Coast Cedar

[tbob]

[FootLoose]

I am not sure what to make of this, Trevor. I like the idea of the silhouetted trees, and the eagle at the top is a nice touch; but the large bush on the right takes too much of my attention.

[NorthernFocus]

That's pretty interesting, Trevor. The eagle is a nice touch. Per the previous comment, the bush/rock at right draws the eye a bit. May be muted a bit if you filled in the gap between it and the edge of the frame so it looks more like a hill that continues out of frame. Either that or crop a bit tighter on that side.

[tbob]

Thanks Greg. Not that it matters greatly; just some clarifications, the rounded shape is a rock covered with small vegetation the tree is growing on. And it's a Sitka Spruce not a cedar.

I posted this as a bit of an experiment. As shot the tree and shoreline was lost against the brighter sky and fog. I thought, since it was almost a silhouette anyway, I may as go all the way and make it monochrome in high contrast. I appreciate the opinion, I am still of mixed minds about it. May set it aside and mull over further mucking about.

[tbob]

Well Dan and Greg; Three votes against the right side (my wife is number three)

So: new version. Ignore the small white spots in the black, I got them cleaned up in my copy on the computer, I saw them after posting.

[Stagecoach]

I prefer the new version Trevor but wonder if it helps more if some of the lower solid black portion is cropped?

It certainly demonstrates the value of experimenting and that eagle up there sure helps.

Grahame

[tbob]

Grahame; This is the crop, at least as I expect you meant. Left a bit to complete the base of the silhouette.

My feeling is it reduces the "Ahah" factor of the eagle when you see it. The eagle is now a bit too prominent.

It is quite amazing how the eagle, being such a small element, absolutely makes this image. Without it the picture is bland.

[FrankMi]

Looking better Trevor! The tonal qualities are great, particularly the subtle line of trees in the background that provide a soft separation between land and sky and emphasize the nature of the fog.

I think I liked more of the sky above the eagle as in the first one so that the eagle isn't as crowded at the frame. It may retrieve some of the "Ahah" feeling you are looking for.

[tbob]

Your wish is my command. I am really going to have to look and think before submitting the versions, your recommendation is spot on and relieves my discomfort with the older version. Restores the eagle to it's rightful size and gives more space for the tree

[NorthernFocus]

Last version is perfect.

[bnnrcn]

I think the last one is the best Trevor and Frank is absolutely necessary for CIC,not only with his knowledge about photography but also his curiosity about what he shoots:-)

[mknittle]

Last version is perfect.

X2 me likes.

[Stagecoach]

That's it, last version is the best 'so far'

[FrankMi]

Your wish is my command. I am really going to have to look and think before submitting the versions, your recommendation is spot on and relieves my discomfort with the older version. Restores the eagle to it's rightful size and gives more space for the tree

Superbly dramatic!

[Donald]

Restores the eagle to it's rightful size and gives more space for the tree

Indeed it does and the result is out of the top drawer.

How long did it take to climb up and place the bird there?

[FootLoose]

I agree, the latest version is much better. Cropping some off the bottom restores balance to the frame.

[tbob]

.How long did it take to climb up and place the bird there?

Being a veterinarian I have a natural rapport with all creatures. I simply imitated the sound of a herring and waited for the eagle to land and investigate.

Thanks to everyone who contributed. This was a communal effort and any praise needs to be shared out. The eagle gets 25% for sticking around while I mucked about setting up the tripod and lens.

[Brownbear]

Late to jump in but I adore the final version. very helpful and informative thread with a beautiful image to learn from.

[Downrigger]

Maybe too late for this, but I'd wonder about lightening up the down low stuff a tad towards the tone of the background forest and leaving the trees in silhouette. (?)