That Tree Branch? (Page 2): I would remove it.

yssirk123 Loc: New Jersey

I would remove it.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

The dead branches give us a perspective as to where we are as viewers vs the low-to-the-ground foreground. If removed then the foreground would need to be in part removed... combined they give a vertical plane of reference.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I agree with others that it is in the way of an otherwise beautiful landscape.

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

Prof M wrote:

Hello. I posted this photo to the Landscape Photography section earlier then I thought I would like some specific feedback about that dead tree branch in the foreground. I have a mixed reaction to it: Sometimes I feel it is a distraction, but at other times I think it serves to draw the eye into the desert in a dramatic way. I would appreciate suggestions for recomposing to either eliminate, reposition, or leave the branch where it is. Thanks!

. For me, the tree and the bright spot on the horizon draw my eye right off the page, away from the cacti and desert floor. I’d work on these two areas, if the desert scene is your intended point of interest.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

Personal preference. It is a distraction to me. The row of cactus draw my eye in but then my eye keeps wandering back to the branch that becomes intrusive. And I noted that there is a row of cactus under the branch that are barely noticeable and the branch gets in the way again. Having said that the branch does add drama. With or without the branch it is an engaging image.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Loving out the large bottom arcing branch would make a big difference.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

I like it with the tree limb. My advice is that the limb "kisses" the cactus which creates a point of confusion as though the limb could be growing out of the cactus. If it continued past the cactus, it would create a different perspective. Objects that "kiss" was brought to our attention in art class as something to avoid. He would use the example of a barn with a tree directly behind it where the illusion was that the tree was growing out of the barn's roof.

Wasabi

It is a great shot. The wonderful soft lighting on the Saguaro in the left middle ground and further back is, to me, the main feature. The tree intrudes on the view. Also the small brightly lit small cactus in the immediate foreground distract. Just one opinion.

Nalu Loc: Southern Arizona

I am not a fan of the branch. IMO it is a distraction. Taking it out would (correctly) would be quite a task. Take it as a learning experience. Must have been a beautiful evening in the desert.

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

I would remove some of the branch but not all. Nice shot.

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

mvetrano2 wrote:

I think the shot might have been better without it, but I agree with you that it does enhace the shot at a pointing item to the main cactus subject.

Drop the tree branch

Stephan G

sippyjug104 wrote:

I like it with the tree limb. My advice is that the limb "kisses" the cactus which creates a point of confusion as though the limb could be growing out of the cactus. If it continued past the cactus, it would create a different perspective. Objects that "kiss" was brought to our attention in art class as something to avoid. He would use the example of a barn with a tree directly behind it where the illusion was that the tree was growing out of the barn's roof.

"kisses". "as something to avoid". Good advice. And like any advice, to be used judiciously. And sparingly. Many old barns have trees and other things growing out of their centers, making them the objects of study. How many old vehicles found in the hinterlands that do not have a small tree coming up out of its center? Go in and lop those protrusions off, because of "advice" given? In some cases, yes. In many other cases, no. Rules are good for starting. Breaking such rules is the path of creativity. It all depends on interpretation. The context, so to speak.

Blume's The Rock is a good painting to study. When in Chicago, take time to study the painting at the Chicago Art Institute. Ignore the writings and ask why is there the circle.

In the OP's photo, there is an implied rectangular box based on the items in the shot. What can be observed about Nature at work?

Also ask as to why the tree is important in its placement.

The admonition about "kisses" is telling any artist to look at the three dimensions when working out a two dimension photo. It is being aware of what is "behind" the shot. (In weapons training, the advice is to always know as to where the bullet will stop.)

Reuss Griffiths Loc: Ravenna, Ohio

If the tree is a compositional element to lead the viewers eye to the cactus, it does that but I immediately wish I could brush (pun intended) it aside because it is a distraction. The composition of the picture without the branch is great and leads the eye to the cactus without it. If the branch has some other purpose, it escapes me

druthven

Prof M wrote:

Hello. I posted this photo to the Landscape Photography section earlier then I thought I would like some specific feedback about that dead tree branch in the foreground. I have a mixed reaction to it: Sometimes I feel it is a distraction, but at other times I think it serves to draw the eye into the desert in a dramatic way. I would appreciate suggestions for recomposing to either eliminate, reposition, or leave the branch where it is. Thanks!

I would definately remove it, however the prickly pear and bushes are also a distraction from the saguaro cacti and the otherwise georgeous scene. A few steps forward would have elininated both.

Ben's nana Loc: Chesterland, Ohio

Prof M wrote:

Hello. I posted this photo to the Landscape Photography section earlier then I thought I would like some specific feedback about that dead tree branch in the foreground. I have a mixed reaction to it: Sometimes I feel it is a distraction, but at other times I think it serves to draw the eye into the desert in a dramatic way. I would appreciate suggestions for recomposing to either eliminate, reposition, or leave the branch where it is. Thanks!

Love the picture. My only problem with the tree is that it "touches" the cactusIf you could take out some of the branches it would look more like the cactus and tree are forming a frame
Fran