Theme - my photo nemesis

I have always struggled with landscapes for some reason, and this image may illustrate that. :c3: I know it seems crazy, but I've spent a week trying to get this image to do something interesting. I liked the lines of the path that leads across the stone bridge, past the native plant garden, over the next bridge, and then up the hill and down to the ocean eight miles away. As for cropping, I wanted the stone bridge in the image and didn't want to cut off the top of the tree with the sun behind it any more than it is. I'm still not happy with it, but maybe you have some suggestions?

Topaz filters, including Clarity and Impression, plus Nix Tonal Contrast and a canvas texture added.

It looks very nice Kerry. If you wanted more of the tree, perhaps you could crop to the top of the arch in the bridge and that would still keep it in. I like the processing a lot and the starburst behind the tree.

Kerry,

Greetings. I like the overall design of the image with the s-curve accentuated with the two bridges leading to the distant ridge, as well as the magical look. It seems a little flat to me though. I tried a tunnel depth trick darkening the top and bottom edges of the image.

Attachment 149619

Curve layer with a point 1/3rd from the left pulled down 25%. Gradient on the mask for the bottom 20%. Merge then repeat for the top 20%.

An idea.

Thanks for posting.

Cheers,

-Michael-

Thanks Jackie and Michael. I like your edit Michael, it does add some depth to the image. I had added a slight vignette, but your gradients are better.

This is one of those images that would be made so much better if the big tree wasn't there. Anywhere else on the canvas the tree would be awesome. Cloning isn't possible but what about making this a vertical, include the whole tree and more sky, cutting it off a bit left of the tree. Best I can think of.

I think you got some good suggestions above. Michael's version adds a bit of needed pop--subtle but it does make a difference. I see what Paul means about the tree. But, overall, I like it. It has a lightness that makes me want to be there, in the scene. Lovely colors and processing. I'd be interested in seeing the original. Also, did you take any more shots from slightly different locations?

I think this is a great image and wouldn't change a thing. The tree works in my mind, I like how it connects the ground with the sky and draws you up to the sun. I can also see how a vertical crop would work with the full tree, but I still like this landscape crop instead. I also think that the tree being bare helps the image. If you had leaves in the tree it would block out the background landscape, and yet you still have green vegetation to give it a spring time look. You picked the right time of season to take the shot.

Beautiful colours and the stone bridge anchors the image. This would make for a very nice wall canvas.

I like the composition of this beautiful image. I felt it was a bit flat also, and I like Michael's adaptation.

Hi Kerry...I like this image...It has a fairy tale feel to it! I wish the whole tree was there but as is i think it still works!