Improve Photography Exercise: Analyzing my Favorite Landscape Photos
I’ve heard that one way to improve your photography is to analyze photos you love, and pinpoint what it is about them appeals to you. This is something I constantly – yet subconsciously – do every day. I scroll through Instagram, like and comment on incredible shots, but I’ve never jotted down these notes. I’ve now reached a point in my learning process where I want to reflect on my own style in an attempt to further my progress in photography.
So after a year of shooting, I’ve decided to finally do this exercise. And I figured – why not write a post about it? Below are shots from some of my favorite landscape photographers. For each photo, I broke down what I love about them and what I would do differently. This is not to say I have anything to teach these highly skilled, well-established photographers. It is merely a way for me to communicate my personal style.
I hope this post will inspire other photographers to engage in this exercise and better establish their unique artistic style.
Enrico Fossati
Website: http://www.enricofossati.it/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enricofossatiphotography/
Instagram: @enrico.fossati
Enrico Fossati is a northern Italy-based landscape photographer. He is the king of moody photos and I cannot get enough of his work. His shots are wonderfully dramatic and integrates light in the most whimsical way – showing just how profoundly skilled and mature he is in his craft.
Why I love this photo
There’s something about dark, intense photos that are so impactful. And I think this one tops the charts. I love the way the light subtly glows from the side of the mountain and softly touches the tops of the grass and flowers. The flowers themselves have so much detail to them; they are almost jumping out of the photo. It gives me the feeling that I’m walking through the foliage during sunrise.
What I would do differently
The only thing I would change about this photo is that I’d highlight the waterfalls more. The dark mountain makes it easy to miss the thin waterfalls streaming down. I think the waterfalls is a unique part of this photo and could use more light.
Ryan Dyar
Website: http://www.ryandyar.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyanDyarPhotography/
Instagram: @ryandyar
Ryan Dyar is a landscape photographer from Seattle, WA. He’s known for his gorgeous, glowing photos. Anyone can saturate their photos with color, but Ryan does it sparingly and gracefully.
Why I love this photo
Although this photo is very dark, you’re not missing any detail here. It’s so clear and crisp, but in a less obvious way. I love the fog and light rising from behind the mountains and the long exposure used on the water. This photo has it all – excellent foreground, midground and background.
What I would do differently
I’ve been looking for flaws in this photo for five minutes and I just can’t find any. The great composition and beautiful lighting immediately captures your attention and draws your eyes to one definitive area of the photo. Ryan obviously knows what he’s doing here and has full control over what we see.
Michael Shainblum
Website: http://www.shainblumphoto.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shainblumphoto
Instagram: @shainblumphotography
I don’t think anyone does night photography better than Michael Shainblum. The only thing that might be better than his night photography are his timelapse videos. They are breathtaking! His work inspires me every time I see them.
Why I love this photo
The bridge, the Milky Way, and the ocean make for one epic composition. The bridge serves as a leading line to the warm-colored Milky Way. On the right, the turquoise water is beautiful but doesn’t overpower the photo. It’s both mysterious and spectacular.
What I would do differently
In some areas, the photo is too dark for my taste. The left side and foliage below the Milky Way are pitch black. I would prefer to have more detail there.
Daniel Kordan
Website: http://danielkordan.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dk.scape/
Instagram: @danielkordan
I still can’t figure Daniel Kordan out. How can someone post so many photos on Instagram and have every single one of them be jaw dropping? He is a highly versatile landscape photographer who perfects everything he touches. Just one of his photos blows my entire portfolio out of the water.
Why I love this photo
As someone who has shot in an ice cave, I can tell you that it is not easy. The inside is dark and the light coming in is very bright. You want to show scale but you only have so much room to work with. There’s just a lot of moving pieces. That said, Daniel Kordan nailed it with this photo. The blue ice wraps around you; the person pictured demonstrates the cave’s grandeur; the stream running through and, more specifically, the water dripping from the top, gives you the feeling of wetness.
What I would’ve done differently
Some of the darker areas of the photo are a tad grainy, which makes me feel like the original shot could’ve used more exposure. The light coming in from the left is slightly distracting. I feel like the light coming in from the big opening is sufficient so I may have moved the camera more to the right.
A big thanks to these photographers for the remarkable skill, distinctive style and innovative techniques they bring to the world of photography. Their work inspires me everyday and pushes me to grow and improve in my own abilities. Maybe one day I'll be able to shoot landscapes like Daniel Kordan, the night sky like Michael Shainblum, play with light and color like Ryan Dyar, and create powerfully moody photos like Enrico Fossati.