I’m totally new and just got a camera for Christmas. I took this landscape and am decently happy with it, but it’s definitely not amazing work. I posted it on Instagram, but wouldn’t hang it on my wall. Just looking for some imput as to how I can do better next time, or maybe even crop or edit this to make it pop. Thx!
It's a good subject overall, better (earlier or later) light might have helped with the details. When light isn't optimal it can help to zero in on smaller details rather than large scenes, like the crop I made below (hope you don't mind). The low natural saturation of the scene might lend itself to a BW or low saturation edit for a colder feel. If this is unedited, I'd definitely try to play around with a dehaze or polarizer filter (software filters). And a software gradient. But it's a good start!
I like the crop. Makes it more artwork than photography.
See my new edit.
I am obsessed with clouds. LOL
I think you have to make up your mind the main subject in a frame and work around that. This is what I've been trying to keep in mind when shooting. In your photo, the sky and the hills are all interesting. Also every landscape I try to remember to do a vertical. Medeiros below did a great crop.
See my new edit.
I tried this crop and edit. What do you think?
Much better however, you should try to keep the horizon line out of the middle. Not always possible, but compare to Medeiros' he used a more square crop to accomplish it.
Ugh, yes! I normally follow the rule of third almost to a fault. I will try again. That’s why I’m here. Don’t even know how that didn’t jump out at me. Too cloud happy. I really am obcessed. ;) Thanks so much!
No problem. It happens to us all - we can see ways to make other peoples images better but often miss things in our own.
The rule of thirds is not a rule, it's a crutch and there's no point in following it to a fault. What's more, there are no hard and fast rules in photography, it's an art form after all, not science. Look into composition (and color theory) in general and see where those principles apply to a particular scene in front of you.
Yeah, I think my style might end up being more quirky. I have another photo that broke a few “rules” and it’s probably my favorite. Right now though, I’m learning the rules, so I can break the rules. LOL I would LOVE to learn more color theory. Thinking of studying graphic design. I am kinda still leaning my camera (Sony a6000) and all the basics. Editing is a whole other art form, but honestly, I love it as much as photography. If you have any suggestions as to books or websites to learn more about color theory, please share. Thx!!!
I like it. Much more focused and you kept a fair amount of the clouds which adds interest. In my crop I was trying to eliminate the tree tops in the foreground which I think are a little distracting. I agree with Lorretta to try and move the horizon up or down to see what you get (referring more to composing on scene here than to editing what you already have). But it's good to edit these to get an idea of what you might want to shoot next time. I find I often don't see the better shot hidden in my initial composition until after I start processing!
Thank you you’ve been so helpful!
Here’s my final. Edit. Thanks again!
The only thing I can add to mix is your settings........ISO 100, great, just where you want to be but a 1/2000" shutter speed? I would just drop the shutter speed narrow your aperture give you more DOF......
the image on my monitor appears to be a little soft and the DOF you have........the chances are greater for a sharper image.
Rule #1 newbie........HAVE FUN and take lots of photo and try to be different...........(Note-If 10 of you are standing in the same spot shooting the same subject.........go find someplace else to stand!)
Not sure where my reply went! I was surprised that my shutter was on 1/2000 when I saw it! (I was pretty out of it climbing that steep mountain. lol) I’m pretty good with understanding ISO and shutter speed, but still working on understanding aperture and getting the right depth of field. I will definitely try to be better prepared for next time I shoot a landscape. Thx so much for taking time out of your day to help me!
Hi Diane!
If clouds are your thing (which I agree btw), try to boost contrast on the clouds in post processing. This would add drama.
Also, as your picture is not so colorful, you might want to try b&w and see how it looks
Quit bragging.........as I get winded climbing the walls!!!!!!!!!:)
LOL
A few of the biggest things I use when editing are luminosity and saturation of colors. The dehaze tool is close behind, and then a good tone curve. Heres a good video for understanding tonal curves. :)
https://fstoppers.com/education/simplifying-tone-curve-232672
I actually watched this a while beck, but need to watch it again. I’m slowly getting it, but it’s a lot to learn! Thanks!!!
throw it in Adobe lightroom Diane theres some great presets you can use ..the picture is nice
Thank you! I do try to avoid the presets because I want to learn, but I do sometimes use one then tweak it. I only have the free mobile ap rn.