Cedar Forest, Winter

[luxborealis]

Feedback requested...

I’ve captured what I felt and what I saw at the time. It’s subtle, but the photograph speaks to me, though quietly.

Does it speak to you?
Is it worthy of ‘the wall’ (printing, matting framing)?

(Fourth time lucky, I guess. I have no idea what I did differently after attempting to post three times previously!)

[Slobodan Blagojevic]

Works for me. The snow part on the branches and trunks separates nicely different planes of depth, so the wider depth of field works well here (smaller sensor?).

I actually have a similar one framed and on my wall, by Brooks Jansen, depicting forest trees in a falling snow. Even similar warm toning.

Since this is a critique section... do I see a vignetting? It might be a personal pet peeve, but I never liked gray or muddy snow.

[luxborealis]

...Since this is a critique section... do I see a vignetting? It might be a personal pet peeve, but I never liked gray or muddy snow.

Yes, –10. And I agree – grey snow just doesn’t cut it. I’ve backed it off to 5 which makes a surprising difference. Without it, the photo seems ‘flat’.

[langier]

Looks closer to natural shadows to me, maybe a little dark in the lower, right... However, it's still lovely as it is. A good separation of the order out of chaos, IMO. Well done!

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

It is completely satisfying to me.

[stamper]

If it is in shadow then a little grayness is to be expected?. Like it as it is, a fine image.

[Jeremy Roussak]

I like it. I'd have trouble explaining why, but it does appeal to me.

Jeremy

[John R]

I find it impossible to get white-white snow on heavy overcast days, especially in areas that are in shade, however soft the shade. If you overexpose the required amount to retain white, or brighten the snow in PP, it loses texture and features. Maybe that's what some want. It's really a judgement call based on what you think is most important in the image.
Re this image, I don't think it is one of your better images. It is a nice image. The contrast between the snow and dark tree elements is striking and creates an ethereal quality that is the most dominant and appealing feature of the image. However, I don't agree with Larry. I think the whole image sits on the border of being too busy. It is the ethereal quality, the quietness of the snow-white scene, that most holds my attention. But the chaotic look and intrusiveness of the background trees dampens that feeling. At least to me.

JR

[Slobodan Blagojevic]

... Maybe that's what some want...

Not me. I was referring to the obvious vignetting of the same snow. Sometimes vignetting works, sometimes it introduces unwanted differences.

[luxborealis]

...I find it impossible to get white-white snow on heavy overcast days, especially in areas that are in shade, however soft the shade. If you overexpose the required amount to retain white, or brighten the snow in PP, it loses texture and features.JR

I agree. It is very difficult to create the feeling of whiteness/brightness while maintaining a bit of texture and natural shadowing. One technique I use (although not in this photograph) is to use an Adjustment Brush (Lr) to apply additional Clarity to the snow only, which raises the local contrast. Care must be taken, though, as too high a setting makes the snow appear gritty, like it does after a day of thawing then refreezing overnight.

[RSL]

How did you get those trees to pose for you like that, Terry?

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

How did you get those trees to pose for you like that, Terry?

He just offers lavish modeling fees.

[JNB_Rare]

Very appealing. Just the right touch on processing, I think.

[LesPalenik]

A very fine image, Terry
I like the semi-circular shape on the bottom of the trees. Must have been difficult to arrange it without leaving any footprints.

[luxborealis]

How did you get those trees to pose for you like that, Terry?

They’re all fake trees – and fake snow, too, Les!

[MattBurt]

I like it and think it's a solid shot. Maybe not your very finest but probably worth a print if you like it too.
I agree about the struggle with snow to show texture but keep it white. I try to walk that line quite a bit, especially this time of year. I think this tonality works well.