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What's wrong with a little complexity? Does this image work for you? Or is it too fussy?

Not sure if better contrasting light would help with such a busy image. To me it seems rather flat at the moment which does not give the subject enough separation from the background nor does it show off the finer detail in the branches, leaves and flowers. It might work better as a large print where the detail is easier for the viewer to see and examine.

I have a forest shot with similar complexity that I am not sure works either.

Not for me sorry Matt - the tree itself is nice enough with a nice shape - perhaps if it was transplanted into a lone field or on top of a small hill or something?

Looks like a beautifully printed silver-gelatin print from a perfectly exposed neg. You nailed this one.

CraigVTR wrote:Not sure if better contrasting light would help with such a busy image. To me it seems rather flat at the moment which does not give the subject enough separation from the background nor does it show off the finer detail in the branches, leaves and flowers. It might work better as a large print where the detail is easier for the viewer to see and examine.

I have a forest shot with similar complexity that I am not sure works either.

pretty much what he said.
i cant really tell if it works either cos the lack of any contrast is quite distracting for me. it looks a bit mushy.

It’s a tree

I think it needs more contrast if you want
it to work in B&W, but somehow I suspect
that colour is a better choice.

sirhc55 wrote:It’s a tree

dammit..that was my line.

I think you need a tad bit more separation between the tree and the background...even if the aim was to show the blending. This image is very flat in tone....but has so much potential to express the textures of the layers of leaves.

mmm... personally I think there is nothing wrong with complex. fussy and low contrast... the image works fine for what it is and what you planned it to be.
We become too attached to the same game plan for images... like a recipe that we MUST always follow for an image to be 'correct'.
I see it time and time again... if it's black and white it must have high contrast... if it is a portrait it must be sharp.
All that aside this is probably not an image I would visit often, but that's more to do with its subject matter not having great interest to me rather than any technical fault.

I'll go back to sleep now...