Two studies of aspen trees

[PeterAit]

Taken in southern Utah and partially inspired by Ansel Adams' icon photo of the same subject.

[David Eckels]

I especially like the bottom one. Perhaps just me. Toning looks great, too, though maybe the darks in the top one look a little funky. Low contrast? Again, just MHO.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

I too prefer the second.
The homage to Ansel is visible, but it has its own very nice identity.

[langier]

+1! The latter of the two is quite nice.

[Bob_B]

The 2nd one is my choice, as well.

[francois]

Yes, the second one is the best. The first shot is interesting but has less intensity.

[PeterAit]

Thanks all. FWIW neither is toned, just a straight LR monochrome conversion.

[John R]

Looking for some critique? I like the second image because the pattern is interesting. But in the first image, the background leaves are competing with the limbs, IMO.

JR

[PeterAit]

Looking for some critique? I like the second image because the pattern is interesting. But in the first image, the background leaves are competing with the limbs, IMO.

JR

Thanks. In the original color image the leaves are yellow. Maybe I should have left the image as color?

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

The first image might work in color, but the second definitely wants B&W.