Landscapes

[desmo13]

Based on how much I learned in my "1st attempt at portrait" thread, I wonder if I can tap the resources for some basic landscape shots.

[Dylan8i]

the third one is by far my favorite.... its not symetrical like the second and yet has more interest and subject than the last 2

[jkriminger]

oh i think your doing just fine...remember to straighten your horizons...pull the water lines up to the top of browser to see how their off

[PrevailingConditions]

I like the second one best (although the mountain is a little centered) but I like that you have foreground, middle, and background; followed by the third. The others seem a little dark on the bottoms. The first has the horizon too centered, but you addressed it in the last two. They're going in the right direction and the location has a lot of potential. Keep it up.

PC

[robst]

I like the 3rd one as well, I like the shadows created by the trees and the river bend up to the right creates some interest as to whats around the corner.

[Alison]

Landscapes are a weak point for me, but it's an area that i would love to excel in. So, if I am way off in what I am saying please chime in.

The first 2 are my favourites.

I love the dramatic sky in the first shot. Although, I think it may be better to have something in the foreground I think the sky really makes this shot. The horizon line is easy to follow here because stll water is always level with the horizon. I would also have my lower third where the water meets the land.
The land on my right ends on the right third.
I applied some curves to this shot.





I think keeping the horizon line straight in the mountain shot is pretty difficult because there's no horizon line to be seen. Plus you could be on a hill. I would go by the trees in this instance as these types of trees grow straight up.
I couldn't use the land as a third because it was too narrow, so, I used the top of the mountain.
Again, backing up will do you some great favours but a great shot nonetheless.
I also love the 3D look of this one.
I applied some curves to this shot too.





The third shot...hmmm not too sure about that one. I think if you could have found an "S" in the river it would have made a better picture.

And the last two I find very difficult to like as there doesn't seem to be any point of focus, like having the sun in shot. However, out of the two, I think the first one does more for me.
With the water on the lower third and the main clouds on the upper third I think it makes it a little more pleasing to the eye.





You take some great pictures desmo :thumbsup:

Well, Gary and Brian, how's that for CC?

[PrevailingConditions]

Alison,

I can't speak for Gary or Brian, but I think your critique is great. Very informative and educational. I really like hearing from all of you because you're able to identify and describe what works and what doesn't. I know what looks good to me, but you guys are able to describe why, which is very helpful. Thank you.

What tool are you using to show the guidelines?

Thanks,

PC

[Alison]

What tool are you using to show the guidelines?

PC

Tool? LOL
New document and red text. I usually use the underline key and then for the horizontal text I use a lower case L. Space the lines equally into 3rds (I sometimes use the letter X to ensure everything is equal).
Flatten layers, crop to the size I want, either 6x4 or 10x8 and move that document over onto my image. Lower the opacity to around 35% and position it where you want it. :thumbsup:

[KenB]

Tool? LOL
New document and red text. I usually use the underline key and then for the horizontal text I use a lower case L. Space the lines equally into 3rds (I sometimes use the letter X to ensure everything is equal).
Flatten layers, crop to the size I want, either 6x4 or 10x8 and move that document over onto my image. Lower the opacity to around 35% and position it where you want it. :thumbsup:

This may save you some time....

http://www.shutterfreaks.com/Actions/RuleOfThirds.php

[jkriminger]

...and sometimes you just gotta wing it..your clarity and exposure are good..I like the brown element of the grass in your mountain pic...I would try to save that regardless of the thirds.

[Alison]

I would try to save that regardless of the thirds.

Good point actually. ALWAYS save the original!!! I do. You can save the cropped versions as copies.

Thanks for the link Ken.

[jkriminger]

...i always hatedddd geometry.