Nice set. I also like the way the last shot seems to capture some of the bandit's character.

I agree with Nekon about the degradation caused by unnecessary filters. To use a filter it must have a benefit greater than the possible detriment caused by adding another air/glass/air interface. This can be true for using a polarizing filter at times or an ND filter to allow a shallower DOF.

This appears to be one of those scenes that can artistically be presented in a number of styles.
Like Chet, I also keep going back to the original post (which is already cropped), as it has the same feel of the day. The dark overcast lent an oppressive mood that is mostly removed without some of the dark overcloud.
However, I also really like Captain C's version for its rich wide view and the final lighter version has a bit more detail in the buffaloes, but is less dramatic. I struggled with these ideas originally, and I settled on the middle ground of the original post.
Thanks for the insightful discussion.

Thanks for the input. I kind of like the grass veil affect. It makes the scene even more natural. Any other opinions?

I like that even wider version a lot. Here is a reworking from the original which has more light detail.

Bison cropped even tighter and lighter

OK to send example Captain C.
Here is a different crop in a lighter version.
Forget to send full download, but can add if anyone desires.

Bison lighter and wider

This image was captured on a rainy/foggy day with very poor contrast. A bit of sun poked though for a minute and I got this shot before the clouds returned.
Equipment was Oly E-30 with 14-54MKII at 58mm (35mm equiv) with ISO 400 and F10. i had the camera set to VIVID which increases the contrast and saturation somewhat for flat light situations. I also increased the contrast some more in post processing and cropped slightly to make it a bit more of a landscape format. The image as such is fairly representative of what I saw, but do you see a way to improve it?

Montana Bison Range in the clouds

Thank you for the kind comments.

I see your point; that makes sense. I apologize for the break in protocol. I did not fully understand the rules and will change my inputs accordingly. Thanks.

A few images from recent trip to Ireland. Lovely place, and the Guinness is fresh!

Adare Manor in early morning light


rapeseed in bloom


the Spire-Dublin, in late afternoon from side street

It looks peaceful. I like the color in the waterfall.

thanks, another frame job from Sedona

Oak Creek view

The foot makes the photo for me. Otherwise just another nice scenery shot. As such, I would crop it slightly to remove the right upper corner and make the foot just a bit more prominent. Welcome.

Ireland ruins from vacation 2 weeks ago

nice capture.

sailorsmom- I am in Stroud Township, near Stroudsburg