Standing out in the distance...

[YoAshnish]

Ok, took this the other day, the tree caught my eye, as there weren't many trees along this path. I like the way it came out, it feels peaceful and relaxing to me.
I am looking for some input...comments/critique. Composition, is it ok? What would improve this capture? Thanks in advance for your help!
I did a small crop along the top and tweaked the light curves a bit.
1/80 F10 ISO 125 Auto WB Focal length 24mm

[Saralonde]

I like the low perspective, the position of the tree in the image and the narrowing road disappearing in the distance. I assume the tree is the main subject, but my eye is drawn first to the foreground. It leads to the tree, but it almost makes the tree secondary, perhaps because the foreground is more colorful and in sharper focus.

[jiminyClickit]

YoAshnish,

Assuming you most wanted the tree to stand as main subject: keeping this aspect ratio, turn your crop to landscape. This still contains road perspective, and effectively focuses attention on tree, because it's now larger, and follows the elongated shape of branch formation. There is less sky and foreground, and I don't miss them. I'd be tempted to lighten and up contrast a little, just to separate tree from background more. Lots of possibilities, good shot.

[YoAshnish]

Saralonde, thank you for your comments. I haven't quite yet perfected manual mode on my new cam. I've been working on trying to get better wide angle focus for landscape shots...still working it...eventually, I'm sure, it will come into focus!
Jiminy, thank you for your comments and encouraging words. I will try what you suggest with the crop...not sure how well I could do with the light and contrast but will probably give that a go as well
Appreciate all your comments and critiques It is very helpful to a newb like me!

[YoAshnish]

Here are a couple of edits.
Please let me know what you think



Jiminy, sorry, I don't have quite the touch you do when it comes to post processing...but I am working on it .

[Saralonde]

I like the second one. Horizontal definitely works better. The second shot has a little foreground interest with the green grass and has a little more space (but not too much) before you reach the tree. It's not distracting, but adding.

[jiminyClickit]

YoAshnish,

You are much better than you'll take credit for; the second one is what I imagined. Aren't you pleased with it? And then Saralonde read my thoughts and wrote them down . . . eerie, Pennsylvania, indeed.

Anything else (contrast, saturate) would turn it into a different mood entirely. This works great. Well-done.

[YoAshnish]

Saralonde and Jiminy, thank you so much for your encouraging words! And Jiminy, you got me blushing over here! I would not have attempted those adjustments, actually, didn't even consider them, until you mentioned it and I thought...hmmmmm, why not give it a go! I bow down to the master
And BTW, the second one is my FAV
Thank you once again for broadening my vision!