Wanting to progress with my landscapes

[69Bonni]

Going through the forums you can almost convince yourself that your own shots are not up to much, For want of a better phrase! I went through a time when all the shots I looked at were fantastic and everything I produced was crap (well in my eyes) it's easy to make yourself despondent in this game, especially if you have several trips out and don't even get the camera out of the bag! So as Mark says relax into it. Sometimes shooting something different can help, just to break the cycle.
I agree Wales is a great place to shoot and the Peak District. Also take notes on locations and research what's near or fairly near to you. I have a note book with locations and times of year in. So for example last month and this month notes on poppy fields and the locations where I found them last, times of day, direction of the sun etc. Scout though Google maps with the photos turned on so you can find localish POI that have potential for shooting landscape.
I read online recently regarding composition, a photographer of renown use to carry a little frame with them only a bit of plastic fold up think painted black with the ratio 2:3 he said it always used to help him 'see' the composition better.... Interestingly I tried it and it seems to work. The only down side is you look like a bit of a loony wandering round waving a bit of black card around with a hole in it ( but it's cheaper than a dslr).
Good luck mate

 

[tonybassplayer]

The only down side is you look like a bit of a loony wandering round waving a bit of black card around with a hole in it ( but it's cheaper than a dslr).
Good luck mate

But probably looks much more professional with a nice long lens hood on it

 

[kellett]

Best advice is to chill, relax

I wish this is something I could do
Would like to go on a workshop as iv never done one before think the experience might be good. Processing side of things I just use Lightroom, PS makes me nervous

 

[kellett]

Going through the forums you can almost convince yourself that your own shots are not up to much

This is bang on

have a note book with locations and times of year in. So for example last month and this month notes on poppy fields and the locations where I found them last, times of day, direction of the sun etc. Scout though Google maps with the photos turned on so you can find localish POI that have potential for shooting landscape.

Note book already on order

I read online recently regarding composition, a photographer of renown use to carry a little frame with them only a bit of plastic fold up think painted black with the ratio 2:3 he said it always used to help him 'see' the composition better.... Interestingly I tried it and it seems to work. The only down side is you look like a bit of a loony wandering round waving a bit of black card around with a hole in it ( but it's cheaper than a dslr).
Good luck mate

Haha could imagine great idea though

 

[Eljay]

Light and Land have been doing the card thing for quite a while.

I only use Lightroom personally and its never done me any harm.

The thing about relaxing is more to do with a lack of preconceptions and relaxing into the landscape. I sometimes think folk get a wee bit too tied up with equipment, technique etc instead of just appreciating those wee bits of the landscape that make for a great picture. It doesn't need to be a huge vista, it can just be a little corner somewhere.

 

[Clot on the Landscape]

Maybe @ The Princess & I we could sort a little trip for few sun rise and sunsets as your not to far down the road?

Sorry mate, I meant to reply to this but been a bit busy lately. Im always interested in a get together to share ideas and pick brains, Im pretty much in the same boat as you and looking to push on to that next level. Just message me with anything you have in mind. I work very long shifts and dont get as much spare time as Id like but if Im free Id be more than happy to team up

 

[kellett]

Sorry mate, I meant to reply to this but been a bit busy lately. Im always interested in a get together to share ideas and pick brains, Im pretty much in the same boat as you and looking to push on to that next level. Just message me with anything you have in mind. I work very long shifts and dont get as much spare time as Id like but if Im free Id be more than happy to team up

Sounds like a plan mate, I also work long shifts, continental style 4 on 4 off so may be tricky both having time off, I'm thinking of going over to the lavender feilds in Hitchin as july/Aug ment to be the best time. Will let you know when I'm heading up