Thermals

Base image taken in the Masai Mara earlier this year. Introduced the vultures (also from the Mara) to add some interest to the right hand side. I liked the strange way the heavy storm clouds framed the tree and the fact that you could still see all the lighter, fluffy clouds underneath them. Composite texture layers in varying blends. Any feedback welcomed. Thanks.

Hilary, this has a nice mood to it. I like the framing around the tree and the window to the blue skies and clouds. I like the pan comp here and the lean of the tree. Good work........

Hillary, I love the lone tree in this and I also like the choice of crop and processing. I am finding that it feels heavier on the left with the clouds pushing down and the tree both on that side...it leads my eye over to the right and then it goes right out of the image. IF it's possible to pluck that tree and move it to the right side and leave the lower clouds on the left, I think you'd find it to perhaps be a stronger composition with the viewer's eye going back and forth to each of the middle ground objects (low clouds on left; tree on right) and not be as likely to let the viewer's gaze leave via the right side.

Just my two cents...let's see what others say!

I kinda like the heavy to light feel. Like a storm moving in. Well done. If it were mine, though I probably would crop out that half bird on the right.

Hi Hillary, actually I like the balance of the image. Your choice of textures is appealing and works well with the subject matter. The tree is a strong center of interest with the birds adding some balance that stops my eye. Good crop with enough detail in the distant clouds. Nicely handled...

I really like this composition you created Hilary. Nice processing & textures. Like the dark clouds, the leaning lone tree, and the addition of the vultures on rt. really help to add to the dark mood and balance the comp. Also like how the dirt piles break up the horizon line.
Well done!

Hilary,

Greetings. The dark mood is interesting. I particularly like the tree and the bit of cloud just to the left that reiterates the shape. I might crop just the part of the cloud on the left that reaches the ground (maybe just between the two mounds) to see how that feels to you. Great concept.

Cheers,

-Michael-

Thank you everyone, so many suggestions and ideas that I think I'll have to sit on this and look at it again in a week or so to decide whether I want or need to make changes.

Usually I try different crops and see which looks strongest or most appealing to me.

Appreciate all the feedback as always. Thank you. :S3:

Nice work, Hilary. It's a very nice composition, and I like the lighting. If anything, I might prefer a little more room to the right or moving the vultures a little more to the left. I think that might balance the image more. Well done.

Thanks Christopher, are you saying to put extra canvas on the right hand side of the vultures or alternatively move the vultures left but leave the canvas as is?

That's exactly what I meant, Hilary. :S3: