New Joiners - Landscapes #633

Nice to see a take on the classic beach scene, making the most of the the sunset and the warm evening light. It's interesting that this was shot in Harlech as it could be a shot from the North Shore of Hawaii which is testament to the mood that you've created. You've done well to control the strong exposure shooting directly towards that low sun, and the silhouette of the people with their dog really elevates the image. The people are balanced out by the seagull on the right and the panoramic crop works well. Nicely seen, captured and processed.

You've captured some lovely autumnal colours in this scene. I like that you've used the wooden bridge as a way to lead the eye into the foliage beyond. The bend of the river and the colour of the water compliments the woodland, and the misty, atmospheric sky elevates the mood of the whole image.

This image has a fairytale feel to it, with the castle standing on the hill and the dreamy light that covers every part of the frame. I like your choice of composition, with the castle on the left and the landscape beyond on the right, with the foliage at the bottom of the frame helping to lead the eye into the scene. The light is really lovely, although unfortunately it's blown out the highlights which leaves a large portion of the image without any detail with is a shame. That said, the mood and atmosphere of the image remains.

You've tried to think outside the traditional landscape box and I have to commend that. I like the low angle and the fact you've capture the incoming tide in motion before it hits the shoreline. The shallow depth of field focusses attention on the water and the pebbles on the shoreline catching the light. I would recommend straightening the horizon for a more effective outcome.

I love all the different patterns and symmetry you've captured in this urban scene. Your positioning is perfect and the green colours of the bridge compliments the grey overcast sky. The tram lines lead the eye through the image and the tight framing works well. Nicely seen and captured.

If this was just an image of the scree slope of the mountain and the sky, it wouldn't be particularly interesting, but the inclusion of the hikers making their way up to the submit turns the image into one that has a narrative. It provides scale and it provides story. The black and white processing works well, with the small patches of snow balancing out the darker scree.

This is a quintessentially rural image that uses the classic scene of hay bales in a field as the main compositional feature. However, the fact that you've shot the scene at sunset adds some interest to the landscape, and positioning the sunstar between the two bales demonstrates an understanding of how to create a compelling composition. The processing is stylised but it works for the mood you want to convey. I would consider straightening the horizon in the background to create even more impact.

This is an eerie, intriguing image that makes the most of the conditions. It's even more interesting that this was shot at sunset rather than sunrise. It's not often you seen mist in the evening and somehow this knowledge ensures the image is even more atmospheric. The broken and sparse trees remind me of the paintings from World War I & II as if some great catastrophe had befallen the landscape. The blue colour cast adds to the eerie feel and overall this is just a really evocative image.

Although this isn't a traditional landscape it incorporates a traditional landscape into the scene and I really enjoyed the method of delivery. Your image has a real cinematic feel, and it could be an establishing scene from a thriller. There's just a real mood to the shot which is emphasised by the editing choices and the framing of the window. Really nicely done!

I'm aware that a shot of dunes in the desert did well in last week's 'New Joiners' landscape contest, but this image is far and away my pick of the week and therefore rightfully sits in the top spot. The light catching on the sand is absolutely divine, emphasising the relationship between the highlights and the shadows. The exclusion of the sky means the eye just focusses on the patterns and texture, and the image is provided a sense of scale by the lone figure making their way through the scene. An image that shows an understanding of composition and processing. Nicely done.

I like to see people experimenting with the landscape and what we consider to be 'landscape photography'. I like to see people getting out of their comfort zone and looking at a scene from a different perspective. Using the daisies as the foreground here works really well, with the delicate detail of the spider's web arching from one flower to the other. The foggy atmosphere helps distinguish the foreground to the background. I'd consider straightening the horizon to make the image even more impactful.

You use the word 'serene' in the title of this image and when I first saw it that was the first words that popped into my mind. The cool tones of the landscape contrasting with the warm colours of the boats and houses beyond, and the gentle current on the water reflecting those purples and blues. The lone bird in the sky adds a little bit of interest. The only detractor is the large dust spot at the top of the image. That could easily be removed in post to create an even more impactful image.

I love all the bold colours in this image, they really make it pop. Those yellows, blues and reds spring out from the wall on which they're resting and compliment the bright, white of the houses beyond and the vibrant blue of the sky. It reminds me of holidays in foreign countries, taking it all in and feeling the warmth. Nicely seen and captured!