New Joiners - Landscapes #720

I do like the simplicity and minimalism of this photo of reflected rocks. It is a well seen image and an effective study of an interesting formation. The horizontal rocks on the far left and right of the frame are a little bright and distracting, though - I would look at the original file again to see if any highlight detail can be recovered.

This is a wonderful vista. The snowy mountains provide a dramatic backdrop. The composition is nicely balanced, but the foreground rocks are not as sharp as the rest of the scene. A larger depth of field - or possibly a slightly closer focusing point - would have rendered the scene sharp from front-to-back.

This is a thoughtfully composed shot with the rocks on the left acting as a counter-balance to the distant coast and cliffs on the right. The texture of the sand adds interest, while the long exposure has had a positive effect on the cloud's movement. Despite the slightly flat light, this is a well captured seascape.

This is the most amazing view, and the light play produces lovely depth and drama. There is lots to like about this photo, but I'm unsure about the inclusion of the two hikers. They are very central in the frame and - rather than adding interest and a sense of scale - I find them quite distracting and awkward. In my opinion, this particular shot would be better without anyone in the frame.

I love the way this road winds its way through the forest. The photographer has used a slightly longer focal length in this instance to foreshorten perspective and highlight the road's shape. The colourful autumnal trees are stunning and the composition is effective. It is just a shame that the various cables and signs prove a little distracting.

I think the photographer has done the right thing in this instance, by placing the horizon centrally. Doing so has created a lovely sense of symmetry - and the calm conditions help produce a tranquil looking result. Some light play on the hills behind would certainly have helped provide added depth and drama, but otherwise this is a well captured landscape.

One of the key ingredients to any successful landscape photo is 'mood' - and this photo has bundles of it. The low, dark clouds hanging over the hills are atmospheric - and there is just enough light play to separate the layers within the landscape - providing depth and interest. Telephoto lenses are superb for foreshortening perspective.

Compositionally, this is a good shot. Using the road as a lead-in line, directing the viewer's eye toward the snowy mountains, creates great depth. Unfortunately, the image quality is quite low - the file is a bit soft and mushy. Hopefully the original is sharper, but based on the photo submitted, this shot doesn't make my top 10.

I do like the way the foreground ledges, and the wispy cloud, all appear to be directing the eye inward. It is always worth keeping an eye on the corner's of your composition, and including elements that will imply depth. The saturated sky is impactful and, overall, this is a punchy shot.

Despite the flat light, this is a really interesting composition and perspective. It is a shame the photographer didn't supply a background story - why is there such a contrast in the landscape, with lush countryside one side and a baron landscape on the other? It is potentially an interesting, environmental story. A well seen and captured photo.

I'm no expert when it comes to nighttime photography or cityscapes. This shot has loads of impact. The composition and exposure are good, and the slow shutter has added a sense of movement to the ferris wheel. I'm guessing the sky has been 'dropped in', though - the stars wouldn't be this clear in a city due to light pollution, and there is no reflection either.

This is a really effective composition, with the rainbow framing the sunlight tree. The photographer has reacted well to capture this shot with their iPhone, but in my view the colours are a little too vivid - the blues in particular. The central tree is also a little overexposed - some negative compensation would have helped retain detail in the highlights. I think a few minor tweaks in editing could really enhance this shot.

Vertical orientation suits this scene and the photographer has intelligently used the river as a lead-in line, drawing the eye through the frame toward the mountains and waterfall in the backdrop. The low cloud and dark sky add drama and the crystal blue water adds a splash of colour. The light is a little flat, sadly, but otherwise this is a well constructed image.

This is a lovely wintry image. While I find the group of telegraph poles behind the farmer a little distracting, overall this is a simple, yet interesting composition. The foggy conditions, snowy trees, flock of sheep, and shepherd combine to create an engaging rural view. I might be tempted to look at this photo in black and white also.

Yosemite is synonymous with Ansel Adams - one of the pioneers of landscape photography. This photo certainly has a Ansel Adams feel to it. The black and white conversion really highlights the contrast, shapes, and texture within this scene. A well balanced and timeless looking photo.