Montana Evening Landscape

Originally shot on 4x5 LF, I cropped this to a 2:3 ratio but kept most of the

sky for the more expansive feeling it gave. Your comments and

suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

I kind of guessed that this was yours before I read your name, and thats not because your predicatable, but simply because your work is synonymous with this "wide open plain" type landscape.  I love the stark lines of the wind generator against the soft hues of the sky and the gentle rolling slopes in the distance alluding to an atmosphere of calm tranquility. The proportions are perfect and I can't think of any crop or suggestion that would contribute anything towards improvement......well maybe a fractional amount more space in the foreground.

Sincere Compliments

Alf

Alf, thanks for stopping by.  This is part of what I like about Montana landscapes:  open spaces dotted by small- or medium-sized mountain ranges on the horizon.  To get this aspect ratio, I took some off the top and a bit less off the bottom; it's very hard to make a call on where the lines should be.

Stephen, this image is very well balanced, there is a wonderful triangulation berserk the windmill and the main mountain, that play keeps me in the image. The colours of the sky and ground work in harmony as well. The shadow on the lower part of the ground is a little annoying because of the heaviness compared to the softness of it's surounds, I guess you coud'nt do a great deal about that without repositioning, and that may have altered the play I mentioned before, well captured. I wish we had more delicate light down under where I live. The Aussie light can be so harsh.

I foregot to mention, I don't think more space is needed as alf suggests and also the cloud shapes contribute to the triangulation.

This image is classically beautiful! I love the colors and the composition.

I stopped by because of the fine critique you gave one of my photos. Seeing your work makes me feel that a good critique from you is very meaningful . 

This has got lots going for it. That mountain range that has a beginning and an end is most unusual. The windmill is perfectly placed, sky is great and the rest of the colours blend well. What's not to like?

Stephen, this shows the "Big Sky" of Montana. Great composition: windmill, horizon, and mountain range placement are perfect. The soft sky colrs and dark windmill works well. The dark grass does not distract me as I find it very natural having lived in areas like this. There do seem to be a few areas just above the mountins that look more noisy than the rest of the sky. Dave

Richard, Michael, Jeff, and Dave, thanks for the comments.  Montana is my home state, and it's images like this that make me happy to say that.  There are a number of small mountain ranges east of the Rockies; it's not uncommon to see 3 or 4 very widely separated ranges from a single location.  I'm not sure what is causing the dark spot on the left, and I didn't really notice it when I was there.  I suspect it's due to ground moisture.

Stephen,

  Wonderful image with great composition, colors & lighting.  Thanks for sharing.  Take care, Patsy

The wind mill, water pump station. (?).  I like the color of the sky, with those blues and magenta colors. The mountains are  well balanced  with the tower, even the diagonal clouds add value to the image. Over photographed subject but  not  as nicely done as this composition. It is pleasing to look at it. I could say plainly, it is  very nice.

Cheers, Stephen

This is a gorgeous shot Stephen! I love the composition, and wide open feel! Great sky, and lovely colors to boot.

All the best,
Neil

Very beautiful. Impresses me a lot and meets my taste regarding aesthetics in photography a lot. Congrats, Stephen.

Volker

Very beautiful landscape, well composed shot.

nice shot!

Clean, peaceful mood, nice composition.  Well balanced.  Nice cool color.  Best Regards,