Palette Spring

[Bill_Chambers]

This is superb, David. This is one of those images that literally sets you back on your heels, an image I could just sit back and soak in, exploring every fine detail. The changes you made were subtle but important. I agree with Igor on the left branches but I suspect this is only important on smaller versions; I think if this was 48" wide those same branches would be perfect. While the trees and branches and limbs are perhaps the eye catchers, I love the texture and subtle coloration too. To me, this image transcends photography into pure art. I hate making a statement like that because it gets into the old argument of whether photography is art or not. Well, some photography certainly should be classified as art, but my statement is meant to say this transcends that level of photography just like there are some paintings or drawings that transcends other paintings and drawings. This image rises to another level. Bravo.

[David_Kingham]

@Bruce_Hucko

Nicely seen. Nicely processed. That old truism that our eye is attracted to the brightest spots still applies to high key images and I find my vision drifting up to and off the upper left corner. If that area was kept high key, but darkened a …what is the word…a skoche…tidbit…tinybit…you know what I mean? That along with a wee spot middle of top edge would keep the dreamy feeling in the frame.

Thank you Bruce, great to see you on NPN! I reworked another version based on this feedback and I think this puts the finishing touch on it, brilliant suggestion.

@Gary_Randall

My thought is that I’d like to see a slight more definition in the textures of the scene. Not in bringing down the global brightness but maybe a selection of just the darkest lines. Even just a tick of the left side of a curves adjustment. I think that you could still keep the high key feel but give the viewer a bit more to easily see.

Thanks Gary, I gave this a try and you quickly lose the airy feel even though I was burning only the very darkest tones, it’s a touchy one to keep just the right feeling!

@Bill_Chambers wow, what can I say? That is the highest compliment one could receive in my opinion! I’ve been striving to create images as you describe lately after many years of strife, so to hear this is fantastic. I, of course, don’t feel I’m deserving of such high praise!

[crystalbrindle]

This is really creative, David! I really like what you’ve done here! The subtle rework is my favorite version.