First Light in the Forest

[PRSearls]

That is a very beautiful image. I think I like the first one better. The highlight on the rock in the stream is a little too strong for my taste in the second. The shadows and rays really communicate a "first light" atmosphere to me. Super job!

Paul S

[Dave Humphries]

I also prefer the first (for the aspect ratio and the sun's rays), but I can tolerate some more foreground exposure, as you did in the second

Not sure that helps - now you may have to keep three versions

[HAZZA]

great pic Kevin, excellent capture and detail

[Karm Redland]

Kevin, great shots. I've been trying for about a year to take a photo similar to anyone of your versions with very little success. Now that I know what it is supposed to look like maybe I'll have some success.

Karm

[FlyingSquirrel]

This may sound a bit dramatic, but... this is probably one of my most favorite photos that I've EVER seen. It's just one of those things that you can't explain...it just works for me, grabs me emotionally and perhaps subconsciously in some way. I prefer the first photo in terms of PP, but I would prefer a 3rd crop not shown, which would be to crop further in than even the 2nd image, so you would remove the largest tree on the right. Just my opinion. Other than that, amazing!

[gregj1763]

Kevin, simply one of the most stunning images I have seen. It has an almost 3D feel to it and I can't but help thinking of the Avatar movie when I look at it. I don't have a favourite between the two. Both are great.
Well done, Greg

[kdoc856]

Thanks, Greg, Matt, Karm, Harry and Dave for the kind words.
I had the advantage of the right place at the right time, with some very unusual climatic conditions and you would have all nailed this one.

I do think I have to change the aspect ratio- it's an awkward size and not easy to print this way. I'm going to do a 3:2, and a
1:1 and see how they compare. And Steve S. has been helping me with some more lopcalized adjustments. CiC has been a huge help in making this a better image, and I am grateful.

[Mike Buckley]

How did I miss this photo? I wonder if this is the same scene as in your thread with three photos of which the first one is this scene. If I'm right about that, I mentioned that I didn't like the composition. This composition eliminates the objection I had.

Truly a wonderful photo. I love the soft, bright light and the preservation of detail in the shadows. Print it large and display it prominently!

I like it, but understand it's a personal preference piece.

All photography is personal preference of the photographer. The quality that sets great photography, such as this image, apart from so-so photography is that the personal preference is well informed.

EDIT: I now see that there are two versions of the scene. You could make a lot of different versions, as many have suggested. Some of us could perhaps pick a favorite. Fortunately, I don't have to and would surely enjoy all of them as I do these two.

[kdoc856]

Hi, Mike

You are exactly right. This was shot about 10 meters more distantly than the previous. I'm in the process of trying to print this, and meeting with the usual frustration of getting the colors on paper to match my screen. thanks for the encouragement, as always.

[AB26]

Kevin, this is a winner!!!!

[KCBrecks]

Number 1 does it for me. I think the second one feels cramped. This is one to hang on the wall.

[kdoc856]

thanks Andre and Keith.

Keith, I agree, and am going with a synthesis of the two, with the lighting highlights of the 2nd, but keep a wider (and printable) aspect ratio. Thanks for the feedback.