It's a wash

Hi Folks
I am finding it difficult to do landscape type shots...I am so used to shooting people and animals that I find landscape photos tough..
This weekend I am going on a hiking trip to try and nail a good photo, but for now..,

While these two are nothing great, I more interested in thoughts on my composition.
I know one of them has the sky blown out, but anyway, help me to become a better photographer...I have so much respect for many of you folks here. You make it look so easy....

Anyway, here are two..It is also suppose to rain this weekend. If it does, My plan is to go back and shoot it during the rain as well...

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5200/thewashco6.jpg

http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/5056/thewash1ot0.jpg

I like the composition of the second one better. You have eliminated the fence, the drainage is moved to the left and having some sky works (although you need better sky conditions for this to really work).

I think you should eliminate foreground..palms..if they are not really making the pic. Not sure if the down look on the uphill is working here either. If you were to scurry to the right,hop a few fences, avoid security, you would get the road meandering back into the pic at an angle. Perhaps better?

Right now, between the two, I'd pick the first one. Reason being, even though the first one has a fence, which is far from attractive, the center of the foreground in the second picture is empty. The fence in the first photo at least could play the role of leading the viewer's eyes from the top down to the lower level and the water, etc.

Anyhow, overall I think there's no center of interest in both versions. The colors also are not very attractive. Lighting is far from exciting either. I guess it has much to do with the scene itself (it may have something exciting there..I don't know).

If I have to make something out of this scene, I'd go to the lower level and see anything could be made out of shooting at some particular perspective of a certain spot of the scene. Most likely with a wide angle lens.

Oh, before I forget, I'm not any landscape photo specialist so you should, as usual, take what I say with a grain of salt.

But I do read books, magazines and look at some of the great photos here :D

The second one with the blown out sky would be great with a better sky. The clarity of the scene with the diffused overcast sky really makes it pop. In the first, the trees being cut off at the top really are bothersome. It does not work to eliminate the bad sky in this scene. Lighting and clouds have so much to do wih landscape photography. After all, it is a big part of the "set" most of the time.

If you have time get you a Graduate filter. It would really help from blowing out a sky. That and picking the best time of day to shoot.

MB1, jk, AE, gahsp and Greg

thanks for the comments!!.. Ironically you folks along with Frog and GB where the ones I was thinking of when I was trying to compose my picture...You all have very special talents and techniques.. You folks make it look so easy...It is easy to look at your pics and think, I could have done that, but then when push comes to shove, It is easier said than done.. :) So props to you folks...You guys have helped me..I will see what I can come up with in the next few days....
Thanks javier

I about fainted when you said you thought of me when you were trying to compose.
Only reason I haven't critiqued this is that I didn't know how. I see they need something but couldn't have told you what.
Landscapes are all about composition and light, I think. Look low, look high, add elements, take elements away and hope for the best.
Thanks for the compliment!

I know you primarily ask about composition, but my suggestions are on light.

Take this closer to the "golden" hour, when the sun is lower in the horizon and you'll find that the light gives stuff more texture and the sky isn't so blown out.

As Greg M said, a Grad filter would be good, another option is to HDR or "tonemap" it. Check out Photomatix or Dynamic Photo HDR for software, and here is my take on how it's done.

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Originally Posted by jgredline

MB1, jk, AE, gahsp and Greg

thanks for the comments!!.. Ironically you folks along with Frog and GB where the ones I was thinking of when I was trying to compose my picture...[snip]

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You're too kind to me :blush2:

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you all have very special talents and techniques.. You folks make it look so easy...[snip]

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Myself, I simply copy other people's photos :D

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Thanks javier

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You're welcome!