The tree

[Shinnen]

Hi,
I saw this tree about a week ago, and was immediately struck by what it said. This withered old dead hulk standing in a field next to the encroaching civilization, soon to meet the bulldozer. But, alas, the picture doesn't really say anything. Why? Wrong angle? Too far away? (Enhancing the lighting didn't really do much.) ??? I'm going to take another wack at it after I can figure out what it's missing. Any suggestions?
....... john

[theantiquetiger]

Since this is in the Critique section, I will give you my two cents:

First off, the tree is a great subject, very nice find, but you are not doing it very much justice here. It is in the middle of the image. Use the basic rule of thirds, move it one side or the other.

Second thing, always remember the human eye is naturally attracted to light. The tree is dark and is being overshadowed by the clouds, white buildings, etc. My eye wants to land on these things, no the tree. Plus the background is really distracting itself. If you have the lens, open the aperture to 2.8 (or the max that you have) to completely distort the background.

Third, the image itself is a little flat. I would boost the contrast and saturation a little.

Like I said, you have a great subject, it just needs presented in a better way. I would even try B&W, and/or step to your left until the building or out of the BG. It looks clear on the right side on the image.

[theantiquetiger]

OK, I didn't read your entire description of the photo and realize you want to include the construction. in that case, I would step to the right so the entire BG is covered in the new construction. With your permission, I would like to do a basic edit to show you my idea. i won't do it until I get your permission.

[Shinnen]

Hi,
Yes, of course. Please do what you like with it. I know that it's a crappy picture; but think it has great potential, that I have not been able to bring out.
...... john

[theantiquetiger]

Here are a couple quick edits I did for a general idea. All I did was place the tree more to the right, and boost the saturation, contrast, and other levels.

[Marko]

For me there's nothing interesting going on in the foreground and yet that foreground occupies lots of space.
I'd reshoot it - But if I were to edit this (since you seem to be OK with editing for this pic) , here's my very quick take - (that I would still refine with dodging and burning), still respecting the original ratio - Slight levels play. nothing else done on edit one. The vertical crop on edit 2 was the same with a hint of sharpening.