An Autumnal Crop…
Last week I was running a photo workshop in the beautiful Mid Wales hills. One of the locations we visited was the remote and wonderfully situated Soar y Mynydd Chapel near the reservoir of Llyn Brianne. I submitted one of the pics I took with the group onto my facebook page and the photo was commented on regarding the warmth of the colours but that the sky made a very cool, blue impression.
That comment, in my view, was so valid. I have reproduced both pics below and have to say that the sky, on reflection, has no place in this image. If the sky adds little or nothing then ‘lose it’ – I should have done so in the camera. To me the cropped shot is much stronger and really strengthens the autumn colours in the beech trees.
Would love to hear your views!
With sky.
Without sky
melvin nicholson
You’ve adopted the Joe Cornish method of excluding the sky I see. I prefer the image without the sky but it’s sometimes difficult to remember that you do have an option when on location that the sky can be excluded. Lovely colours though Nick. The Lake District is blooming with vibrant colours too. I’ve visited the area on three occasions this last couple of weeks.
Nick Jenkins
Thanks Melvin – I agree that in the ‘heat of the moment’ it is difficult to remember ALL the options. As it happens I would have had to crop here anyway as the format would have included sky OR a rough gravel farm track.
nj
Debbie Gallagher
I liked both pics, but you are right, Nick, the one without the sky is better!!!!
Nick Jenkins
Thanks Debbie – I completely agree!
gwenda
my eye is drawn to the bottom picture each time. nice to see we still have the autumnal colours after the wash out of a summer
Heidi Stewart
‘Losing’ the sky works in some images, in others is doesn’t. Whilst taking the ‘bigger picture’ I always look up at the sky and ask myself whether it is interesting enough to keep in. If not, I ‘lose’ it. Sometimes I’ll take the bigger picture anyway and afterwards I always zoom in a little, then a little more etc… to see if there is an image within an image. And usually there is!
Out of your two images above I personally like the one ‘without’ the sky. Now your eye focusses nicely on those buildings surrounded by those lovely warm autumn colours.
Julie Morgan
Hi Nick
I remember something you said at our trip out to Llanthony earlier this year – ‘You hould include the sky in your landscapes’. Me being a learner took this to heart even though sometimes I thought not to keep it in. So we live and learn. Many thanks Nick for this.
Nick Jenkins
Hi Julie!! I try to be SO careful with sky – sometimes it’s OK, others not! In this particular case I think not, but maybe ok on s spring day with white fluffy clouds and a blue sky?
Ultimately, it is whatever YOU are comfy with.
🙂