dusty2004

Having spent many years photographing my own children I have learnt

that we should let children be, just that, children. They grow up so

fast. The little girl on the right has now grown into a young lady

that serves me at my local supermarket. In case you're wondering what

they are looking at, there is a column of ants running along that

piece of wood in the foreground. It is these distractions that make

the most wonderful images of children.

I like the concept, well seen and executed. Good use of clean and simple lines. I do find the stump on the left somewhat distracting. I feel you would have a better picture wthout it. Let me explain. You have many upright lines, the trees, small horizontal lines, branches, all in perfect harmony. Often less is better. Try covering the stump with a piece of white paper, you be the judge.

What a delema. We have a stunning sunset and are most likely in our backyard with nothing but houses and fences. There are certain rules for good composition in photography that we need to learn and then break them. Just to prove them wrong. Since you are just starting out I will teach you the rule of thirds. Imagine your picture divided by two horizontal lines evenly spaced and two vertical lines evenly spaced. It's worth getting a piece of A4 paper and actually drawing in those lines. Look what's happened. You have what appears like a grid. You have two lines for the horizon. It is either two third up or down. You do not have to place the horizon on those exact lines, but use them as guides. The two vertical lines are used for placement of upright features. Trees for example. My next suggestion to you is if you see a pending sunset worthy of a picture place yourself in a more photogenic location. Keep your eye out during the daytime for interesting foregrounds. Remembering that they will often appear as outlines only. I hope that you will get as much joy as I do out of photography. One other comment, landscape pictures do not have to be taken in the horizontal format. Don't be afraid to tilt your camera, bend your knees, lie on the ground, climb rocks or fences. Always look for a better vantage point. When you are satisfied and think you have the shot search for another location. There is always room for improvement. To get that special shot means YOU have to go the extra mile. And keep it simple.

This area is a very well known tourist attraction. It has been

photographed by many. My aim was to create an image with impact and

mood. To find another way rather than the stereotyped images

available in the tourist shops.