Landscape Photographs--What makes them 'sing'?

We've all made photographs of the landscape; grand vistas or intimate details. We've all looked at such images either in print, on the web, color or black and white.

So, that begs the question: What makes a landscape photograph 'sing' for you?

I am certain that we have our own thoughts as to the answer to my query, and that answer may not be easy to describe in words, but, it's worth a try, I think.

So...let's give it a shot, shall we?

ps: No images or links, please. I want you to really think about this and then put the ideas expressed to work for you out in the field.

--P

Changeable weather and storm light really sing volumes to me. Guess that's why Nova Scotia and Scotland are two of my favorite places. I love the moment a blast of light sneaks passed the clouds and illuminates the landscape (or at least portions of it). I like it when I capture it myself and when I see other photographers capture it. Fog and mist with burning sunlight behind it also sings to me especially when it creates an ever so ethereal mood. Lastly, natural abstracts also intrigue me, maybe because I am a scientist and love those shapes and structures. I am not into bold color.... but bold light and shapes, if that makes any sense,

Thanks for posting this Preston. Curious to hear your answer.

Storm Light!!!!!!!! When the light and weather give a sense of serendipity. If the subject and composition give me the feeling that the photographer was/is spiritually connected to a place! If it makes me wish I was there, or long to see a place with my own eyes!

Chris

-Ones that speak, not shout. I'm looking for a conversation, not a lecture.
-Abstract images that cause me to look again and again to continually find detail and subtlety. A bit of mystery is always a plus.

What Eva wrote, and it’s a plus if the subject is unfamiliar to me.

"Nuance."

Charlie, what does 'nuance' encompass as regards landscape photographs?

--P

Preston,

I'll go with a single word comment such as Charlie did, but in this case it is the word "Connection". I will elaborate slightly more on the meaning of that chosen word with regard to landscape photographs.

I think many might find this in numerous photographs they've either captured over time or seeing other photographs captured by another photographer providing them a true connection to that image.
The connection for me can be a reflection back to when, where, and how the scene was captured. In review of another photographers image it might bring thoughts to mind of why & how they connected to a particular scene. There are several folks here at NPN that do an excellent job of verbally outlining their experience and circumstances under which their specific image(s) were captured. That too can provide even more support toward making a connection to an image.

Additionally, an image must be solid technically. No matter how much we try to connect to an image if it is overly lacking in technical processing from the capture to the end processing there surely is not much holding power to an image such as that.

For me that is what makes good landscape images come to life and really "sing".

That is a difficult question to answer. For me it is about capturing a moment in time that will never be repeated. While many successful landscape icons represent scenes that are repeatable, I find images that are not, to be more compelling. It could the light, the moment, the timing, or many things combined that make the image something I'll never see again. There are all of the technical nuances that make an image sing and clearly a composition that works. Of course the topic of composition is a never ending, life long, learning experience.

I'll be sharing an image soon in the Man and Nature gallery that I believe represents what I've referenced here in terms of a moment in time. I haven't shared it to date, but will.

Your question is a thought provoking one.

Last year, I posted a similar question in the flora forum ("What makes a flora photograph great?"). I suggested: "Personally, I think it comes down to whether the image is evocative (i.e., evokes a mood in the viewer). This, in turn, is a product of the subject (is the subject compelling or evocative?), light, form, color, composition and creativity." I think these factors apply to any type of photgraphy, landscape included.

I mainly spend time in the Avian section, but thought I'd chime in for what it's worth. While I can imagine that a bird on a stick is not the most exciting shot for a landscape photographer, I feel somewhat the same way about those landscape shots that are done to the standard formula. You know the one... the stump, rock, grassy clump in the foreground. The lake... the distant mountain with the pink glow and the wisp of a cloud..... It seems that my favorite landscape photographers on this website have gotten away from that. Maybe this is one clue. I can even tolerate the icons when redone with a little creativity.

Now, I will go lock myself back in the bird cage and will be quiet.

Interesting choice of word, Preston. I guess any image can "sing", perhaps you meant what songs appeal to you. I've been honing down songs for my 5th cd/album, so that's not a trivial process for me. To be effective, a song has to evoke emotion, good or bad. They have to have a 'hook' or something to remember them by. To be popular they have to have structure usually, although personally I enjoy the chaotic if it's organized chaos and not random. The same principles can be applied to images, I would think.

"Singing" for me is a visceral response. I have to REACT to the photo, and there's no prescription for ingredients or recipes. If it hits with me, it hits. If it misses, it's just another pretty picture- turn the page.

I can't get more specific than visceral, because I simply don't have the vocabulary for what makes some things dig deep within me and others slide right on by. Interesting enough, when interviewing folks who react to my images they run into the same problem. And there's no fit-all when it comes down to the images. Each person reacts differently. Some photos rise up to get a reaction from more viewers than other photos, but I can't consistently guess which is which before airing them.

I think the sun, the light, the misty waves, and nature in general.

The place: Being in an amazing location with amazing opportunities for composition.
The Time: Capturing an unrepeatable moment when golden light plays with the location.
The here and now: the 2 combined create the ultimate landscape image.

Just like a good song needs good rhythm and good melody, a good landscape image needs a good time at a good place.