New Joiners - Landscapes #740
Lynseyoxton1979

New Joiners - Landscapes #740

October 2023

This is an example of why the best camera is the one you have on you because it means you're able to capture fleeting moments such as this one. You've done well with the composition, using the beach and the groins as a way to lead the eye into the really exciting part of that image which is the sunset/sunrise. You've caught the sun just as it's touching the horizon, creating a crescendo of colour into the sky. The high cloud formations are helping add some texture to the sky, and even the contrails of a passing airplane aids the composition by mimicking the path of the groins below. Nicely seen.

Entry 18051286
2nd
16

A classic reflection shot that benefits from breaking the rule of thirds and positioning the horizon in the middle of the frame. Although the reflection isn't perfect, I like the texture that the ripples in the water provide, and there is still enough clarity to create a reflection on the trees on the far shoreline and the hint of colour in the clouds above. The lack of light makes the image a little muddy but there is still plenty to enjoy here.

This is a fabulously evocative landscape that contains a clear and intriguing narrative. The line of the sheep wandering up the hill follows the curve in the landscape, leading the eye to the two human figures standing on the far left. I love that one is holding a staff and the other appears to be taking a much needed drink. Their presences adds scale and context the to scene, presenting another part of the story.

Content aside, the conditions are also really interesting, with the kicked up dust providing atmosphere, catching the rich side light and giving the appearance of mist with the sheep disappearing and reappearing. A magical image that demonstrates the human relationship with the landscape.

This lighthouse image does exactly what you'd expect it to, and it does it well. I like your composition, with the lighthouse taking up the right of the frame, leaving room for the sea to fill up the left. The contrast between the darker headland and the sea works well. The defined horizon gives way to the colour and vibrancy of the sunset (or sunrise), framing the lighthouse and the surrounding elements. There is a little bit of noise in the foreground which may mean the image was a tad underexposed, but this doesn't detract too much from the overall effectiveness of the composition.

Entry 18063377
68th
4

This is definitely my kind of morning. There's nothing quite as exciting as arriving at a location to find mist and fog and the light breaking through as the sun rises. Your image captures the atmosphere of such a morning well, with the still waters reflecting back the surrounding landscape, the distance hills hazy against the fog and the sun pushing its way through the low cloud. The additional details of the ducks/geese on the water help too. I'd be inclined to push further into the scene as there is a lot of negative space above and below the landscape in the middle which gives it the feeling of it free floating. That said, the inclusion of the sun does add to the atmosphere. Thanks for sharing.

This is a simple scene that makes the most of the conditions. I like that the main focal point of the image, the bridge, appears to be floating in the middle of the water. It gives the image an almost eerie feeling. The band of low cloud on the horizon helps as we are unable to see across to the shoreline, and the warm colours catching in the sky and the water give the image a little something extra. I would crop out the twigs that have snuck into the top of the frame as they pull the eye out the image and add nothing to the composition.

Bamburgh Castle is a staple of any photographer who has had the pleasure of exploring the North East coast and for good reason. The silhouette that the castle cuts in the landscape makes for the perfect focal point against the backdrop of wide open beaches and big skies. When the conditions are right, it can make for some excellent imagery, like this here, with the morning sky full of hue and colour, reflecting in the rocky foreground. Although I'm sure they were a bit of an annoyance at the time, I actually like the people in the distance, they add scale. The contrast between the warm tones in the sky and the cooler tones of the rocks also works well. Thanks for sharing.

Entry 18067680
26th
6
Entry 18068756
55th
2
Entry 18068947
43rd
4
Entry 18069763
12th
11
Entry 18072433
69th
4

I always love it when I see an image of a place that has never featured before in this contest, and that's especially satisfying when that image is as well done as this one. Your composition is spot on, and my eye follows the bridge from the headland off out of the right of the frame. This is helped by the fact you've implemented the technique of long exposure to capture the headlights of cars passing over the bridge, complimented by the hint of colour in the sky above. The tones of the image are great, and I love the detail of the graffiti on the base of the bridge. Nicely seen, captured and processed.

I really like this image. There is a nostalgia inherent in the processing and the content, aided by the decision to shoot directly into the low sun so everything is backlit, giving it a cinematic quality. This is further elevated by the geese/ducks flying over.

My only frustration is the poor resolution of the image, which means a lot of the details and nuance are lost. I'd love to see it at a higher resolution to fully enjoy all it's cinematic quality.

One of the staples of autumn and winter is the promise of fog and mist, especially in woodland. This can create some interesting and atmospheric conditions as witnessed here. I like that there are no leaves left on the trees. Instead, the forest colour is a vibrant carpet of oranges, harking back to the autumn that has just passed. Because of the dense fog, the trees seem to disappear into the woodland the further back the eye wanders, and I like the angle you've chosen where it appears like the trees are arching over us in a foreboding manner. An image full of narrative and atmosphere.

Crowd
winner
Entry 18083921
4th
12

This is an intriguing scene which seems to depict a quiet battle between light and shade. The shoreline on the left is bathed in rich light, adding texture and colour, whereas the shoreline on the left is covered in shade (for the most part). Your composition seemingly positions each side in opposition to each other and demonstrates a powerful contrast between the warmer and cooler part of the image. The long exposure ensures that the water (and reflection) is smooth and without distraction, as well as providing some texture in the clouds. A powerful composition and demonstrates you have the eye for an interesting scene.

Entry 18088238
54th
1
23
Expert
winner

This is a fascinating drone shot that has so much tonality and colour. I love the variation in different shades of blue, from the aqua on the far right of the frame to the deeper blues and turquoise on the far left. The water is interrupted by the swells and headland, adding some much needed warm tones to the scene. However, the part that really works for me is the outline of that tidal swimming pool built into the rock, capturing some of the aqua colour. The outline of the steps and the uniformity of the square contrast with the chaos of natures surrounding rock formations. This is one of those images that really asks the viewer to look closer. Really nicely done.

96 Photographers

6,904 Ratings

100 Images entered

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Welcome to Photocrowd’s ‘Landscapes’ contest for New Joiners! These contests are a chance for new members to introduce their photography to the community, and get a taste of how Photocrowd contests work. They can be entered by anyone within their first 28 days of joining Photocrowd. After 100 images have been submitted the contest closes and the Crowd will start rating the images. The Expert Judge will also be judging the images and writing reviews at the same time. All the winners, both Crowd and Expert, will be announced after 3 days of judging. Make sure you also check out our two other New Joiners contests - ‘People’ and ‘Animals’.

Entry 18080149
42nd
1

An evocative image that uses the elements in the frame to powerful effect. I love that low sun warming the frame and the hint of the ocean behind the tranquil setting of the tidal swimming pool, catching the light. What really makes the image for me though, is the arm of the swimmer poking up through the water as they undertake their early morning exercise. It just adds a little bit of a human element and makes the whole image work.

Not just a rainbow, but a double rainbow! It must have been quite a sight to behold! I like that you've included some of the foreground rock, which is wet and therefore adds contrast and the rushing flow of the waterfall itself, pouring over the cliff with torrential vigour. The horizon feels like it might be a little off, which might be because the rock formation in the background isn't uniform but you may find that adjusting slightly in post makes the image even more interesting.

There is plenty to enjoy in this image. I love that you've gone for a portrait orientation rather than a traditional landscape rendition as it means the frame hold the eye and there are few distracting elements. It also means we get the river at the bottom of the frame and the mountains and clouds at the top, which gives the scene an almost dreamy feel. I love all the detail of the rice fields below, and the dotted residences. Just a really good use of a drone to capture a wide field of view, thanks for sharing.