Pond by the Lake

[joebranko]

Trying to catch the late afternoon sunlight

[gudge]

I find your photo very interesting from a composition point of view. The only recommendation I would have is to add a bit more contrast and bring in a little more color. The grey sky seems accent the lack of contrast and color in the scene. Living in south western Ontario, I know how difficult it is to find good location to shoot nature photos. Keep trying.

[joebranko]

I find your photo very interesting from a composition point of view. The only recommendation I would have is to add a bit more contrast and bring in a little more color. The grey sky seems accent the lack of contrast and color in the scene. Living in south western Ontario, I know how difficult it is to find good location to shoot nature photos. Keep trying.

Thanks Grant. Unfortunately there was almost no colour in the sky at that time, particularly at just above the horizon. Sky and lake almost merged and the lake was not any bluer. Adjusting the contrast did not help, except by making the foliage colours more prominent than they actually were. Thanks for the suggestion anyway.

[Mike Buckley]

You have at least two examples in this image of framing within the frame, which is very appealing. I only wonder if the composition wouldn't have been slightly improved if you had been able to move a little to the left.

Relative to the discussion of color and contrast, I especially like this image because of the soft palette and moderate contrast. Not all scenes are "colorful" and full of contrast and there is no need to think that all landscape photos have to display those characteristics to be effective. Indeed, this photo is proof that a landscape photo can be effective without those characteristics.

[joebranko]

You have at least two examples in this image of framing within the frame, which is very appealing. I only wonder if the composition wouldn't have been slightly improved if you had been able to move a little to the left.

Relative to the discussion of color and contrast, I especially like this image because of the soft palette and moderate contrast. Not all scenes are "colorful" and full of contrast and there is no need to think that all landscape photos have to display those characteristics to be effective. Indeed, this photo is proof that a landscape photo can be effective without those characteristics.

Thanks Mike, appreciate your comments. I will look at the other shots I took and see if I took any from a more 'leftish' position.
PS
Here is an exposure taken from a position to the left of the original posting. In this one I have lost the framing on the right. I think this is farther to the left than you were suggesting.

[IzzieK]

I like the original one better, Joe...the reflections of the trees on the right side, the far off view begs to be seen and more. I like the rendition, the colour and best of all the composition. Excellent shot.

[joebranko]

I like the original one better, Joe...the reflections of the trees on the right side, the far off view begs to be seen and more. I like the rendition, the colour and best of all the composition. Excellent shot.

Thanks so much Izzie! Really appreciate tour comments!

[Digital]

Very nice photograph.



Bruce

[Mike Buckley]

In this one I have lost the framing on the right.

But you have some nice framing on the left.

I think this is farther to the left than you were suggesting.

Yes. Perhaps if you had been able to be a little more to the right on this one.

Consider cropping the second one at the bottom just below the limb extending over the water from the right and cropping on the right just a little to the right side of that same tree.

[bnnrcn]

Hi Joe I like your second image as it has a feeling of vastness and I can feel the water and the environment better in the image . I would try Mike's crop suggestion to see how it works.

[gregj1763]

1st one for me Joe, I like the soft pastel tones in the image. It almost looks like a water colour

[joebranko]

But you have some nice framing on the left.



Yes. Perhaps if you had been able to be a little more to the right on this one.

Consider cropping the second one at the bottom just below the limb extending over the water from the right and cropping on the right just a little to the right side of that same tree.

Thanks for your suggestions Mike. Really appreciated. Here is my take on the above:


I am always hesitant to crop. I know it is not rational; maybe I have trouble visualising the outcome. In this case, as in most cases, I am pleased with the result.

[Mike Buckley]

I am always hesitant to crop.

That may be influenced by your thought process before you release the shutter. As an example, we are always limited by the aspect ratio of the sensor insofar as capturing the image is concerned. Unfortunately, that aspect ratio may not always be ideal for the scene being captured. So, think about that before you release the shutter. Once you plan to crop during post-processing before you have released the shutter, cropping will probably come much easier to you.

However, don't go overboard and crop everything; crop only when doing so improves the image.

[joebranko]

That may be influenced by your thought process before you release the shutter. As an example, we are always limited by the aspect ratio of the sensor insofar as capturing the image is concerned. Unfortunately, that aspect ratio may not always be ideal for the scene being captured. So, think about that before you release the shutter. Once you plan to crop during post-processing before you have released the shutter, cropping will probably come much easier to you.

However, don't go overboard and crop everything; crop only when doing so improves the image.

Thanks Mike. That makes sense.