New Joiners - Landscapes #895

This shot has lots of impact. The wind turbine and white fluffy clouds standout boldly against the oversaturated deep blue sky. I like the viewpoint and also the dramatic cool tone of the shot. However, I might be tempted to straighten the turbine, rather than have it leaning - this is easy enough to correct using the Transform tool in Lightroom.

The colour of the sky really helps make this photo - providing warmth and drama. London's photogenic skyline is instantly recognisable. I would consider revealing a tiny bit more shadow information and detail in editing, but otherwise an attractive cityscape.

What an impressive and dramatic skyline. It is also a good sky with lovely warmth and atmosphere. The foreground waves are arguably a bit choppy and messy, but overall it's a good shot. Unfortunately, file quality is lacking - the shot lacks critical sharpness. Although they are getting better and better, camera phones can still struggle in low light due to their small sensor size.

I do love reflected landscapes. They convey such a fantastic sense of calm and tranquility. You don't need to include foreground objects or interest as the reflection provides this. This shot isn't quite symmetrical, as the photographer has included more space at the top of the frame than at the bottom. Personally, I would look at the original file again and potentially crop it slightly differently so that the image is perfectly symmetrical and balanced.

This is a fantastic waterfall - incredibly impressive. The relatively slow shutter speed has created a nice level of motion blur - long enough to be creative, but short enough to retain texture and some detail. The shot is nicely composed, and the overcast conditions suit the subject. I might just be tempted to pull back the highlight detail very slightly as it looks a little washed-out in places.

This is a fun and well constructed shot with a slight 'Sound of Music' vibe! The Tetons create an extraordinary background, full of interest and drama. The combination of light and shade provides depth and contrast and the person (and hat!) are well positioned. However, I wonder if the trees on the left and the barn on the right either need to be 'in or out' of the shot, rather than awkwardly placed falling out of frame.

Although it lacks a key focal point, this is an interesting scene. It's quite a hard, harsh landscape, but it contains lovely layers and texture. The light-play helps separate and define the various peaks and provide contrast and depth. The moody sky suits the scene.

This is a very simple and painterly looking photo. That lovely warm sky provides immediate impact and a colourful backdrop. The little, silhouetted tree provides a much needed point of interest. And the photographer has intelligently placed the tree nicely on a dividing third to produce the most engaging composition.

When the sun is this bright and intense it is very difficult to avoid overexposure, and I find the burnt-out highlights a bit of a distraction. But the golden sidelight on the landscape is attractive and the foreground wall acts as a neat lead-in. The specks of green coloured flare would be easy enough to remove using a Clone or Healing tool or AI.

Wow! What a sky! I love the mixture of warm and cool pastel tones - a photographer's dream. Unfortunately, the landscape itself lacks interest and a focal point - a tree, building or landmark maybe? Unfortunately, a great sky alone isn't enough to create a compelling and engaging landscape.

This is a lovely, colourful photo that just oozes summertime. It is a nicely framed and captured image. The butterfly is perfectly positioned and really 'makes' the shot. However, the image doesn't really qualify as a landscape in my book., hence why I've only given it a Merit.

What a nicely composed and captured image! The path and walls provide a powerful lead-in line, directing the viewer's eye to the light beyond. The mist has softened and diffused the scene - and the file is sensitively and well processed too. An engaging photo boasting depth and atmosphere.

I like how the photographer has used the trees to frame the mountain peak behind. The trees create an enticing window to the 'outside' and also provide texture and depth. The midday light is a little harsh, but overall a nicely seen and captured shot.

So sorry to hear you've had some tough times and dark thoughts. Hopefully you are now in a better place. Photography is a great creative outlet and can also hugely benefit your mental health, helping you to reconnect with the outdoors and nature - and providing breathing space and the ability to process the stresses of life. Stay positive - and keep taking photos!