Project 28 – Intimate Landscape
Close range detailed shots of the landscape do not necessarily require the horizon to be included in the frame. However in my opinion the inclusion of the horizon does give a sense of place and purpose to the subject, and for me defines it as an image of the topography, structure, habitat or setting of the environment in which is lies; which after all is the definition of ‘landscape’. Without the horizon, the photograph is in danger of entering the realms of nature photography (if photographing vegetation), or architectural photography (if photographing structures).
Intimate landscape images rely very much on the design elements of the structure, be it colour, shape, texture and pattern, or form. These graphical essentials and their interaction with the quality of the light determines the value and dynamics of this detailed landscape photographic technique.
Although not a fan of close up nature photography, I do enjoy taking these in-depth landscape images – of the motion of the sea, of rock formations, naturally occurring patterns, textures and colour contrasts.
These images are great as part of a project portfolio, providing variety and a detailed insight into the landscape being studied.
Although the project criteria requires that we should not include the horizon in the frame, here are two shots which I took in preparation for my Assignment 3 portfolio. It is interesting to see the difference in the dynamics of the image, with and without the inclusion of the horizon.
Flowers and nature make good subjects for intimate landscape shots, although as in both of these images I like to include some of the terrain in order to give the flora context, as opposed to being pure nature photographs.
Pattern and texture, line and shape are emphasised in monochrome images – without the distraction of colour, such as the photograph below of a stream of water running on Vazon Beach
francessmithlandscapes 