The composition does a good job of making the lens distortion work. Nice photo.

Great shot =)

can you please tell us the setup for this HDR shot ?
and what program you used for merging & noise reduction!!!!

@m0nm0n: I shot the image using RAW files at the lowest ISO possible (100 - 200) and use Lightroom to create 3 different exposure images (+2, 0, -2). +2 to reveal the detail of the shadow, -2 to reveal the detail of the hightlight (sky). Then use Photomatix to merge the images creating the above image I hope that's helpful

Congratulations on second, lovely view and very good HDR effect

Thanks Orientallad

One would probably argue that a man in a tree with a chainsaw is not necessarily a specific trade. Sure there are lumberjacks and tree surgeons but this looks like just some guy in a tree trying to cut down a branch. Perhaps a description would help or even more of a shot of the man would help. .

I think it would be better if the chainsaw was in use too

yeah have to agree with you.

This guy could be a pro tree trimmer using gaffs, rope and saddle common work today still where a bucket truck can not reach. Looks like some rigging there.

This is the best photo I have of the bunch. Took the others from too far away to see him using the chainsaw. The rigging is keeping him in the tree. He also tied off the bigger branches with rope to lower them rather than letting them drop. I can find another if necessary, but I respectfully disagree that this does not meet contest criteria. Oh, I can also submit a copy of the $900 bill for all the tree work if you want me to prove his professionalism.

I believe you, been there done this many times. Yes most definite on theme. Good luck

this shot is on theme, it might not be the best example, but it is still on theme.

Thanks all for your feedback and letting me respectfully disagree. I have a new camera (Canon Rebel SLR). Still learning to use it with the goal of making more artful shots. I have learned so much from other photos and projects on this site. Sort of intimidating but also quite inspiring. Thanks again.

yeah I never said it wasn't necessarily on theme but yes, it would have been nice to see more of the man I guess.

"... A SINGLE tool MUST be the focus" "...obvious that it's being USED..." guess if the mod thinks the "single" tool is in "use" and the "focus" of the image, then my question is; which "tool" is the "focus" here? the chainsaw is not in use, so that is not it. If the rigging mentioned above is the "focus" then i would say it is anything but "obvious". It is confusing when the rules for the contest seem fairly clear, stating "SINGLE tool" and "use" and "obvious" then anything is ok that has multiple tools, there are multiple as stated by the author himself, and others viewing, and it isnt "obvious" or there would be no question. the author even says the tool he is "using" is obscured, so again, my question, prior to voting is; what is the "single tool" being "used" that should be the "focus" of the image? cause im not getting a focus other than a tree, maybe a hanging tool not used, or ropes that are ANOTHER (not single) tool and not really the focus.

ok. I will try to find another picture.

Sorry for the problems of the other picture. I took this just this morning of the house next door. Rebuild going into 3rd year. Notice his hammer being used on the roof.

Good to see you are happy to be flexable, love the pic, can you send them around to my house please, my roof needs fixing too

This is definitely more on theme. Now I can vote. GL!