I have to admit - my favorite landscape photographers these days come from the British Isles. It’s their style that appeals to me so much. They use great restraint in color and have really good complex compositions. Much of it is due to the quality of light that far north but even their images of Utah show the same qualities.
I have tried to emulate their style in this late winter image by actually reducing color saturation. The composition ‘doesn’t come up to snuff’ but the overall feel comes close to what I see from some of them.
A very enjoyable scene and your image does an excellent job of putting me there. It is understated, which works quite well here. For me, restraint with color works well with some scenes and and less restraint works well with other situations. This fits very well here.
Igor, I do like the understated saturation / contrast processing you used here, it feels consistent with the light in the scene. The restraint in color fits well with the browns and greys of the late winter season. I’ll confess that I’m not that familiar with British landscape photographers, the ones I like best are David Ward and Joe Cornish. However some of their work perhaps uses stronger use of color than your image above. I’d be curious to know which British photographers you are referring to regarding the more restrained use of color, so i could see their work. Below are links to the two I mentioned.
I agree with you about the restraint color palette, Igor. I also like the intermediate focal length look to the image as well. I really think that ultra wide angle landscape has been overhyped as of late. These scenes are not as dramatic but that’s not a bad thing because it really allows you to look beyond the drama and dive into the image. I would suggest just a tiny bit of CCW rotation but this is just gorgeous. I don’t think it’s fair to say that the composition is not “up to snuff”.
Pete Hyde. You need a Flickr account to see it. I was exposed to his work several years ago by Bill Chambers I believe. I also like both of those you linked and I do find their colors to be restrained.
I also like Marc Elliott’s brooding work although his motorcycle accident has pretty much destroyed him. Too bad, because his work was what we in the 60’s called ‘heavy’.
I took a quick look at both of these folks images, and will go back later for a more in-depth look.
I like both of them. In some ways their more intimate work has some strong undertones of Eliot Porter influence, which is not surprising given who recommended looking at them
Compare this interpretation of fall in the Zion area to that of Gut Tal’s rich colors. Very different. I’m not saying one is better than the other. I just have my preferences.
There’s some great images in the link you’ve shared there Igor. It’s not the kind of work I think I’d ever produce but I appreciate the quality.
I try to go in a different direction. Having grown up in Australia I’m used to seeing the world more bright and vivid and as you suggest the light in the British isles is much different.
I relate the images in the flicker link like acoustic chamber music. I prefer a little bit more energy. Maybe funky soul
I like this style very much, it has a very delicate feeling to it. It looks like it is taken during “past peak” color, and this style is very appropriate for that stage of the foliage season. That’s not to say that I don’t admire Tal’s work too, but I find this more subdued approach interesting as well,and can see why you are trying to push into that direction with your own work. Which of the two fellows was this image from ?
What impresses me most is how well he sees. For example - I’ve photographed Pt Lobos for many years yet here he shows up from England and within a week shoots these beauties:
I can see why you like the reduced color saturation in this scene. Thank you for the introduction to this style of landscape photography. Well done…Jim
This is a beautiful scene, Igor. I agree with the others that the restrained color suits the subject. I think the composition has a nice flow with the foreground stream leading into the scene. Maybe my eyes are crooked tonight, but this seems to have a bit of a clockwise tilt based on the number of trees that seem to be leaning to the right (this is the third image that I have seen that I thought had the same issue so maybe it’s just me ).
No nits from me. In addition to the photographers already mentioned, Mark Baldwin, Richard Corkrey, Geoff Woods, and Paul Mitchell all produce some fine work. All are on Flickr.
The subdued color you choose just feels right for this scene, Igor. I think of winter as being the more peaceful and restive season so this is a perfect fit IMO. If you haven’t already you should check out Mark Baldwin on Flickr as he does some fantastic intimate images on trees.
As already mentioned, understated, but honestly quite beautiful. Simple, or if one wanted to, consider it complex. Either way, wonderful mountain landscape image.
Igor, this is a very pleasant, inviting view (even if it is winter). The details keep my interest and your pov puts me right there besides this stream.
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