Willows over Water

[MrB]

Looking across a small lake in a park, I saw this scene and thought it was worth making a photo. Any C&C?



Philip

[Brownbear]

Wow... I think this is a very a beautiful image, for the scene, the gorgeous lighting on the tree and the framing.

[ShaneS]

Lovely, Philip, and well spotted! I'm on a bit of a mono kick lately and wonder if a black and white conversion would really bring your eye to the swans? I find the green, although a lovely color, to be very intense so if you prefer color maybe you could tone it down a bit in PP?

[jprzybyla]

Well done Philip, I love the willows framing the swans.

[Digital]

I agree with the others, the framing of the swans is superb. Beautiful photograph.


Bruce

[chauncey]

I'm agreeing with toning down the yellows somewhat...nice capture.

[Rob Zijlstra]

Beautiful picture.
One minor point: I think you should try to get rid of the reflections in the water on the lower right and left side. They distract (a bit).

[Mike Buckley]

A drop dead beautiful concept. Great eye!

Shane's idea about a monochrome image absolutely makes the swans pop. That style also makes the leaves floating in the water more attractive. If you crop to a 5 x 7 aspect ratio, you can easily eliminate the glare on the water in the bottom corners that Rob mentioned. Before you convert to monochrome, work with the various tones of green leaves so they aren't so contrasty in the monochrome version.

[dje]

Very nice shot Philip, it works very well.

Dave

[John 2]

Beautiful picture.
One minor point: I think you should try to get rid of the reflections in the water on the lower right and left side. They distract (a bit).

I agree and perhaps a crop from the bottom to drop the swans away from the CL. But that's being picky. This is well seen and a really enjoyable image.

[MrB]

Everyone will know that serendipity often plays a part in photography, and it did here. The first thing that attracted my attention to this scene was the sunlight coming through the willow leaves, giving them that wonderful vibrant yellow glow. I then spotted the swans in the background, and I also noticed that there was a gap between the willow branches. The swans were slowly cruising across the lake away from me but, as I moved into a position to be able to frame them, they obligingly turned to face each other. Good fortune had also placed the swans out of direct sunlight, and with another willow tree behind them.

Many thanks to you all for viewing. I am grateful for all the good suggestions for me to try when working on the image, and also for the many encouraging comments.

Philip