Do you have a preference?

Out in North Wales amongst the relatively little known and infrequently visted Berwyn Mountains..weather was terrific and on the way back down the mountain I decided to re-try a shot I've taken before, would appreciate some C&C regarding a preferred composition & why ??

Thanks

Simon

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/G109423.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/G109426.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/G109437.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e68/STKITCHIN/G109447.jpg[/IMG]

If you attempt landscape photography like this, first and foremost you need quality of light.
These look like they've been taken durin' the middle of the day and thats a no no.
Early mornin' or late afternoon, early evenin' light is always best.

I'm sure there is lots of picture potential here but that gate is horrible and so brand new.

Thanks for the advice but to be a little blunt I'm more than aware of the benefits of sunrise/sunset lighting and agree 100% that it's often preferable.

This was taken whilst out hiking which is when I do a lot of my scouting, finding the right location/composition takes quite sometime as I'm sure you're aware. The purpose of the thread is to get some feedback on peoples thoughts regarding composition and I welcome yours

Simon

No expert on this but the first one is the best one in my eyes. The balance between the subject is the best, no one really stands out so your eyes wander over it more pleasantly.

I prefer No 4 as I feel the componenets of the composition are better balanced.

No 3 has an obtrusive post and Nos 1 and 2 have a distracting gate on the edge of the image, not the best place for the lightest part of the scene.

No 4 has a classicaly placed point of interest and it works.

I find my own worthless efforts are poor because I find I have put MYSELF at the centre of interest. Its like I love the view TOO much and perhaps want others to share.
Great landscapes that I have seen (painted or photographed) are ABOUT something OUTSIDE of the artist - out there somewhere - something that the artist feels it is worthwhile to create an image to portray it

I am drawn to number 1. I don't find the gate too new, everything has to be new sometime and it's a nice gate. My eye is still taken around the view but comes home to the place I would be walking to or from.
I like it.

Thanks for the feedback everyone, very useful...just need to wait for the heather to bloom and decent lighting now !!

simon

Simon, I think I prefer no. 4, the diagonal lead-in line draws you eye towards the mountain top left.

I think the wooden structure adds a certain stile to the shot.

Dan

I like No. 1 Simon, unfortunately it requires the two sheep, which may not be possible if retaken, but that shots fine anyway and that's the time of day I would like to be there.... under the scorching hot sun. I don't mind the new wood, but the stone and sand around the gate are a bit too building site, but again it shows that someone's built a new gate, rural handicrafts and all that, so that's also OK by me.

I don't like the sloping fencepost on 3.... toned down OK on 4 which is the shot I would put second.

shim