ikaush Loc: Medford, MA

It is beautiful as it is. Don't change anything.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

You asked about composition. Before that, there is image sharpness to consider, and this holds true for any image unless you want it to be un-sharp on purpose. I assume this one was intended to be sharp but it is not. The two trees compete to some degree to be the primary subject and every image needs a primary subject. The viewer should be able at once to figure this out when we have done our job correctly. If the green tree was the intended primary image then it should have been given more credence to show the viewer that, how that is accomplished is up to you. Simply placing the two trees equidistance in the scene did not relay any message to me. Most viewers would not realize the difference between the two trees as you do so your goal of telling the story would be difficult with this scene. In this image the color does seem to be part of some story and that alone may have been a better subject for this particular image. Emphasizing the red and yellows with a primary subject would have most likely created a pleasing story-telling landscape scene, but not, it seems, what your intent was. Telling a story with an image is difficult and takes some degree of thought about the viewer and what the viewer may or may not understand about the scene they are seeing. The color in this scene did turn out very nicely and I understand that you were trying to accomplish a juxtaposition with the yellow and green tree, but it did not work for me.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

I think you have it wrong. Because the Pine is green and everything else is red/yellow, the pine stands out easily as the main subject. I thought that was clever, although I still maintain that the picture should be cropped on the right to make it square - I think it would then be perfect. BTW, the title says it all - "One Pine". I believe sharpening would spoil it. There is more to this picture than a quick glance provides.

via the lens Loc: Northern California, near Yosemite NP

Thanks for your comment, but I don't have "it wrong" as all any of us are doing here is providing our own personal assessment for the photographer to read and internalize. It's a learning process for the photographer and the readers. There is no "wrong or right" in this, only opinions, which as we all know, do vary greatly. Additionally, criticism, and this image is in the Photo Critique Section, should not be thought of as negative, only as something to ponder. In the end, it's all about what the photographer wants and how they feel about their image. BTW, it would be my opinion that cropping square would not be attractive for this image so, obviously, you and I see differently. Not good, not bad, just differently. And, I can't image why an image being sharp would spoil it but obviously an image not being sharp is ok with you. This is not your image and it needs no defense on your behalf. Let Nightski respond if they desire to do that.

Nightski

Your input is appreciated as much as anyone's. Thank you so much for commenting and offering your viewpoint.

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Yes, but I did not say "You have it wrong". I said "I think you have it wrong" which indicates my opinion.
I have not suggested that there is "no wrong or right" - those are not my words, so they must be yours.
Please indicate where you think my post was in any way negative. How did you see yours??
My suggestion to crop to a square was that I (my thoughts) thought the picture was spoiled by including anything to the right of the Pine, but everything else was important. I thought (my opinion) was that the picture was then properly balanced. But you are telling me here that I am wrong! Pot painting the kettle?
I was not defending anything. IMHO the picture is "A" Ok. There are subtleties that some might miss.
I refuse to hi-jack this topic by discussing the merits or otherwise of sharpness!
If my opinion is different to yours, then the moment I posted my advice and opinion, what difference does it make to whom it is addressed? - it will still be seen to be in conflict (different) with yours.
I do think that critique is a great responsibility and not to be volunteered lightly.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Michigan has a state park that contains some original, uncut, pines that tower over 300 feet. The upper and northern upper peninsulas were covered with these behemoths. More money was taken out of Michigan in wood than was taken out of California in gold. The wood was used to build the homes of the east and midwest.