Between The Bridges; Leaves As Light

[AndrewMcD]

I went to B&W because the scene was so overwhelmingly green and distracted from the light. I'm afraid I haven't yet developed a structured approach to B&W so you may yet see the color version in the future. The sun was just coming through the trees after a day of heavy rain. The tree trunks were wet and black. The sun came through and illuminated the canopy. I have intentionally blurred the foliage a bit to emphasize the light and let the structure of the trees go black. At least that's my story and I'm sticking to it! C&C solicited and welcome as always.
Thanks,
Andrew

[AndrewMcD]

Perhaps the first version is just too dark. Here is one a quarter stop brighter.

[Geoff F]

Light coming through the foliage is so difficult to get looking good, Andrew.

I tried some rather similar scenes recently. Looked good in real life, not too bad through the viewfinder as well; then I saw the result on my computer and quickly deleted everything.

A monochrome approach certainly adds strength to the tree trunks. Almost looks like a negative scene.

[AndrewMcD]

Geoff - Thanks for commenting and relating your experience. I intentionally went to that almost negative appearance in an effort to see what might work. I like the direction it was going so I may keep trying something more.....just not sure what!
Andrew

[bnnrcn]

Hi Andrew, I quite like the negative effect but I'm a kind of person who also likes abstracts. So I don't know what the people who have classical approach will think about it

[ajohnw]

I think the 1st one is best - too much brightness in the 2nd one.

I think I would try lifting the black end a bit to try and get some slight signs of shape in the tree trunks. I do like the first image as it is though. Different and that always helps.

John
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[bnnrcn]

I forgot to say that ' my best is #1 too, I quite like the darkness towards the end of the road '

[Downrigger]

I like these very much and also think the first has more strength and story. I learned from your reasoning for B&W, and your softening of foliage to get the effect you felt when you shot the image - I think it all works well.

[FootLoose]

I think they are both good, Andrew, but I prefer the first because the light is defined a little better in the upper regions of the trees / leaves mid frame.

[Otavio]

Hi, Andrew. This is a type of shot which is really hard to make, as some have commented here. I think you managed to make this one look really good. Very good control of the lights. Nice job. Cheers,

[ShaneS]

I do like the light through the trees and the overall composition. The first is my preference but, like John I would like to see the silhouettes of the trunk lightened just a bit.