SlideArtist Loc: Connecticut

I am no expert-I think your sample images would be considered landscape in the two camera club I compete in regularly. The trail provides a way for me to enter into the landscape and the weather is a big part of the story. he images wants me to go down the trail and around the bend to see what's there. It holds interest for me. I use very basic (Faststone) software , not photoshop shop or others. Keep having fun with your work. If you're pleased and happy with it, your photograph is successful- in my opinion.

mindzye Loc: WV

mindzye Loc: WV

To quote RG "Taking the posted image as an example, if the photographer had been able to move to the right he would have been able to choose a line of sight that led up the creek, in which case the creek would have acted as a natural eye-channeler. That may seem like a trivial thing but that one simple measure would have lifted the shot up a level".

User ID

So you have nothing to contribute ? You just wanna complain about what I have contributed ? Thaz sooooo typically you. Quick look at your archive really tells all.

Wasabi

I like it! Falling snow revives memories, engages the eye and is a beautiful sight. The path and mountain/hill leads the eye/mind into ??? Conclusion; it is the overall scene and its parts.

mindzye Loc: WV

Well heck, happy fingers pushed wrong button. Continuing, I agree with quoted post. Yet not being there keeps me from knowing what elements would be in the way; access - too tall vegetation, etc.

But we go with what is presented nevertheless. In any image, agreed again that what doesn't add to the image should be discarded; i.e. cropping. In the crop presented earlier, it is a subject not really defined by place or surroundings. Fairly static, though I can appreciate the viewpoint of 'honing in' on a particular aspect, as in seeing a picture within a picture.


Think of a stage play or a movie. Do we want close ups -of course already knowing the set/ surrounding environment, or do we connect with the overall scene as it plays out. This can apply with imagery in paintings or photography. What make us connect is the objective in any medium.

Sometimes one can get from an image a feeling of inclusiveness or separation. With this one it feels as if I'm there with the photographer.

In any image I look at to either simply enjoy or asked to critique I first take a look at the overall image and catalog the overall feeling. I like this one; with a few exceptions. With first impressions done, I will divert my attention as I do with my own images. In download mode left on screen I will walk away and then revisit it from a distance, and notice any other/ secondary impressions, often seeing things not noticed on first take.

In RG's comments he is spot on in many regards. I believe in this image, thinking it a worth landscape image or not,
consider making a few adjustments and the why's of it.

R.G. Loc: Scotland

Indeed. Some of the comments are worth a closer look. For example:-

"....the most compelling images tend to be the ones that allow viewers to make sense of what they are seeing..."

That comment was made in reference to the viewer being able to discern the photographer's intention. And that points to one of the most basic skills that a landscape photographer should be seeking to develop - it comes down to the photographer's ability to capture the beauty or atmosphere or interest in what they're seeing. That's not going to happen by random chance.

In addition to that we can also say it doesn't depend on there being a clear main subject in the scene.

If a landscape photographer does a good job of capturing the beauty or atmosphere or interest in what they're shooting, all of the other stuff should fall into place. And a good landscape photographer will be familiar with the techniques that facilitate that kind of capture.

mindzye Loc: WV

Well, heck again. Darn buttons.

Items paired in odd numbers are usually more attractive to the eye than evens. I did this in landscape designs and constructions. Even think of Tesla and his numbers.

If it was cropped on the left too much, it doesn't allow the image to breathe - bookends of dark colors if you will.
Cropping out the lower left yellow vegetation would leave the 3 yellow spots of vegetations (the upper yellow is faint, but discernible nonetheless). Either blend in the upper left slightly bright spot, or clone it in with the surroundings - just a bit of distraction, but does lead the eye.

I like the pairing of the green trees, group of 3 again. ummm, would that be a pair of 3?? ok, I'll go with that...
Whether it is entirely in focus doesn't matter. It's a snowfall environment. The skie's cloudy - with snow.
EVERything in an image doesn't have to be in focus to convey the content or the feeling. The eye and brain picks it up. This is not a close up.

There is a subtle taking of the eye down a light path that leads one to ask "What's down there"?
Yes a more direct view from the right probably would have been advantageous, but again I wasn't there.

And again the room on the left lets the image breathe. There is an issue of the amount of space in the bottom, yet it is supported by vegetation on the lower right, and complimented with virtually the same shape/size/space of the rock just to the right, which helps lead the eye to the path.

A compelling image? Up to the viewer. Could it be improved? I know many of mine can be, and do so to the extent the image will allow. Overall this is a peaceful comforting image, with all the 'in the weeds'
critiquing notwithstanding!

ok finally, here goes with the button pu WTH? now it's not working..... sheeesh
seems like my computer, like my camera, has a mind of it's own......
maybe hitting sen

mindzye Loc: WV

Larry Maxon

You can just take the whole landscape and crop it later when you decide what is the main subject

MDI Mainer

Thanks, glad it's of interest!

MJPerini

I think MDI Mainer has it right
One can get too caught up in rules, that doesn't mean that anything goes, but more about if you are drawn to a subject, for you at least there is usually something there. It is not a guarantee of success, but if you are drawn to it make the frame. You can always decide later if it is worth sharing.
Having said that, there are many times when I go out looking, and do not press the button even once.
That is OK too.
Other times I will see something that looks promising, and stay and work it for a while. Often I'll end up with a picture that is about something other than the thing that first caught my eye.
The pictures have to please you first, if they do that, it is a win. If they also please others, thats also nice.

Archboo3 Loc: Central Florida

I think you have a nice scene, to the creek in the center leads me to see a face on the side of the creek bank. I see 2 eyes, a forehead and a tree sticking out his mouth. I see a subject, and I was lead to it by the following the creek.

User ID

Thaz right, and hes smoking the tree.

A mind is a terrible thing to waste ...
but it can be a whole lotta fun !

grand whazoo

Hah well I love the blurred snow lines, that tells me it was a good day for a hike with a camera.