New Joiners - Landscapes #776

Although I find the triangular shaped structure on the left of the composition a bit heavy and unnecessary, overall this is a very pleasing and tranquil photo. The wispy clouds are inviting and I like the cool, blue hue. I would clone out the contrail in the top left, though.

I do love the backlighting in this image, highlighting the fresh, green leaves. The long inky shadows of the trees help lead the viewer's eye into the frame, and this is a nicely seen and captured shot. However, I do find the scooter, bike, and bag on the picnic table a bit messy and distracting. I would also crop a little off the right of the composition to exclude the lady in the red jumper.

I love the atmosphere of this scene - who can resist mirror-like reflections, wisps of mist, and cool, twilight tones. I like the letterbox aspect ratio, but I'm not sure about the branches hanging down in the top corners. The leaves overlap and merge into the background trees in the top right, which I find a bit irritating. Otherwise, a lovely moody shot.

This is a smashing dog portrait - lovely composition, depth of field, light and context. However, it really doesn't qualify as a landscape, which is why I have only awarded this photo with a Merit. Try entering this into one of the Animal's New Joiners contests instead.

The crepuscular rays - also known as 'God rays' - striking the dark, mountain peaks create a really dramatic photo. The wide aspect ratio suits this landscape. The processing is maybe a little too contrasty and aggressive for my own personal taste. However, if this was my shot, I would try converting it to black and white - I think it would convert well.

This is a nice urban view possessing excellent symmetry (both vertical and horizontal). I love the cool, twilight tones in the sky which contrast nicely with the warm artificial lighting. I might have considered stopping down the lens by another stop or two to create more obvious star bursts, but it is a strong image as it is.

This is a complex scene, but the photographer has composed this image thoughtfully and the result is very engaging. The rocky river directs the viewer's eye into the frame and the light-play on the hills beyond adds depth and interest. To my eye, the overall tone of the shot is maybe a little too cool and saturated for the scene, but - as we all know - processing is a highly personal and subjective thing.

Although very beautiful, this looks like a challenging and contrasty scene to photograph. I think the photographer has identified an excellent viewpoint and composed this shot very well. The shutter length is just right in my opinion, with a lovely creative level of motion that highlights the texture and energy of the river. The file is well processed, with a nice natural level of detail revealed.

This is a well seen composition, with the photographer creatively using the shapes (that almost mimic a mountain range) in the glacial ice as engaging foreground interest. The low sun provides soft, attractive light. The wonky horizon needs to straightened, though.

Landscape photography is all about being in the right place at the right time and this is another dramatic and atmospheric capture. I love the layers within this scene, and the combination of light and dark creates a good feeling of depth. Personally, I would crop this image to remove some of the sky and lose that bright, white patch in the top right. Doing do would strengthen the composition further.

This is a dramatic shot, with the dark smoke billowing out of the volcano. I love the simplicity and symmetry of the composition and the detail appearing from behind the low cloud. There are a few dust spots that need removing from the bottom right and top left. Dust spots often appear more obvious and prominent if you apply lots of contrast, dehaze, or clarity.

This scene has plenty of potential, with nice reflections and colourful evening sky. However, the dark, silhouetted foreground dominates this image - there is too much of it. Next time, get closer to the water's edge and then use the jetties as a lead-in line for a simpler, more effective composition.

This is a colourful and impactful shoot with the yellow oilseed rape contrasting well with the deep blue, over-polarised sky. I would like to know more about how this image was captured, though, as the light and shade doesn't look quite right to me. If it is a composite, it is useful to know as it makes it easier to provide feedback.

This is a thoughtfully composed shot. The two side-by-side trees make a lovely focal point and the branches provide an effective partial frame (its just a shame about that one, leafless branch which is a little ugly and distracting). The buttercups add a splash of colour and a lovely summer vibe.