A local Wetlands Preserve, Kind of boring

[diem01]

Hello,

I'm just getting into landscape shots and even though I really like this I am finding it kind of boring. It reminds me of the art you get already in the frames. I try to use the rule of thirds not to center the main focus I am photographing (Sun). What I want to know more then anything else is how I can spruce a shot like this up?

It was taken on a Nikon D40, Automatic Settings

[diem01]

It seems greener on this for some reason then it does when I view the original. In my view it doesn't have the green effect around everything. Any tips on how to avoid that when posting?

[Barbara V]

It is a lovely, but rather generic shot. Maybe some ducks passing by, in the water or overhead, would have lent some interest to it. It seems to need another element. I don't see the green cast you mention.

[Cam Monroe]

The sun is really bright, burn that in just a bit.
The trees, shoreline, and ripples on the water seem to need a straighting.

[doubleconvex]

Two things...

Firstly, for landscape shots, it is a photographic cardinal sin to use the Automatic mode. I recommend that you become comfortable with the use of your camera's Aperture and Shutterspeed settings (you're shooting with a Nikon D-40 - an excellent piece of hardware which has infinite possibilities). Shoot on manual as far as possible.

Secondly, for landscapes, ALWAYS use a tripod. There are lots of photographers (myself included) who have pulled off decent to great landscapes while holding the camera in their hands. However, this is less often the case. While shooting landscapes, its often a matter of using long exposures (low shutter speeds) to make water look smooth, and allow light to paint the picture for you.

Other things to note - ALWAYS shoot in RAW, and consider investing in a wide-angle lens to get the best out of your landscape shots. Landscapes reflect wide open spaces... you need a lens that will bring out the best in these wide-open spaces. Also, consider using a remote cable release to eliminate camera vibrations.

One last piece of advice - landscpae photography requires infinite patience. I've been working on it for 8 years, and am only beginning to get to a point where I am occassionally satisfied with my images... but the wait is worth it when it comes off right!