First Landscape

[stefeb]

C&C welcomed.

[GB1]

Welcome to the forum. Overall, it has some nice contrast and some interesting geometry. I like the tree on the left but feel that the second, smaller one is sort of in the way, but overall the dock and trees do seem to balance out. I dont really like how the dock ends in the foreground... seems haphazard, but I dont think cropping out the end of it would make this better. I am not sure if an animal or something in the shot would make it better... I sort of like the solitude. Seems like snow has that magical effect.

GB

[readingr]

Stef

Welcome to the forum, You have come to the best place to learn.

As for the first landscape, I have to say its not a bad attempt.

First the things i like: The tones you have in the photo I really like and it depicts the desolate winter scene nicely.

No for the issues I see with it from a technical point is that the angle seems to high, try taking it crouching down to get the end of the dock higher in the frame.

The edge of the dock nearest you has been accidentally cropped off, you need to watch for that as it just looks wrong when viewed.

You have some items creeping in from the right which also need to be looked out for.

This is a difficult subject as the horizon is difficult to pin point as the edge of the lake is almost level the horizon above it is sloping down, the dock is not level and the vertical of the dock is off too. Since the dock is the main focus I would have taken the photo with the doc poles nearest the frame vertical and see what that shot looks like.

Don't know what was to the right of the dock but that may be a better photo to take seeing the dock is pointing in that direction.

Another option is to retake the photo without the big tree on the right which concentrates the photo into the dock even more, take it in portrait format.

Hope that helps on the reshoot.

Roger

[stefeb]

GB: Thank you. This was, in addition to my first landscape a lens test as well. I was comparing a Canon 17-85mm, with a Canon 24-105mm. The shot posted was taken with the 17-85mm. Your suggestions are appreciated. Thank you.

Roger: Thanks. Wow, there's so much to consider when shooting. I'm going back today and have another look. Thanks so much for the great suggestions. I've got a lot to learn, and am grateful for all the help I can get.

[MB1]

I like your image and location, go back there and take more!

As far as this photo goes;

1) I want to raise the left a bit.
2) I would crop everything to the left of the larger tree and a bit off the bottom so the dock disappears in to the edge of the frame instead of being cut off by the edge of the frame.
3) The sepia tone is ok but I would like a chance to compare how it would look in straight B&W and/or a blue tint.
4) I suspect there is too much contrast here but can't really tell on my monitor.

Keep shooting.