New Joiners - Landscapes #842
Chris Saunders

New Joiners - Landscapes #842

February 2025

Entry 23112595
7th
8
Crowd and
Expert winner

This is a stunning composition with a great balance between foreground texture and the imposing mountains in the background. The warm light on the peaks contrasts beautifully with the cooler tones of the sky and foreground, adding depth. The variety of textures, from the black sand to the rugged rocks and tufts of grass, keeps the viewer engaged. If anything, the sky could benefit from a bit more tonal variation to enhance the mood even further. A truly captivating shot!

This is a stunning black-and-white landscape with a raw, almost otherworldly feel. The contrast between the rugged foreground and the distant mountains adds great depth. The texture in the foreground ice and rocks make it feel immersive. The sky has just enough drama to complement the scene without overpowering it. If anything, maybe a slight boost in midtones would enhance the details in the snow-covered peaks, but that’s a minor tweak. Overall, it’s got that classic, timeless look that works really well in monochrome.

his is a striking landscape shot with a fantastic mix of textures and depth. The moss-covered lava rocks contrast beautifully with the patches of snow, adding an almost otherworldly feel to the scene. The leading path on the right guides the viewer’s eye naturally into the image, while the distant mountains and dramatic sky add depth and atmosphere.

If anything, perhaps a slight change in the shadows could help bring out some more detail in the darker areas of the moss and rocks. But overall, this is an excellent capture of a rugged, dramatic landscape!

Entry 23117721
11th
10

This has a really calming, dreamy feel to it. The pastel tones in the sky and water work beautifully together, and the smooth water effect adds to the peaceful mood. The composition is strong, with the shoreline and palm trees leading the eye into the scene. If anything, the darkest rocks in the foreground could use a slight lift in detail, just to balance things out a bit. But overall, it’s got that classic sunset tranquillity that makes you want to be there.

Entry 23126897
26th
2

This image has a beautiful simplicity to it, there’s something really intimate about the two figures walking into the dunes. The muted tones and overcast sky add to the quiet, contemplative mood. Compositionally, the figures are well-placed, though a bit more breathing room above them might help balance things. The grasses in the foreground add great texture, but the focus feels a little soft in some areas. A subtle increase in sharpness could bring out more depth. Overall, it’s a lovely, understated shot that tells a quiet story.

Entry 23127631
27th
24

This black-and-white shot captures the iconic bridge with strong structural details, leading the eye toward the city skyline. The contrast between the intricate iron framework and the modern buildings in the distance adds depth and layers to the composition. The reflection on the water and the inclusion of the boat bring extra interest. A slightly wider crop could have allowed more breathing space around the bridge, and adjusting the brightness of the shadows might help bring out even more detail. Still, it’s a solid, well-executed urban scene with a striking mood.

This is a stunning capture with a dramatic mix of warm and cool tones. The lightning strike on the left balances beautifully with the fiery sunset on the right, creating an incredible contrast. The reflection on the water adds depth, and the boats give a sense of scale. If anything, slightly lifting the shadows in the foreground might help bring out more detail in the water and boats. Still, the composition and timing are excellent—this is a well-executed shot with a real sense of atmosphere and drama.

Entry 23133947
3rd
15

This is a beautifully serene composition with a warm, inviting glow. The soft morning (or evening) mist adds a dreamy quality, and the placement of the church and tree creates a balanced focal point. The rolling hills in the background enhance the depth, giving the image a timeless feel. The sky, however, feels a little too blown out, which might be fixable by adjusting the exposure or using a bracketed shot, Still, the atmosphere and light are fantastic—it's got that classic, peaceful countryside charm.

Entry 23140583
36th
1
Entry 23143069
56th
1
Entry 23143273
50th
1

This is a beautifully detailed aerial winter landscape with a striking contrast between the frost-covered valley and the sunlit hills. The winding river and roads add strong leading lines, guiding the eye through the image. The selective warmth on the higher elevations adds a nice touch of depth.

100 Images entered

Entry 23144054
54th
2
Entry 23147957
10th
8

This is a beautifully atmospheric shot with a great wintery feel. The frost-covered ground and the misty sunrise create a soft, ethereal quality. The placement of the trees is strong, adding a natural frame to the glowing sun. The subtle gradient in the sky is lovely, but the exposure might benefit from a slight lift in the shadows to bring out a bit more detail in the foreground. That said, the darker foreground does add to the sense of depth. A solid, well-balanced composition that really captures the mood of a cold morning.

Entry 23151138
24th
8

This is a strong seascape with a dreamy, ethereal quality thanks to the long exposure. The misty water contrasts beautifully with the sharp, textured rocks, adding depth and visual interest. The warm tones in the sky balance well with the cooler foreground. Compositionally, the sun is well-placed, but the brightest area near the horizon could be slightly tamed to retain detail. The foreground is rich in texture but could use a touch more clarity to enhance the fine details. Overall, a well-executed, atmospheric coastal scene with great mood and movement.

A really nice autumn scene with vibrant yellows that pop against the muted landscape. The trees are well-placed compositionally, acting as a strong focal point. The soft, diffused light works well for a natural, painterly look, but the sky feels a little flat, perhaps adding some texture or contrast could help. The houses in the background provide context but also slightly compete for attention. A lower angle might have minimized them. Overall, a pleasant seasonal capture with great colour but could benefit from a bit more depth in the sky.

This is a stunning composition, blending the lush Tuscan countryside with the drama of an approaching storm. The contrast between the vibrant foreground flowers and the dark, moody sky adds great depth. The winding road lined with trees leads the eye beautifully toward the villa, creating a strong visual journey. The lightning bolts in the background are a fantastic addition, elevating the sense of atmosphere. If anything, slightly adjusting the highlights in the sky could bring out even more drama in the clouds. A truly dynamic and well-executed shot!

Brief

See more contest details

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’.

97 Photographers

7,669 Ratings

Meet the expert judge

Entry 23108957
20th
6

This is a strong cityscape with a great balance between the skyline and dramatic clouds. The light is working in your favour, adding depth and contrast to the buildings. The water in the foreground adds a nice reflective quality, though it might benefit from a slight crop to bring more attention to the skyline. The clouds add a sense of movement and atmosphere, but they’re quite dominant, maybe a slight exposure adjustment could help balance them with the buildings. Overall, it is a well-framed and striking composition.

Entry 23153720
59th
3

This image captures a beautifully desolate and isolated scene. The muted tones and soft mist create an almost dreamlike atmosphere, reinforcing the remoteness of the icy landscape. The small settlement on the rocky outcrop adds a fascinating focal point, offering a sense of scale against the vast, cold waters and drifting icebergs.

If anything, a subtle lift in mid-tones might help bring out more texture in the snow and ice without losing the delicate mood. But overall, this is a stunning, moody, and atmospheric capture!

Entry 23163791
83rd
1
Entry 23165850
21st
6