Lack Of Clouds
Dec 11, 2018 10:38:20 #
I read and hear a lot of people claiming that clouds help make a landscape. I do not disagree, but I think the subject makes a difference. Here are some landscapes shot with cloudless skies that I think might not benefit from the addition of clouds. Your thoughts?
Mount Rushmore
(Download)
Devils Tower Through "The Smoke Ring"
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George In Profile
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Lake Jackson "Postcard"
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Dec 11, 2018 10:42:13 #
I agree. The first several are more subject related. The subjects being the carvings on Mount Rushmore. The Smoke Ring photo is, to me, more of a novelty photo. The last one, definitely needs some clouds.
--Bob
--Bob
Just Fred wrote:
I read and hear a lot of people claiming that clouds help make a landscape. I do not disagree, but I think the subject makes a difference. Here are some landscapes shot with cloudless skies that I think might not benefit from the addition of clouds. Your thoughts?
Dec 11, 2018 10:54:02 #
rmalarz wrote:
I agree. The first several are more subject related. The subjects being the carvings on Mount Rushmore. The Smoke Ring photo is, to me, more of a novelty photo. The last one, definitely needs some clouds.
--Bob
--Bob
I agree on all counts.
Dec 11, 2018 10:56:12 #
Just Fred wrote:
I read and hear a lot of people claiming that clouds help make a landscape. I do not disagree, but I think the subject makes a difference. Here are some landscapes shot with cloudless skies that I think might not benefit from the addition of clouds. Your thoughts?
these seem fine with clear skies.
Dec 11, 2018 11:19:29 #
Steve DeMott
Loc: St. Louis, Missouri (Oakville area)
Just Fred wrote:
I read and hear a lot of people claiming that clouds help make a landscape. I do not disagree, but I think the subject makes a difference. Here are some landscapes shot with cloudless skies that I think might not benefit from the addition of clouds. Your thoughts?
I feel your right. The first three images clouds maybe be a distraction but the forth IMO clouds would help dramatize the mountain.
Here's a pano from the badlands were I feel clouds would/could be a big impact on the total image
On a side note: what's the odds that 4 years apart we have almost the exact same three images?
Dec 11, 2018 11:51:24 #
Fred, I agree with your opening comments and that clear skies for 1 through 3 show off the subjects better. I could see clouds for #4, partly because mountains seem to have clouds around them more often than not. The mistake with adding clouds - not that you ever would 
- that I see is people make them too distinct. So we end up with competition instead of compliment.
- that I see is people make them too distinct. So we end up with competition instead of compliment.Dec 11, 2018 12:55:04 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
Fred, I agree with your opening comments and that clear skies for 1 through 3 show off the subjects better. I could see clouds for #4, partly because mountains seem to have clouds around them more often than not. The mistake with adding clouds - not that you ever would - that I see is people make them too distinct. So we end up with competition instead of compliment.
- that I see is people make them too distinct. So we end up with competition instead of compliment.I am lousy at adding clouds. I have a library of different skies, and every time I try to use one I hate the results.
Dec 11, 2018 15:10:10 #
Dec 11, 2018 15:33:44 #
Just Fred wrote:
I read and hear a lot of people claiming that clouds help make a landscape. I do not disagree, but I think the subject makes a difference. Here are some landscapes shot with cloudless skies that I think might not benefit from the addition of clouds. Your thoughts?
For me it all depends on the subject.
I know a photographer who will not go out on a coastal dawn shoot if there are no clouds forecast.
I havn't added in any clouds on my regular 'scapes.
Dec 11, 2018 22:59:11 #
rmalarz wrote:
... The last one, definitely needs some clouds. ...
I beg to disagree. Having clouds in the image would draw attention away from the mountain -- the main subject. I do, however, think that a bit of the sky could be cropped out.
Dec 11, 2018 23:20:48 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
Just Fred wrote:
I read and hear a lot of people claiming that clouds help make a landscape. I do not disagree, but I think the subject makes a difference. Here are some landscapes shot with cloudless skies that I think might not benefit from the addition of clouds. Your thoughts?
I like these. The skies are striking by their consistency of color and texture...in my mind very similar to the way they would be striking with hard-edged water vapor based clouds. #4 shows a bit more horizon haze than the others, but the end result is that the sky and water form a very nice counterpoise above and below the mountains. That effect would be weakened by the presence of clouds. Years ago, I had the privilege of spending several spring days in meetings at the Brinkerhoff Cabin, which is located I think not very far from the vantage point of this image. We were able to watch the lake clear of ice during that week. This image is very representative of the area. It makes me want to return for another visit.
Dec 13, 2018 00:42:44 #
PeterBergh wrote:
I beg to disagree. Having clouds in the image would draw attention away from the mountain -- the main subject. I do, however, think that a bit of the sky could be cropped out.
Bob is right. Although my initial thought was “wrong time of day and wonder how it would look with better lighting”.
Dec 13, 2018 08:12:17 #
tdekany wrote:
Neither rmalarz nor treadwl explain the "why" of their preference for clouds with the mountain shot. For anyone undecided or a novice to landscape photography, I think it's helpful to know the reasons for a given viewpoint - since there is no wrong or right Bob is right...
Dec 13, 2018 08:50:53 #
For me, a "clear blue sky" landscape makes the composition look like the top half of the image was erased and replaced with one of those big blue screens that TV weather men stand in front of.
Dec 13, 2018 08:53:56 #
cameraf4 wrote:
LOL, now there is a well explained opinion if ever there was one For me, a "clear blue sky" landscape makes the composition look like the top half of the image was erased and replaced with one of those big blue screens that TV weather men stand in front of.
(ref my comment above yours, if you missed)
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