

[fionaB]

mmmmmmmm i cant actually make up my mind about this cos i really like the original, except it is a little flat processing wise....... however i do also like Marks pimp and i do perhaps think that the whole tree reflection should be included. all in all however whatever way u look at it , its a very nice photograph!

Fi

[neilj]

I prefer the first also. Rules are made to be broken and the first one is a little less formulaic IMHO.

The levels and curves pimp does help, but I still feel there's an overriding 'grey' quality to the image that detracts. The composition and reflections are lovely, but the grey trees just look a little too bland. I know not everything has to be a high contrast affair, but there's something about the uniform dullness that I don't like.

If it was a beautiful swirling mist then I think it would be a magic picture, but we can't really control the weather

Neil.

[dogdots]

I like the first picture better, but in the first I was more drawn to the weeping willow in the background. So when I looked at the second picture it stuck out much more. So from the weeping willow perspective it looks better in the second, but as a whole the first picture I think is best. Funny how people see a picture different. Who would have thought a weeping willow in the background would have sold this picture

[Rob Barron]

Although rules are most certainly made to be broken at the right time, I don't think this is the time. Paul's picture is a lovely shot but made all the better in Mark's pimp. There is much better balance to the picture as the main tree is pretty much equidistant from the side as the willow from the opposite side whilst still 'breaking the rule' by having the picture divided horizontally by the central bright water line.... which works very nicely.

Although I am always happy to move away from the rule of thirds, I do feel that when a subject moves to a quarter or less from the side and has nothing to balance it on the other side, it does affect the comfort zone of the piece in the viewer's eye.

Good work both Paul and Mark.
Cheers,
Rob

[_MB_]

I like Mouldy's pimp. I don't think forcing it onto an artificial third improves the pic (sorry Mark) and think all it needed was a little more colour in the lone tree whilst leaving everything else as is. Nice pic.

[nichpr]

Well armed with all of your suggestions, I returned to retake the shot above. The conditions were, of course, different - the original morning was misty and overcast with traces of fog. The second try was with a partly cloudy sky and no wind. So, I was able to get a better reflection but had to use a contrast layer to recreate the background look.
Tried to put the tree more on the third which was tough with the presence of a boat on the far left (thank you Markulous and Rob) and, include the full reflection (thank you Fi), include the willow for balance (thank you Dogdots) and accomplish all this while still making the tree stand out from the bg (thank you Charlotte).

So, how is this for a second effort?

[Charlotte]

LOL Paul, that was a bit like accepting an Oscar, with all those "thank you's"

Yes, this one's very pleasant. I still prefer Mark's crop, which gives the image room to breathe

[nichpr]

Charlotte, I've looked at plenty of other photography forums and have never seen one where the participants are as helpful and thorough in their criticism and forthcoming in their suggestions for improvement as what we have here at Pixalo.

I am genuinely grateful that someone who has never met me or knows me from Adam would take the time to look at my work, think about it and give me really useful advice. Sometimes a "thank you" just seems inadequate.

So, I'll say it again - Thank you

- Paul

[Charlotte]

Aahh you big softie

Well I'll answer for myself - you're very welcome You produce some lovely images Paul, + it's a pleasure to look them over