New Joiners - Landscapes #853

It is always challenging photographing a landscape full of similar tones. Light play becomes essential to provide contrast, separation, and depth within the scene. The photographer has timed this shot well, with light and shade shaping the landscape. The little tree in the foreground provides a focal point, and the gap in the rock provides a corridor to the landscape beyond. A well constructed image given the challenging landscape type.

I like the idea behind this shot, but in reality there is too much distance between the two key elements. The snow covered peak and moon need to be closer together - or even aligned - for this shot to truly work. As it is, the composition feels rather unbalanced, with too much empty, wasted space in key areas of the frame.

Using out of focus foliage to create a partial 'dirty frame' for the bridge works well in this instance, providing depth and interest. This is a nice, atmospheric shot. The twinkling lights and warmth of the artificial lighting adding interest and contrast.

This is an interesting landscape, bathed in soft, warm sunlight. However, in my view, the photographer has dedicated far too much of the image-space to sky. Big skies can work well when they are interesting and dramatic. But it's often best to ration clear, blue skies and focus on the landscape or foreground interest instead. In this instance, I would crop the shot into a panoramic aspect ratio to keep the emphasis on the rugged landscape.

This is a great viewpoint and the conditions are good too, with a hint of colour and lots of interest in the sky. A small aperture has a helped create a 'sunburst' or 'sun star'. Although the sun itself is a little over-exposed, I don't feel it detracts from the image greatly. The composition is strong, and the sheep add interest and scale too.

Always check your images for dust spots and little distractions. Sensor dirt is most obvious on clear skies, and in this instance you can see a number of spots in the top right corner of the frame. Thankfully, these are easy enough to remove using a Clone or Healing brush. Ultimately, it is worth getting the sensor cleaned, though.

This is a striking shot, created by the wide, distorted perspective of an ultra wide-angle focal length. Pointing the camera directly up toward the tree tops has caused the trunks to converge, and created a vanishing point that gives the shot great depth and interest. I love the texture and repetition. A well seen and dynamic shot.

This is a really interesting and different scene. It is not your classic 'pretty seascape', although the conditions and light are attractive. It's quite a poignant shot really, with the remnants of D-Day littering the beach where walkers and holidaymakers peacefully enjoy the beach and sunset. A nicely constructed and processed shot.

This is a well seen and composed landscape. The photographer has positioned themselves carefully to ensure the reeds all neatly fit within Mount Fuji's profile. Placing the mountain centrally is effective in this instance and the textures and tones are complimentary. It's a shot you appreciate more the longer you look at it.

The big, moody sky really adds drama to this scene. Barren landscapes like this can be hard to photograph, lacking obvious foreground interest. But the old stump anchors the composition well. The foreground feels a little dark and dull overall, though Therefore, I would be tempted to select the foreground and increase exposure ever so slightly.

This is a really impressive, far-reaching vista. I like the cool, blue twilighty tones, which convey a sense of tranquility. The reflections add to the sense of calm. The lack of cloud is unfortunate. I don't think the sky justifies having half the image-space. Personally, I would lose a slice of sky and crop this photo into a narrower aspect ratio.

Although this is a very popular and well photographed viewpoint, when the conditions are this good, how can any landscape photographer resist? The warm, low sunlight beautifully reveals the texture in the mountains, while the heavy cloud provides drama. The dusting of snow completes the scene, with the red, stilted dwellings providing context, interest, and impact. A well composed and lovely image.

This is a gorgeous rural view - lush green fields, colourful wildflowers, and attractive side light. This shot has lots of instant impact and vibrancy. The blue sky is maybe a little too punchy - if a polarising filter was used, I would say it's very slightly over-polarised. And some highlight detail is lost in the top right of the frame where the sky is brightest. But overall, a very impactful landscape.

This looks like it could be some sort of screensaver or lock screen! I like photos of this style - simple, moody, and striking. The dark outline of both mountains reach down toward the little lone building. The lighting also helps draw your eye to the dwelling, while placing it centrally gives it added weight. A simple, yet effective photo.

I love the simplicity and boldness of silhouetted scenes. The two little islands work well in silhouette, and create a pleasing balance with one another. As your eye explores the image more closely, you spot the outline of the occasional deer or bird, which adds further interest. This photo is almost mono in nature, but that soft hint of warmth in the sky does add to the overall atmosphere.