New Joiners - Landscapes #599

This is a great example of how the inclusion of a human subject can make the image better. Although there is some gorgeous light here catching on the rocks in the foreground, the composition itself would feel a little odd without the inclusion of the person standing on the top. This provides a sense of scale to the scene and gives prominence to the moody, foreboding sky. Nicely done.

What I like about this image is that you're thinking outside of the box and attempting to do something different with this snowy scene. Instead on placing the tree in the context of the landscape, you've focused in on the details. Using the trunk of the tree as the main leading line, the eye is led to a feast of textures with the frost/snow clinging to branches. I'd consider cropping out the branches sneaking on the left for a cleaner composition but otherwise it's good to see some creative thinking.

I rather enjoy the juxtaposition you've captured here, with the silhouette of the flamingos leading into the city skyline beyond. The light is ethereal and lends itself to the monochrome processing. The composition works well by splitting the image into two, but I would have liked a bit more headroom for the top flamingo as it's closeness to the top of the frame is somewhat uncomfortable. That aside, I love the mood you've captured, created and conveyed through this scene.

This is a compelling long exposure that makes the most of the beautiful colours permeating the evening sky. In photography the 'power of three' can elevate a composition and this can be seen here with the three distinct tree shapes appearing from the water. The composition is let down somewhat by the messy foreground in the bottom left and I wonder if there is a way to focus in on just the three trees in the water if you ever visit again. That aside, there's still plenty to enjoy about this image and it's always good to see a well executed long exposure.

I'm trying to work out how you managed to get such an angle on this waterfall because it really makes a difference. It's rare to see images where the angle is looking down on such a scene and this just means there is something new and unique for the viewer to focus on. The long exposure of the waterfall itself is just right to convey the movement and maintain some texture in the water. The composition works with the surrounding foliage framing the waterfall and the little rainbow is the cherry on top. Nicely seen and processed!

Well seen and captured seascape that makes the most of the conditions to create an atmospheric and appealing composition. Using the railing of the pier as a leading line into the structure beyond works well, and the colours in the sky are just lovely, elevating the whole scene. I like that blue cast as it reinforces that this is the end of the day.

This image is all about the colours and the textures of mountains/cliffs. The colours seem to build up in layers, changing from vibrant greens at the bottom of the valley to rich yellows and burnt oranges before seemingly fading to a more muted beige/brown. The overcast lighting conditions help to even out the tones, but I would consider cropping out some of the sky as it adds very little to the scene and distracts from the beauty of those layers.

Landscape photography is a blend of conditions, content and composition and this is a great example of all three. The layers that you've captured make for a compelling image, from the frozen surface of the lake to the snow-capped mountains in the mid-ground. However, the real star of the show here is that cloud formation traversing the sky, catching a little colour from the dying embers of the day. You're right to give a prominence to the clouds so they dominate the image as they raise a pedestrian scene to something altogether magical.

It's always great when you get outside to walk the dogs and find yourself under a gorgeous sunset. It seems that your dogs are good enough to let you take an image or two during the perambulation (whereas mine whines if I stand still for two seconds). The sky that you've captured in this image is phenomenal with the deep blues and oranges arching over the greenery of the woodland. I'm a fan of reflections, especially on a calm day like this one appears to be. The reflection here doesn't quite live up to the sky above and I'd recommend using a circular polariser to help elevate reflections in future. That aside, thanks for sharing such a dramatic scene.

There's plenty to enjoy about this image, from the marrying up of the urban on the right side to a more traditional landscape on the left. The deep blues contrast well with the fabulous colour traversing the sky, reflecting the last light of the day. The boats add scale to the scene and the decision to place the horizon in the middle works well. The hint of the city lights turning on contrasts with the colours of the sunset and overall this is a really pleasing image. Well seen and captured.

This is a nice, classic landscape that demonstrates good knowledge of how to compose an image for maximum impact. Using the wild flowers in the foreground and the natural sweep of the cliff bay provides a lead in to the castle on the right hand side. You've controlled the exposure well, providing even tones throughout the scene. I would recommend cropping out the wooden post in the bottom right as it takes away some of the impact.

One of the joys of owning a drone is the ability to get image that would have otherwise been impossible without air travel over the scene. I'm a big fan of these kind of top down images that give an overview of the topography and allow the viewer to see the landscape from an altogether different angle. What I like about this particular example is the contrast in colours between the water, the surf, the beach and the trees beyond. There's a plethora of textures and patterns existing together. Nicely seen and captured.

Although this is not a traditional landscape and (possibly) doesn't meet to brief for this comp, I like to think everything is open to interpretation and photography should encourage creative exploration/the breaking down of boundaries, so after reading your explanation I felt it prudent to include it in my highly commended section because it reminds us that this medium is extremely subjective and that's a good thing. Explanation aside, I very much enjoyed the abstract nature of this image and the bold usage of black and white to create a 'Ying/Yang'. Thanks for sharing.

There's plenty to enjoy about all the different elements in this image, from the low cloud drifting along the water, to the side light catching the hillside as well as the tree branch. I can see why you've included the tree as it does act as a leading line, but it's position in the middle of the image is uncomfortable. It would have worked better if it was positioned to the right as the sweep of the branch is to the left and that would create a flow moving from the tree to the landscape beyond.

Every time I see an image of Patagonia it increases my desire to visit. It must have been a wonderful sight to behold, even more so on a calm day with such a perfect reflection. The variation in colour from the bottom of those peaks to the top is truly lovely, complimented by the blue sky reflecting in the lake beneath. The processing has made the image a little muddy which may be as a result of too much contrast, but I appreciate that post-processing is very much a personal choice. Thanks for sharing.