Author Topic: Critique my landscape photos? (Read 6555 times)

mobius121 · « **on:** November 26, 2007, 03:04 »

Here are some of mine that are up on a stock site or two. They have no or very little downloads (like one or two total lol). Maybe its my keywording? I submitted these and a few others into shutterstock for my application. Are they worthy to sell as stock or even prints?

(clickable thumbnails)

hatman12 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 26, 2007, 03:39 »

Without seeing 100% copies its not possible to comment on quality etc.

Personally I don't do landscapes. But I am aware that this is a very competitive area and new submissions would have to be something really special to compete against all the excellent material already available. Or they would need to have a unique edge.

Perhaps the best thing for you to do is to spend some time at one of the agencies and do some really detailed searches in order to compare existing images against your collection.

mobius121 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2007, 16:46 »

Thanks for the suggestion. I shall do that

a.k.a.-tom · « **Reply #3 on:** November 26, 2007, 17:19 »

mobius121... As can always be expected, Hatman12 is a source of valuable advice and observation (least I've found that to be true in my reading).

At 100% they must be completely and absolutely free of any noise/artifacting. IS, SS, DT, StockXpert will shoot it down in a heartbeat. It must be absolutely crisp in focus, not close, but dead on. ...if you want to sell them on micros.
On the other hand... and this is what has always confused the crap out of me. When I deal direct with editor and art directors, they couldn't care less about such extremism. In fact, the latest magazine issue hitting the bookstores this week with our work, has a nine page spread written around our pictures (wife and I) and it is with great belly laughter that I say, 25% or so of those pix were shot down by the micros for noise. Yet, the magazine looks .... perfect!

go figure.... why, I don't know. Maybe because they aren't making billboards with them?

But on the micros.... it's gotta be outstanding. Incidentally, your work looks fabulous!!

=tom

hatman12 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 26, 2007, 17:37 »

Tom, please don't give me compliments like that - it'll ruin my reputation...

... in reality I'm just plain 'orrid, and I like it that way.......

a.k.a.-tom · « **Reply #5 on:** November 26, 2007, 17:40 »

Quote from: hatman12 on November 26, 2007, 17:37

Tom, please don't give me compliments like that - it'll ruin my reputation...

... in reality I'm just plain 'orrid, and I like it that way.......

LOL.... just callin em like i see em, HM12 !! Keep doin' it too!! Thanks, tom

redhat · « **Reply #6 on:** November 27, 2007, 02:35 »

Please take this as constructive criticism.
1. Why did you shoot just the bottom of the waterfall? This is the best of the bunch. Next time get rid of the out of focus leaves on the right side of the picture, they are distracting.
2. The picture of the ocean and coastline was exposed at the wrong time of day, landscapes look better with side light not top light. Try shooting in the early morning and late evening. Also keep the horizon out of the middle of the image and learn the First Rule of Landscape Photography . . . No Clouds No Pictures!
3. What is this a rat on the beach? Front light would have worked better than back light here. Nice use of depth of field to isolate the subject.
4. Read #2 again.
5. This is nice but you only have 2 things in the composition sky and water. Most landscapes work better with 3 or more elements in the composition. I know there is never a palm tree around when you need one.
If you are serious about shooting landscapes then you also need to know the First Axiom of Landscape Photography . . . There is always one to many or one to few trees!
Good luck!

redhat · « **Reply #7 on:** November 27, 2007, 02:43 »

mobius121 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 27, 2007, 16:28 »

Thanks for the criticism! Its not a rat but a Hermit Crab ^^ Very useful information! Thanks guys!

shutterdrop · « **Reply #9 on:** January 04, 2008, 12:44 »

Your composition needs improving.

The magic hours are the best time to shoot landscape. Bring a tripod, have patience and wait for the absolute best lighting.

Landscape photography is extremely competitive and your photography must be exceptional.