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I can't decide.

I think there are too many branches in the tree that make the subject too complex and spoil the effect. It might work as a large print, however?

Taken at Mandu Mandu Gorge, WA.

I think you're right about too many branches, seems to be tricky to know the real subject... I think old trees and barren landscapes need only a few scraggly branches to have that melancholic look...

I like it Dion. Despite the "busy" branches it still has a desolate feel to it

Hey Dion.

I agree with Andrew that your own critique is spot on about the complexity. Perhaps you should run the BigFourBanks Tool over it - excellent for eliminating unwanted 'branches'.

Certainly the desolate feel to it but I agree with the boys starts well with the eyes following the main trunk but then to a confusing mass. So the eyes are naturally and strongly led to a place where all direction for them dissipates.

IMO if you were to remove the bulk of the twigs and left the shadowed main branches working their way up to the heavens it would make for more of a visual impact and more gently release the grip on the eyes.

The other smal point would be in the control of the blown spots here and there on the rocks but that also adds to the sense of isolation. Hope that makes sense.

cheers
marco

Manta wrote:Hey Dion.

I agree with Andrew that your own critique is spot on about the complexity. Perhaps you should run the BigFourBanks Tool over it - excellent for eliminating unwanted 'branches'.

Manta,

I just went and googled for that Tool until I realised my stupidity You're too subtle

marcotrov wrote:Certainly the desolate feel to it but I agree with the boys starts well with the eyes following the main trunk but then to a confusing mass. So the eyes are naturally and strongly led to a place where all direction for them dissipates.

IMO if you were to remove the bulk of the twigs and left the shadowed main branches working their way up to the heavens it would make for more of a visual impact and more gently release the grip on the eyes.

The other smal point would be in the control of the blown spots here and there on the rocks but that also adds to the sense of isolation. Hope that makes sense.

cheers
marco

Thanks Marco - yes it does make sense. The blown highlights are deliberate in the PP.

Here's the original in colour.

Slider wrote:I like it Dion. Despite the "busy" branches it still has a desolate feel to it

Yeah, I think when viewed at a larger resolution it works better. At full screen it looks good. I may think of getting a print done of it, will warm up the printer for an A4 soon.

I like the original Dion The business of the branches, whilst still not ideal, seems to be less problematic in the colour original.
cheers
marco