If you know the area you want to take a photo in, why not take along a prop? In the first 2 pictures take along a scarecrow and try again.

Can I elaborate on that a bit

My wife is into showing Afghan hounds, or was until we bought the boarding kennels which takes up all or time. But I diverse, we used to have one of the very first white Afghan Hounds in the country we only knew of 2 others A local animal agent got in contact with us and had connections with the advertising industry. So we went on several shoots for famous companies for different products.
Now to the point, the number of props used was amazing, everything from park benches to lamp posts to unbrellas etc you name it they used it.

So professional photographers can get away with using props so can you.

Oh and I have to agree with Stanokella in what she says. Wow me agreeing with someone, write it down in the history books

Bazza

I think the farmers may object to me going into their field and sticking props up but it's a good idea alright!

thanks for the input all - it's very helpful.

xx

Zounds
If there is a public footpath going across their ground there is nothing to stop you.

Bazza

It is difficult for me to comment as I am just starting to try to do some landscape shots myself. I too live in an area where striking scenery does not exists the thing that South Holland if known for is big skies and every shot I take seems to verify this.

I have found all your senic shots pleasing and worthy of a second viewing and I am sure you will get better and better the more you take. I think some of your shots seem to have an unnatural look to the colour but perhaps that is down to all the rain of late.

Will agree with whoever said try to find something to make a focal point in the image and so far for me that has consisted of a tree or a windmill or even a pylon.

Getting back to your shots, keep going till you are happier with the work you are doing, at least these days you don't have to pay to have them developed.

Hi Zounds, first I am intrigued where you get a notion that you are rubbish. Haven't seen anyone comment on or imply that?

I think the advice people say about a focal point is sound. I'm envious of the guys here in the north with their mountainous views, the lakes etc. Leicestershire where I tend to walk cross country most Saturdays is much flatter and doesn't have the dramatic scenes. Nevertheless it can still look very pleasant with the rape seed fields etc. Problem is trying to find an image that fits the frame, has points of interest on the thirds, maybe something of interest in the foreground to add perspective...sure you get the idea. I can often walk miles and not see anything that fits this recipe. On top of that, you have to be there at the right time of day. Midday the sun is bright, shadows can be in the wrong place, it's more of a bluey white colour...really many of the best features of landscapes are early morning or evening. I know the theory but finding the images is difficult!

Thanks both Very encouraging replies

Jackie - I'm not sure about the unnatural colour these are pretty much out of the camera - so the colour is pretty accurate - I think actually, it's a pretty unnatural looking place - these hills here are awfully peach in tone anyway, and I think that can throw the colours somewhat. I do see what you mean, but not sure how to fix that.

Bazza - there are no rights of way through these fields (or most fields over here) they are strictly private property, and there's also no way into them from the road. You just kind of have to hope that there's already something of interest there.

BC - I don't know why I think I'm rubbish - I guess it may be because, though I appreciate the strong critique - so far every landscape shot I put up here gets shot down like a lead balloon I think it's just a bit disheartening - but I'm glad people are critiquing, because as upsetting as it can be, it's the only way to learn - and I know no-one means anything bad by it - but it can be a bit... erm... miserable! Yes though, finding the right image isn't easy - especially when you rely on others for transport - today was a bit of a one off - and I don't really get to go anywhere with scenery. I badly want to go over to Kerry - as it's much more dramatic and photgenic than Cork.

xx

Hey Zoundz - you're being a bit hard on yourself.

You're right that 'landscape' photography isn't all about big mountains and if anything I'm guilty of thinking my best landscapes are the ones that I've taken at the 'best' places but often it's not the case.

I've a whole heap of pics that I've taken of the stereotypical views made famous by calendars and tourist brochures but sometimes the best landscape shots are of a 'moment' rather than a 'view'

Whenever I take a road trip in the highlands I have particular viewpoints in mind and it's so funny as you often get a dozen folk all there with tripods taking the same picture. Later in the day you go somewhere else and the same people (including me) are all there again LOL.

The biggest problem with landscape photography is that you often have to travel to the location and once you're there you photograph the scene in whatever conditions you find it. You rarely learn as all you can do is shoot your pics to suit the conditions.

The best tip I ever had was to find a scene close to home, somewhere that you can go any time of day within walking distance and try shooting it over and over again. Because it's familiar you will soon learn how best to deal with different conditions and experiment.

I love Phils last piece of advice, as I am doing that several times a week, photographing the lake near my house, partly to practise, and different light conditions, plus it is a lovely place to sit for awhile

I love landscapes, and wish i could do the scenery here justice, maybe one day I will if I keep practising.

I love the last image xxxx Plus, your images are so much better than you think think we need to kick you up the bum!

That is a good tip Phil and I will try to put it into practise, I have a church and loads of ploughed fields so expect loads of ploughed fields to adorn the pages of YOP, they do actually make quite good subjects trouble is those that with the deepest furrows, for potatoes, also have great sheets of plastic on them. At this time of the year this area seems to be under water because of the sun reflecting off these sheets.

Thanks again guys Sorry to be so down about things, it's just a bit disheartening never being happy with anything I take

Phil your advice is excellent, and much appreciated. The big problem I have is that there really is very little that I can walk to I love walking so it's a real shame, but the road our lane meets is really very dangerous, and we can't walk along it (well we can, but I'm petrified of lorries on narrow winding roads belting along at 100kmp/h ). I will try to get some landscape stuff when at my parents - but again, it's pretty but bland and lacking in any features.

xx