I have not taken advantage of living so close to Gettysburg, PA until the past few weeks. I have been venturing around the battlefields more and more. Looking for some tips on landscape photography and constructive criticism is always welcome. Thank you and have an awesome day.
In the future try to post one or two images at a time. It's harder to critique so many at once. I like the fourth one best. the second and third ones are kinda flat in my opinion.
Thank you for your thoughts, Nathan. I will be sure to post 1 or 2 from now on. Should I search for more foreground that leads you into the scene?
Thank you for your thoughts, Nathan. I will be sure to post 1 or 2 from now on. Should I search for more foreground that leads you into the scene?
I think the one problem they all share is too much sky and light. Some kind of foreground interest and better light would help.
For the last 3, the time of day is not optimal for photography, so they all look rather flat. Typically around sunset and sunrise are going to be your best chances for getting good light.
The timing for the light is almost right in the first one, but it seems like it's a few minutes too early as the sun still hasn't completely set (or the reverse if it was sunrise). This is leading to a blown out lower right and a dark subject (the trees).
There might be some potential for the location in the second photo with some good light, and a lower composition, but I'm not confident about that. I think the third location is the weakest, so you can cross that one off your list.
I think, in terms of location, the first and fourth have the most potential, you just need to find the right composition. What those are, I can't say without being there, but take a walk around and try to find something. If you can't find anything, it's OK, it still seems like a nice place to walk, haha.
This is something that most pros don't seem to talk about, but it's important to know. When it comes to landscape photography, you will likely fail more often than you succeed. I've traveled long distances to a location, waited for the light to be just perfect, only to have the clouds roll is and ruin the whole thing. No photos, just 2 and half hours on a train to sit cold and alone on a beach... more than once. Also, you've got to wake up early and stay out late.
Keep going out and trying!
Thank you for taking the time to offer advice and critique my photos. I was not expecting that much so I appreciate it.
The 1st photo I walked up and down a hill for a good 30-45 minutes and everything felt forced.
The 2nd-4th were actually when I was scouting a location for an engagement shoot and decided to soak up the scenery and try some landscape photography.
I’m still trying to figure out it all out. One day I’ll get it.
It's all good. It's all about trying and learning through mistakes. As long as you're enjoying it, that's all the matters, to start.