The art of landscape photography: The pictures of the week
Turning beautiful locations into attractive photos is not that easy. The timing of the shot must be right and combined well with the circumstances.
(Image: Uschi Hermann)
When a photographer puts landscapes in the right light, the low sun often creates beautiful contrasts that enliven a composition. A clear eye-catcher is then not necessarily required. Our gallery photographers show in an impressive way how light is a decisive element that makes you feel lost in the vastness of the picture or creates drama.
Midsummer, at night
(Image:Â blueout)
"The picture was taken in mid-Norway at the height of summer. The night there consists of an endless twilight. The light and the atmosphere were simply fantastic," says Michael Leismann (blueout) about his shot Midsummer, at night.
The mountain landscape with the interspersed lakes is completed by the sunset. The result is a beautiful scenery that invites you to linger a while. The horizon recedes into the unattainable distance and it feels as if you are completely isolated in the vastness of this landscape.
Bremen skyline
(Image:Â Otto Hitzegrad)
Otto Hitzegrad was riding his bike along the Werdersee lake in Bremen when he took the photo of the Bremen skyline. "I like to go out on my bike early in the morning in search of a motif, especially when there is suspected fog. I was lucky, Bremen was covered in a light mist over the lake and the buildings were particularly modulated by the early light," he recalls.
Fog and vegetation are combined to block the direct view of the city, separating the photographer from the urban hustle and bustle that prevails there in the morning. A beautiful metaphor for the fact that it is possible to escape the fast-paced city.
Fog, forest, sun
(Image:Â dermaeus)
Rays of sunlight refract in the foliage and cast small patches of light on the forest floor. The perspective chosen by gallery photographer dermaeus ensures that the sun is not directly visible, but forms a glow around the trunk of the tree. The black and white conversion helps to emphasize the contrasts between the bright rays and the rest of the surroundings. This creates a mood that makes the picture timeless. It could have been taken yesterday or 30 years ago.
Mountain summer
(Image:Â Uschi Hermann)
"I took this picture on an evening hike to the Höferspitze. At sunset, the light and the atmosphere in the mountains are simply magical. It's always a special experience, even if the descent often has to be made in the dark," says Uschi Hermann, explaining how her picture Bergsommer was created.
The setting sun bathes the mountain ranges in a warm evening light that couldn't be more relaxing. The path over the peaks leads the viewer's eye between the white flowers and into the vastness of the landscape. Idyllic probably describes the overall picture best.
Lökken cliffs
(Image:Â Lula)
Lutz Lange (Lula) took his picture of the Lökken cliffs on the beach of the town of the same name in Denmark and explains: "The day was overcast and in the evening the clouds broke for a brief moment and let the light of the setting sun through. The long exposure was intended to express the dynamics of the water and the calm atmosphere at the same time".
He succeeded in this. The tree trunk in the foreground is an eye-catcher for the viewer and holds his gaze for a short time before the expanse of the sea draws his attention. The sunset then unfolds its effect and forms a handsome contrast to the water, enlivening the scenery.
North Sea sunset 6
(Image:Â DiSe.fotografie)
Dirk Selig's (DiSe.fotografie) picture was taken during a photo walk to the Westerhever lighthouse. He wrote to us: "If you look closely, you can see the lighthouse in the middle of the horizon. The challenge was to find an exciting foreground for the picture. The tuft of cotton grass convinced me the most".
The light sun star and the scattered cloud cover are combined to create a counterpoint to the tranquil meadow landscape. Both complement each other well, creating a balanced composition. The lighthouse is a detail that is barely visible but stimulates the viewer's imagination.
Clouds and pack ice
(Image:Â Pham Nuwem)
"The atmosphere in the pack ice was simply extraordinary, especially when the clouds rolled in. The gimmick of developing the image in black and white came when viewing and compiling the photos. It enhances the mood of the moment," says Stefan Weber (Pham Nuwem) about his shot Clouds and pack ice.
The clouds mentioned above make the scene particularly dramatic and their soft contours also create a dynamic that draws the viewer into the picture.
(tlz)
