Thanks for posting this, not seen that one before, might be a good alternative to tpe

Simon

My experience is that with a crop sensor DSLR then hard grads are ideal in almost every situation, in fact I don't think I've used my soft grads more than a handful of times. The graduation line on hard grads isn't nearly as obvious as you think it would be, its only really evident if using ultra wide focal lengths..10/12mm etc and even then not too bad.

Simon

Filters have become less important with the advent of Photoshop and HDR photography so using them is becoming more about what you prefer...getting the shot as good as possible in-camera or trying to make a not so great shot into a good one in photoshop, that debate's already ongoing so lets not start it here again...anyway to answer your question...

A polariser is the hardest to replicate in Photoshop and is a very useful filter..enhances colours in landscapes, kills unwanted reflections and as a by-product it reduces light levels by around 2 stops so can be a useful pseudo-ND filter too.

For landscapes I personally wouldn't be without NDgrads..can't beat the satisfaction of getting back home and not having to do hardly any PP because you've captured the shot exactly as you wanted

A standard ND filter is very useful if you want those "milky water" long exposure photos

Simon

Definitely can't make the 20th April but let me know if you want any more ideas for locations etc

Simon

Adding/removing elements from a scene to create something that didn't exist is where it no longer becomes photography for me, I think it should be categorized as "digital art" and not photography...I certainly don't think landscape photography has lost it's way though, its about capturing our natural environment which never ceases to pose challenges. In fact it's more of a challenge than ever to try and produce a shot that hasn't already been done several times...perhaps it's the effort needed to achieve this that is leading some to focus more on sitting at a PC than searching the countryside for opportunities and then making the effort to capture it in the most pleasing light...it can be bl**dy hard work and involve lots of fruitless outings which some are perhaps not prepared for.

Simon

From my own experiences of selling my landscapes it is ruining peoples perception of photography, it seems when you capture a great photo in-camera people are now more inclined to think its a product of photoshop and not the camera.

I keep processing to a minimum in most cases, much prefering to spend my time in the great outdoors than staring at a PC screen. That's not to say that I won't sometimes try a few heavy edits on a photo that otherwise would be heading for the delete bin, I've been very pleased with some of the results too...the important thing though is honesty, I'll happily tell anyone if a photo isn't in its natural state, unfortunately it seems others are increasingly reluctant to do so and it's this that is getting photography a bad name

Simon

5 new DSLRs in one go, that's highly unlikely when looking at past developments,they've found it difficult to release/develop more than a couple of lenses at one time..sounds VERY optimistic to me

Simon

I'm still keeping an eye on this...unable to commit to a date as yet but might be able to once a firm date is set.

The great thing about Snowdonia is that many great views are accesible from easy locations...here are some of the easy ones which I'm sure would keep everyone happy for photography and allow everyone access...apologies for all the photos but as they say "a picture paints a thousand words":

Llynnau Mymbyr...right alongside Plas Y Brenin mountain centre and probably THE classic view of the Snowdon horseshoe, great for sunrise. Another stopping point further along the road with a closer view of Snowdon too





Llyn Gwynant..stunning reflection on calm days, parking right alongside the lake...great views all the way down the approach road from Capel Curig with plenty of easy stop-offs







Llyn Dinas...usually best towards the end of the day...parking right alongside..nice little waterfall if there's been recent rain




Llyn Crafnant...a little away from the others, accessed via a long lane from Trefriw..best in the morning, can get busy in good weather with boats though




Ogwen...there's the lake alongside the road (photo below) and within a short, moderate walk Devils Kitchen and Cwm Idwal







There's also Llanberis, although it does get very busy....these are probably the main, easily accessed places..all offering great photo opportunities

If you fancied a drive onto Anglesey about another dozen locations spring to mind


Simon

Technically a well done photo although I don't think that it's up to your usual high standard from a composition point of view...the flats merge into the boat and I think the street lights are a strong distraction

just my thoughts

Simon

Can't beat a nice misty morning, very nice set...the 1st has a bit too much empty space for me but that's just nit picking

Simon