Snow Days 2

Thanks everyone for the photo feedbacks.  I've been trying to go back to follow the advice given.  If you check back next week, I'll update this post with your feedback so that you can see if it makes a difference or not! 

This is another photo from last week's snow days. Honestly, I'm not sure why this photo caught my eye from the dozens that I shot that day.  I like the small snow shelf created by the branches.  They somehow seem to cradle the delicate snowflakes.  You can just see the hint of spring buds on some of the branches.  Maybe it is a sense of springtime hope or the momentary pause to take in one last gasp of winter beauty before the full jump to spring.  what do you see?

Rev 2 - based on feedback, I lightened it and changed to B&W.  I had an issue when I lightened things that the background in the upper right started to blow out.  To minimize the impact, I cropped a bit more of that corner.  Now I'm a bit too centered vertically.  I should have added a flash or taken the photo earlier than my twilight shot.  Next time.  :)  B&W is good, but different.  In B&W, you lose the spring buds on the branch. 

 

Snow Days

This week, western Oregon was treated to a rare snow storm.  A light dusting of snow arrives here only every 2-3 years.  We were surprised by this massive snow dump on the first day of spring. 

I struggled to get a clean focus through the snow.  Apparently, I should have gone into manual focus!  This image brings some happy memories.  Megan tested our zip line in the snow, taking a few snow balls on the way.  As she approached the sudden stop at the bottom, she forgot that the seat would be slippery.  This image captures the unusual snow, the zip line, our snowball target practice, and the sudden look of panic as she realized her error.  The blur works for this photo - showing her speed. 

For the record, she landed in a giggling heap on the ground.

Week 11 - Night Ball

This seems to be the week to share a photo of our children on Photo Feedback.  I've really enjoyed this forum as a place to get some critical feedback on photos.  What an amazing group of photographers who are willing to put their images out for discussion!

I spent last weekend coaching my daughter's softball team.  This is a very serious team - practicing all winter and braving the cold rains of Oregon springtime just for a change to hit the ball.  Last weekend, we played our first night game.  Her messy hair gives a hint that this is the 3rd game of the day.  In spite of that, I love the calm look on Jamie's face.  She is simply relaxing, taking in the thrill of the lights.  And a little light flair to add to the composition.  :)

From some of the feedback, I did a bit more editing.  I'm amazed at how a little edit makes a difference!  Here is how it looks with the suggestions: 

Original version

Lights in lower right removed. 

Increased blue saturation and reduced red saturation

Further cropped to increase focus on her face 

Week 10 - Joshua Tree

This week's photo comes from Joshua Tree National Park. 

Similar to my photos from Pulau Ubin, I like the sense of survival from Joshua Tree.  The rocky desert is inhospitable.  Yet, there are gardens of cactus and forests of Joshua Trees.  I like this image for the color contrast between the blue sky and the tan rock.  The simplicity of the Joshua tree that connects the two.  I love the depth of the rocky landscape - and the memory of my family climbing up and down the rocks for the day.