[Keith Alan]

Due to criticisms on another forum and the fine fast clouds tonight, I reshot the tree from my previous post in a way that cuts out any green foliage.
(I think they didn't read the story, as I made it clear that the new foliage made me happy for the tree which is why I included it in the first place.)

Anyone prefer this version?
Someone at the Texas Photo Forum said it gave them motion-sickness, which I take as a compliment since it's hard to provoke such a physical reaction in a non-photojournalism photo.
I used a handheld flash unit to bring out some detail in the tree this time.

[Teri]

I like the picture..I never saw the first one though.

[matthew]

The original is here: http://www.shuttertalk.com/forums/viewtopic.php?id=6668

I didn't reply to this right away, and always meant to.... I wanted to say that the treatment of the subject is so different that it's really impossible to compare the two. I'm not sure that a casual viewer would even recognize that it's the same tree.

The first one is a nice nature story, and an interesting and well done photo. The second is far more abstract, and functions better as an "art" photo. I might have to admit that I prefer the second image (this thread), but this is simply closer to my own style.

Both images together show the value of returning to a particular subject, and capturing it from different angles and in different light. I have a rotating series of inspirational (read: remedial) sayings on my computer desktop, and one of them is "What's the use of one photo?" Photographs increase in value and impact as the number on a common theme or subject increases. One is a record shot, five is a series, fifty is a book. I hope you keep returning to this tree as it changes.

[Irma]

I like a lot the effect you have in the clouds... Amazing how the same subject changes in different moments... I think Matthew said it right... The first one is a nature story and this one an art picture...

[Keith Alan]

My thanks for the kind words Teri, matthew and Irma!

Was afraid this one wasn't any good after getting no responses here, because I remember being very excited about sharing it at the time.

Art is probably too strong a word, but it's the direction I was trying to go.
More and stronger flash units and I might get closer to my mental image, so expect new versions in the coming months.

[Teri]

your very welcome! but I do have to say its a hard decision to pick out of the two for me..The first one is a very beautiful shot..