Whimsical Creek: Took this image Last Year when the local creek was down. I sold this in a 20 by 30 inch size canvas in B&W. But, it sat in the store for nearly a year before being...

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Took this image Last Year when the local creek was down. I sold this in a 20 by 30 inch size canvas in B&W. But, it sat in the store for nearly a year before being purchased. I have hundreds of images I like but have learned thru trail and error it's the consumer that matters. I recently went back and tweaked the image in color for a second run at the printers. Before I do this again, I'm asking if this will hang on the wall for another year before a purchase. Anything stand out that's off or is this just to over cooked??

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Fstop, I think this color version is spot on. I like it because it keeps drawing me into it, vision swirling in and amongst the lighted areas of the roots, then getting drawn to the flecks of green, then becoming fascinated by ever changing shapes only to plunged into the reflection to do it all over again. I could gaze at this for an hour, then come back the next day, and do it again. I think you have a winner here. And although I generally like my images to be tack sharp, this has a wispy effect that keeps me from focusing on any particular spot. Again, I think this is part of its charm because it leads to continuous review and eye movement among the elements. Good on ya Mate!

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

I would agree with that assessment. I like the fact that it is in focus; but it is not tack sharp. That gives the image a certain softness that is extremely appealing in this image. The only area of concern I have (I'm viewing it on a laptop that is probably not the best) is the main trunk. It has a bright spot on it that keeps catching my eye and distracts slightly. There is detail in that section of the image, so it is not blown out at all. It just seems a tad bright. Other than that, I love it.

Heirloom Tomato Loc: Oregon

ebrunner wrote:

I would agree with that assessment. I like the fac... (show quote)

I agree with ebrunner. This is a wonderful image but possibly that bright spot could be toned down a little. This is not an image for everyone, but when the right buyer comes along they will fall in love with it and have to take it home. I would be more than happy to hang it on one of my walls. :-P

MIKE GALLAGHER Loc: New Zealand

At first glance it looks blurry but looks pretty good on 'Download' and zooming. ( I love the blow-ups.) Optical illusion perhaps. A potential customer might see it that way too.
Could be some more pictures in there?
Mike.

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Thanks Bob Yankle

Bob Yankle wrote:

Fstop, I think this color version is spot on. I l... (show quote)

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

I used a soft focus filter from the Nik software to give it this affect. More so on the tree branches. I also brighten the trunk a bit to bring you in but you have a good point, especially being on the outer edge of the image. Thanks

ebrunner wrote:

I would agree with that assessment. I like the fac... (show quote)

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Thanks Heirloom, I have limit space in the store front I sell from, one of the reasons I posted the photo. I have to tune in to what others like if I want to make sells, or find a different demographic.

Heirloom Tomato wrote:

I agree with ebrunner. This is a wonderful image but possibly that bright spot could be toned down a little. This is not an image for everyone, but when the right buyer comes along they will fall in love with it and have to take it home. I would be more than happy to hang it on one of my walls. :-P

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Thanks Mike I have several versions in B&W but not a good seller in my area at least.

MIKE GALLAGHER wrote:

At first glance it looks blurry but looks pretty good on 'Download' and zooming. ( I love the blow-ups.) Optical illusion perhaps. A potential customer might see it that way too.
Could be some more pictures in there?
Mike.

Nightski

fstop22 wrote:

Took this image Last Year when the local creek was... (show quote)

Fstop, this image is amazing. I love the light on the roots, the reflections...but for me, it is just slightly over cooked. Could you show a slightly more natural version? I think you have room to cook a little with this type of photo, but maybe just pull 'er back a bit. :-)

smcaleer Loc: Dearborn Heights, Michigan

I REALLY love this! If it's overcooked, I like overcooked. I have found that I love wood and I photograph it often. I don't think it would be the same without the reflection. So nice!

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Thanks Nightski
That's the problem, I had a more normal version and it hung around the store for almost a year. My reason for the Whimsical look. Sounds like this one might hang around a bit

Nightski wrote:

Fstop, this image is amazing. I love the light on the roots, the reflections...but for me, it is just slightly over cooked. Could you show a slightly more natural version? I think you have room to cook a little with this type of photo, but maybe just pull 'er back a bit. :-)

martinfisherphoto Loc: Lake Placid Florida

Thanks smcaleer, The creek is just lined with exposed cypress tree roots during the dry months. Makes for a wonderful day of canoeing

smcaleer wrote:

I REALLY love this! If it's overcooked, I like overcooked. I have found that I love wood and I photograph it often. I don't think it would be the same without the reflection. So nice!

RichieC Loc: Adirondacks

I wil make an assumption that you are using LightRoom or similar.

I have seen this "banding" effect when using the brush adjustment tool in LR... then adjusting exposure and highlights etc in the brushed pattern. I think you have a winning image in the end... But if I was to ask for anything... it would be to see you try retouching it several ways and comparing them in another round.

Try another layer of brush selection and turn down the "highlights" on that very bright spot.

Lots to like though! ANd I think you could get several different shots out of this one.. all equally interesting.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

fstop22 wrote:

Took this image Last Year when the local creek was... (show quote)

I love the download-- and I could see this in monochrome-- but I know from your comment that it took a while to sell in the shop. The only thing I might suggest is cropping a small amount from the right side. It's a pretty nice image-- but I don't currently sell to the public, so there ya go....