Tree Hugger

[Nina]

Here's someone we all know expressing his love for trees.
Comments/suggestions appreciated.
Canon 5D, f/4, 1/80, ISO 100

Tree Hugger.jpg (750.14 KiB) Viewed 6435 times

[davidc]

I wish I had such a willing model!

The way his bark reflects the sunlight is sublime...

[Mike Farley]

Don't we only need to see his hand?

[Nina]

OK thank you both, I think. Not sure you realised I wanted serious critique.

[walterconquy]

Who is that wonderful model. What more can you say. It is well exposed and isn't it a beautiful bark, you can see its worse than its bite. Keep at it Nina.

[davidc]

Sorry I'd somehow missed the request for proper critique until Wally replied.

On a positive note it's pretty well exposed with the histogram showing only a little clipping of highlights (I'm guessing it's brightest parts of his skin) and you've brought out nice texture in the tree. Composition wise it's fine too with the focus, Wally, being off centre while still having something else dominant in the frame to give the viewer something to look at.

The reason why I never gave a critique though was that it looks/feels more like a fun/jokey shot rather than something I'd expected you would want feedback on. Beyond "this was a bit of fun I shared with Wally" I wasn't sure what else you wanted us to look at. It's cute but doesn't really bring me back to look at it again once I've seen it - and smiled at it - the first time, sorry

[Mike Farley]

I agree with what Dave as said and I would add that all the action seems to be happening on the left hand side, with something of a void on the right, which I would crop down a bit as it is not adding to the image. This also has the benefit of moving Wally's hand from the centre and onto a third.

[Nina]

I agree with what Dave as said and I would add that all the action seems to be happening on the left hand side, with something of a void on the right, which I would crop down a bit as it is not adding to the image. This also has the benefit of moving Wally's hand from the centre and onto a third.

Whilst I know what you are getting at regarding the composition, cropping the right side would not let you see the bulk of the tree, which in my view is essential. A bit of fun for sure, just wanted to see what you guys would say.

[Mike Farley]

Most of the tree is still there and my suggested crop has not removed the impression of bulk. The reverse, if anything.

Still, as you say, applying the "rules" pf composition to a fun image.