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It was interesting switching between the various modes, Auto, Av, and Manual.  I noticed my Auto setting tended to overexpose the shot and I could control Depth of Field better in Av priority.  Will probably start using Manual more; there is a nice Exposure Level indicator in that mode.  This shot was taken at a brook feeding Higganum Reservoir in CT.  Manual mode, ISO 80, F/8.0, 1/8 sec, about 25mm; minor lighting adjustment.

It wasn't until I marked this photo of Holister Pass that I realized how many clues there are to its depth.  There are at least 6 distinct areas at different distances from the camera.

In addition, many of those areas are defined by diagonals that tend to make the photo appear more dynamic than one may expect from a static landscape.

It is often stated that the hour around sunrise and sunset are the best times to capture landscape photos.  While I agree that these times often offer spectacular lighting, the Chapter Three assignment has me reconsidering the conventional wisdom.

The NearSunrise photo was taken about 20 minutes after the published sunrise for my area and the NearSunset photo was taken about 20 minutes before the published sunset.  The OffGoldenHour photo was shot over one hour prior to the published sunset.  Of the three, I prefer the lighting in the OffGoldenHour photo.  The NearSunset photo displays more uniform lighting, but tends to appear flat in comparison.  The backlit NearSunrise photo lacks much of the detail present in the other two photos – due in part to a light morning fog when the picture was taken.

The photos are not “conventional landscape photos” as they rely heavily on man-made objects in the composition.  In addition, nearby buildings helped to scatter light and soften the shadows while the relatively sparse foliage of locust trees also scattered light to reduce the total contrast between shaded areas and directly lit areas.  Still, the light in OffGoldenHour was not unlike that which I have experienced in some thinly forested areas, especially when the sky was slightly overcast.

Comments are welcome.

Am I missing something about the weekly assignment it looks like the last post was for August .

Steve

Thank you for your constructive evaluation John.  Never considered that horizontal line in back and I can see how the broken symmetry adds interest to the photo.
Jim

Although I agree with your evaluation of the many lines in your photograph, I think that an important line was overlooked.  That line is the opposite shore of the lake.  It defines a line of reflection that runs horizontally near the center of the photograph.

Interesting features of the photo include the areas in which the symmetry in the photo is “broken” by objects that are closer to the camera than that line – the dead branches on the right side and the fallen tree trunk on the left side of the photo.

Thank you for sharing.

This shot was taken at a pond in Adirondack Park, New York.  As suggested by the author, I traced over the picture to outline the shapes and lines.  Hadn't realized when composing this shot how strong all the lines were; I was initially attracted to the scene by all the dead branches coming out of the water.  This chapter had a lot of "meat" in it and will take some time to absorb it all.

I suspect that the reason the name on the building was clearer in the second exposure is due to a combination of factors.  First, the aperture on the first photo is larger than the second - this will produce a greater depth of field in the second photo.  Next, it appears that the camera may have used the closest light to set its focus.  Since both aperture settings produce relatively shallow depth of field, focusing on the name of the building should minimize the difference you see.

John

20' high sculpture  titled "Of Earth and Sky" by Ali Baudoin at the entrance to High Desert's Mariposa Community development near Rio Rancho, nm.

Looks Good. Once you have done some more of the book, I would come back to the base images and work with it again. I have a feeling you will be able to find more detail in the trees whilst maintaining the ambiance of the lake.