Red Dead Tree

[Andre van As]

H3D11 50MP, 300mm + 1.7x extender, ISO200, ss 1/350, f18, Center weight, Exposure program mode
I photographed this tree to scope out the lens and image size proportions as 2 Bald Eagles visited it a couple of times a week. The next storm that blew through PA felled the tree so no eagle opportunities. As I was left with a rather ugly picture and no features in the sky I decided to apply some creative efforts in Topaz effectsLab and imported a sunset type background which I color enhanced, denoised and sharpened all with Topaz plugins. All CCs welcome

Andre

[Dennis Bishop]

This is very striking. I particularly like the way you achieved a dramatic image with hardly any true black. The composition is good, and the curves in the lower half are very effective in guiding the eye. It's too bad the eagle perch was lost, but you sure made the most of it. Nice work.

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi Andre, very dramatic image and a great use of the tree sans eagles! I like the background effect and the added grain effect. (I'm sure that you added it, with 50MP at ISO200!) Good creative thinking and execution.

[Indranil Sircar]

Dramatic for sure! I like your choice of red and black here... it gives a feel of fiery ambience. The branches spreading out is very symbolic! Excellent work!

[Andre van As]

Hi Dennis, Kerry and Indranil
Thanks for your encouraging comments as this is my first serious try at creative post processing. I was amazed how it all came together but was concerned that it may be too somber despite being striking as you all suggest.
Kerry, the grain I believe is a heritage from the imported background image and was it was much more prominent so I worked on reducing it to acceptable levels. Seems you get things you can't predict when you import effects that were not created with your own system.

Once again many thanks for your comments

Regards

Andre

[Cheryl Slechta]

Andre, I really like the dramatic tone of the image. The slight halo around the tree and the deep purple on the right side really make the image in my opinion. Great job

[Andre van As]

Hi Cheryl
Thanks - I appreciate your comments.

Kind regards

Andre

[Anita Bower]

Dramatic image! It has a POW effect. The red and black are stunning, and go well with the angular dead tree.

[Andre van As]

Hi Anita
Thanks for the positive feedback

Regards

Andre