Thanks, P.J.; see my comment to Naomi. The things she and you commented on are exactly the things I tried several cropping variations on, before settling on one. It looked imbalanced with a small space on the left of the cactus but no space to the right, so I cropped closer on the left.
Thanks, Naomi. It's interesting that the things you and P.J. commented on are exactly the things I tried several cropping variations on, before settling on one. Showing just a touch of sky provides better context, but then I have to cut off the hill, as I did. With no sky, the light is more dramatic. 50/50, I think, but I'm glad to hear others' opinions.
I love the colors and lighting in your photo. I am familiar with these cacti and know that they can be spread over a large area, so I'm not distracted by having it cut off. IMHO, I would crop the top so that there is no sky, creating a darker presence at the top that is behind all the soft golden colors. Nicely done. -- Naomi
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