Ancient Black Cherry Tree in Snow

[kdoc856]

Trees are some of my very favourite creations, but I often find them a challenge to do them justice. Here's a recent one. What do you think, and how could it be better? Edits always welcome. Thanks for viewing.

[Bobobird]

Lovely tree, the bench a nice touch, low contrast also a very nice touch. I love it.

[Mallardo]

Hi, Kevin. I agree with Bobo. Very nice shot.

[theinonen]

Serene composition. The bench is absolutely necessary little element, which shows how huge the tree trunk is.

[Daisy Mae]

Elegantly and sensitively done Kevin.

Lovely.

[Loose Canon]

That's one heck of a tree there Kevin.

I'd agree the bench is a must in your comp. And a beautiful composition it is.

Great in the snow and is perfect for monochrome.

What's your best guess on the tree's age?

[kdoc856]

Thanks so much, everyone. Glad you like it.

Terry, it's thougtht to be about 130 years old.

[Mike Buckley]

Very, very nice. This is the kind of photo that I can look at and instantly know that it is probably made exactly to the photographer's intentions. There could be any number of other ways to make it, but that really doesn't matter.

How tall is the tree?

[kdoc856]

Thanks, Mike

This shot does indeed lend itself to a lot of interpretation and I have about 6 of them, but settled on less contrast and less structure. I also was curious as to the tree height, so I measured the bench height the morning I was there and did the math from the photo. The tree measures a tad under 75ft (23m) - looks bigger to me

[ucci]

Beautifully captured.

[Ken Curtis]

Hi Kevin.

I downloaded your image, opened in Camera Raw and fooled with the shadows control. I could obtain differing tones, but what I came to realize is the tones in this image depend upon what you like. You might prefer a more contrasty image or you might prefer less. There is no right answer other than what pleases you. The composition is wonderful. Keep up the good work.

[kdoc856]

Beautifully captured.

Thanks, Ken

[kdoc856]

Hi Kevin.

I downloaded your image, opened in Camera Raw and fooled with the shadows control. I could obtain differing tones, but what I came to realize is the tones in this image depend upon what you like. You might prefer a more contrasty image or you might prefer less. There is no right answer other than what pleases you. The composition is wonderful. Keep up the good work.

I completely agree, Ken. So much that I kept 6 versions that I liked equally well, depending on my mood of the moment. Thanks.