Tree Swing

[Bateryman1970]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/garethtp/2224028992/" title="Darwell Reservoir swing 27-1-08 by bateryman1970, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2375/2224028992_409b90ef3a.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Darwell Reservoir swing 27-1-08" /></a>

Hi

I came across this very large tree in the woods yesterday whilst out for a early morning shot.

The tree has been used in the past by kids to build a rope swing

(Image looks best in a large format)

I took this picture trying to emphasise the swing but the swing itself has got lost a bit in the execution of the image

I wanted the picture B&W but would like feed back on what you think please plus how could I enhance the swing more to stand out?

Many thanks for your help and advice as per normal

I'm learning loads form this site :D

[geotography]

Bateryman1970,

Greetings. You have a beautiful black and white photo. Yes, as you concluded yourself, the swing is not the primary subject in this image; therefore the photo is not titled correctly.

The base of this lovely tree is the subject for me and it is constrasted quite effectively against the relatively skinny tree'd, thicketed background.

You really captured the tree. I like it. If there is another chance, this would be a great shot with someone on the swing.

Please include EXIF with future postings.

[RussHeath]

Bateryman -- Nice tones here, but the swing is completely lost against the complicated background. I don't have any great suggestions for fixing this in post, but if you can reshoot, here are a couple of ideas:

--Your EXIF on flickr indicates an aperture of f/9. If you can open this up a lot more you can get a shallower DOF, which will naturally blur that distracting background.

--Walk 90 degrees around to the left of that shot and line up the swing with the big tree directly behind it. This will give it something solid to stand out against in the photo. It may of course cause other problems, but if you get a chance it's worth a try.

[jiminyClickit]

Bateryman2970,

You have some choices. One is shown here, a relatively simple edit. The other choice may give you something close to the edit in camera. You have probably read about light painting here, or may have tried it. If you can go back to this swing late evening, set your camera for a 10-second shutter speed, then shine a bright flashlight on the swing, with experimenting you could achieve a similar look.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/47146451@N00/2227500594/" title="SwingX by jiminyClickit, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2310/2227500594_2090b1cfd1.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt="SwingX" /></a>