Abstract landscapes
Ria Deblaere

Abstract landscapes

December 2017

Crowd
winner

1,559 Images entered

1,139 Photographers

73,257 Ratings

Expert
winner
Entry 1284916
350th
100

What I love about this image is that it is a classic scene presented in a very dynamic and dramatic way. The powerful zig zag line running from front to back draws my eye across and through the image into the distance and the world beyond. It is a scene that encapsulates the journey and the pleasures of travel. The added texture in the sky achieved using multiple exposure of what appears to be grass and rock adds interest and mood. The use of monochrome and multiple exposure enhances the abstract shapes within the image, and the crop feels just right, with space around the bend in the road. The image conveys to me a sense of the dramatic weather that is often associated with the mountains. A moody and powerful image. Well done!

Brief

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Sometimes it can seem that the 'big landscape' shots have been done to death. Attractive but cookie-cutter scenes are definitely not in short supply. Although these photos are masterclasses in technical skill and craftsmanship, we want to see something more reflective of your own creative vision for this contest. Abstract compositions require a sensitive understanding of aesthetics and a healthy dose of imagination. The results can be stunning – good luck!

Therre is a delicacy and subtley to this image that really appeals to my eye. The trees and their shadows make a wonderful lacy pattern against the delicate lines in the snow.

Th image is really well balanced in composition, and the eye travels nicely around the frame led by the lines in the landscape.

I find myself drawn back to the trees. The mood is quiet and reflective, and the subject matter fits the brief of abstraction really well.

I am not sure where the photograph was taken from; possibly a drone, or an aeroplane?

The angle of view is interesting, being above, but not so high that the details in the landscape are lost.

I would have really loved to see this image without the distraction of the logo.

Well done!

Entry 1321628
134th
131

This image of frost on glass is a beautiful example of finding a hidden landscape within the small details that lie all around us. Another world imagined. Trees and plants in the snow perhaps.

The faint glow of light in the 'trees' that I see in the top left corner suggest a day about to start, and remind me of the transience of images like this. A moment that can never be recaptured. The exposure and detail are maintained well throughout the image. There is a lovely balance within the frame, giving the ice 'trees' space to breathe in the top left corner.

The dirt on the window around the edges of the image might be less noticeable with a little careful vignetting, and there are one or two bright white specks on the glass that I might be tempted to remove using post processing software.

A beautiful image. Well done.

This is a fine example of rust!

Being a popular subject matter for photographers it is hard to create something original. Here you have identified a mystical forest, which I also see and enjoy. There might also be mountains or rocks. It is a nicely framed image, with gradation of the 'treetops' from top left down to bottom right, and with a strong focal point on the jagged treetops towards the centre.

The exposure is well handled, and the colours are not oversaturated. I can imagine a series of these, each telling its own story.

I see a tiny bright area in the bottom right hand corner which might benefit from darkening down in order to avoid drawing the eye out of the frame.

A well seen image that meets the brief really well.

This image of dry stone walls around fields is an interesting example of the use of infra red, which enhances the abstract shapes that the walls create on the landscape. The result is a strong and dynamic view of a traditional scene.

The angle of view allows one to see layers on the hillside, and the gates lead the eye through into the layers at the top of the image.

I find the crop works well with a strong horizontal line at the bottom of the image creating a firm base for the patterns above.

I notice that the sun is shining, leaving the sheep in shadow. If the light was a little softer e.g. with more cloud cover, it might have allowed a softening of the contrast and enabled the sheep to be seen and the grass to appear richer in tone. Or one could argue that the sheep are a distraction from the walls, and best left in the shade!

The addition of the stone hut is a bonus, and creates an interesting focal point for the eye to rest on.

Well done!

Entry 1372007
370th
4
Entry 1377058
172nd
13

This image of a bridge and trees over a river is a very satisfying image from the genre of abstracts created by intentional camera movement (ICM). I particulary enjoy the softness of the colours, and the gradual realisation that there is a bridge in the near distance, hidden in the shadows. There is a nice balance of movement and freedom combined with a well framed composition. The light between the trees is always hard to handle when making this type of image, and I feel you have handled it well, with not too many white light trails distracting the eye.

This image creates a mood of tranquillity and calm, and is one to linger over.

If this were my image I might consider darkening down the light patch one third of the way up from the bottom along the right side of the image as it draws the eye away from the beautiful yellow trees and the bridge.

Well done!

Entry 1388872
309th
37

This image really caught my eye, being unusual and somewhat 'other-worldly'. It challenges the viewer to identify the subject matter, and also the scale. A photograph that poses questions of the viewer is always more interesting to view in my opinion.

I am reminded of a distant galaxy in the sky, or a a biological specimen under the microscope.

You don't give details of the capture, but I know from your tags that it is ice. The patterns and air bubbles create a fascinating scene, with a lovely sense of movement diagonally through the frame.

My personal preference would be to see all of the image to be as sharp as the centre. I wonder what aperture you were using? Judging by the increased opacity at the edges of the frame, I think that perhaps the ice is thicker and might have benefitted from a smaller aperture, giving a greater depth of field in these areas.

A lovely find. Well done.

Meet the expert judge

Entry 1282215
61st
8
Entry 1282950
27th
152

I love reflections like these; they are perfect for abstract lansdscapes, and each moment captured can never be repeated.

I particularly enjoy the colours on the right side of the frame. I would enjoy seeing more of the blue pattern that is creeping in on the left. I see that Mike Curry uses a lot of stripes and strong colour and pattern contrasts in his photographs. The possibilities are endless.

The challenge in this type of image is getting a good depth of field, to allow a really clean image that is in focus throughout. You do not mention what aperture you used.

You are right that the weather needs to be just right; I find that a really sunny day works best and this will then permit a lower ISO, smaller aperture and creates a brilliant contrast.

The lovely thing about water reflections is that they are everywhere.

Keep up the good work!

Entry 1283889
45th
778
Entry 1284443
48th
107
Entry 1316009
517th
8
Entry 1320217
194th
26
Entry 1321059
114th
299
Entry 1337985
101st
118
Entry 1356707
21st
194
Entry 1357599
55th
2
Entry 1377854
56th
48
Entry 1387829
37th
68