Weekly Photo Challenge: Near and Far

by Jeff Sinon, posted in Landscape, Nature, New Hampshire, Photo Challange

Straight out of “Landscape Photography 101.”

Now here’s a theme I can sink my teeth into. A strong foreground element starts your visual journey into the photograph, with the main subject in the distance, the destination.

Summer Warmth.

Lilypadss dominate the foreground looking out over the Bellamy Reservoir towards the setting sun. A sky filled with clouds adding drama to the scene. The suns bright glow appears like a fire on the horizon just over the tree line on the far shore. Faint pinks, purples, and golds ever so slightly coloring the clouds.

(from my favorite water-lily hot spot)

 

Winters Cold Embrace.

(I was particularly drawn to the apparent reflection, rendered in ice and snow, of the distant mountain)

 

86 thoughts on “Weekly Photo Challenge: Near and Far”

  3. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Near and Far | Wind Against Current

  4. Love them, Jeff. I particularly like the last one with the ice edge on the water. As you say, the “reflection” of the mountain is a nice touch, but I also really like the chilled feel that the clouds over the mountain add to the image.

    – Nate

    Reply

    1. Thanks Nate. It took a little trial and error to get the composition where I wanted it, it also took me forever to get it the way it looks now, and I’m still not 100% happy with it.

      Reply

  5. Two fantastic images, Jeff, and what a contrast. I love the implied reflection of the distant mountain in the ice and snow in the foreground. This is the stuff of real meditation.

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    1. Thanks Stephanie. I’m surprised more people seem to like the second one. I almost gave up on it. I usually don’t spend nearly as much time on a photo in post as I did on this one. If it wasn’t for the ice mirroring the mountain, the reason I shot it in the first place, I would have given up and deleted it after the second or third attempt.

      Reply

    1. The entire time I was standing there, over my knees in the water to get past the foreground clutter, I kept hoping the sun was going to find just the right opening to just ignite the clouds. Alas, it never happened.

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        1. How very true! The number of times Mother Nature has conspired against me in getting the photo I want is too numerous to count. But how much, and for how long, would it remain fun if it suddenly became easy?

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            1. In very short order. I enjoy the “sport” of it. If I knew without a doubt, that every time I ventured out with my camera, that the sky would be dramatic, the scenery perfect, I would very quickly lose the motivation to go out. I’ve been to numerous locations not come home with the shot I want. I’ll continue to go back until I do get the shot I want. And even then, it can always be better can’t it? Either I become better at the craft, or the sky/scene is that much more perfect, no matter how happy I am with a photo of a given location, I’m always thinking of ways I can improve upon it.

              Reply

  8. Well done as always! That bottom one had my brain going sideways for a bit. Wow!! Gorgeous!

    Btw when I shot mine, I did one with the handrail in the picture only because of the angle I was at. Then I realized, wow…I could use that for great foreground and perspective. And your photos helped me to remember that. So thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply

      1. Thank you! My mom said that the other one was “not okay.” As much as I hate to admit it, I changed it because that comment got under my skin.

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    1. Thank you very much. I only wish the water lilies didn’t close up by mid day. If I could get this shot with all the hot pink and bright lilies that are usually here, that would be a sight!

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    1. You know it! I may not be the best photographer to come along, but I’ve read enough “how-to’s” along the way, stressing the importance of having a good foreground element, to know this was going to be right up my alley. 🙂

      Reply

    1. Thank you Ioanna. I do like the contrast between the two especially since the warmth of summer is winding down and the cold of winter is right around the corner.

      Reply
  27. Pingback: Weekly photo challenge: Near and far « The (Urban-Wildlife) Interface

        1. Thank you Catherine! Even though I often take liberties with the theme?

          I never read the description when I get the notification email, only the theme. I don’t want how I interpret it to be colored by anyone else’s idea.

          Reply

  35. I think it’s great that you interpret the theme in your own way. It’s allows your photography to become a more personal expression yourself, your interests, ideas, and artistry. This dilemma is reminiscent of the complex relationship between artist and patron — who decides on the content? Does the power reside with the creator of the art or the person funding the work?

    Your selections represent the weekly themes beautifully, so I don’t think you have anything to worry about! Creativity keeps things interesting!! 😀

    Reply

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