IS THIS A LANDSCAPE?
In yesterday’s blog post, Martina made an interesting comment which raised these questions in my mind. Is this a landscape? Or, is this a water landscape? Or, is this a waterscape? Is there a difference? Does it matter? If an image has both land and water, is there a distinction as to their classification photographically? And if so, what are the determining factors? Inquiring minds want to know.
This is another shot from my visit to Long Beach over the weekend. But, would it be classified as a landscape?
Here at Photographyfree4all, you just never know where the discussions may lead. But I do wonder if I were to make a landscape submission, would this qualify?
I look forward to your comments as to this question, as well as your general comments about this shot!
Photographyfree4all's Blog 
Generally speaking I think a lot of things can qualify as a landscape, this photo included. Water is part of earth’s natural scape. I’d say that you could also classify the image as anything doing with water or architecture. Lots of options.
I like the image a lot, but do find the cranes in the background a bit distracting from the main buildings. The long reflections work well.
LikeLike
In my opinion, if it were a contest and you were to enter it, I would probably say it would go in the landscape division, unless, there was a seascape division, which it what I would call it. But usually, in those kind of exhibitions and contest, they are usually lumped together.
Bob
LikeLike
Yes, nice “landscape” photograph. I am a non-conformist, so this is a landscape to me. It’s whatever you want it to be. 😉 Your photos yesterday sparked questions in my mind too. Others may see this different because society likes to ‘classify’ and ‘quantify’ things. It’s a challenge to be in a class of your own, which you are.
LikeLike
Hmm… Yes, I’d say this could be called a landscape (and a good one at that! :)), but of course it could also be called a waterscape! I guess it’s the fact that the land and houses are visible that makes it… If it was in the middle of the sea, it definitely wouldn’t sound right to call it a landscape imo.
Anyway this is a beautiful, ahem… landscape! I love the vertical format which includes the reflections and the mast and clouds. The light, colours and tones are beautiful, especially in the water! Excellent work, Steve!
Btw, the architecture style looks very interesting…!
LikeLike
My opinion, as long as there is land in the photo, it can be considered a landscape photo. Land/Waterscape would be a good category title though… or would Water/Landscape be better?
LikeLike
This IS a good question. I have no clue what can be considered ‘landscape’ photography, but I look forward to finding out…
LikeLike
Seascape is what popped into my mind… And a beautiful one at that!
Lynda
LikeLike
Thanks for weighing in, Brad! The cranes at the docks in Long Beach create quite an asthetic dilema. On one hand, it is part of the natural landscape – so I suppose purists would go ahead and include them. On the other hand they are not only distracting, but they are ugly! It’s nearly impossibly to get a shot of the Queen without them rearing their ugly heads in the background. I suppose I should have taken the time to clone them out – and may still. Thanks for your comments here, Brad! I’m glad to welcome you into the discussion.
LikeLike
This is what I was wondering about, Bob. If there is an opportunity to submit a landscape for publication, would a landscape such as this be disqualified? Thanks for adding some light on this discussion. I don’t believe I’ve ever thought about it one way or the other. But, it may be good to know someday.
LikeLike
Ah Ha! Thank you for sharing this great comment, Martina! It does make you wonder. So if an image has a river in the frame, would it be a riverscape? I’m just kidding. But, it is interesting. Whatever you call them, they can very very interesting to photograph. Thank you for sparking this conversation, Martina! I’m so glad you stopped by today.
LikeLike
Thank you, Kai, for this kind comment! I always look forward to your ideas. Sometimes a vertical landscape lends itself perfectly to a shot with vertical height like this one. Without using a portrait format, I would have never been able to include the entire reflection. Thank you for your comments, Kai! I always appreciate them.
LikeLike
Now there’s even another question for discussion, Barb! 🙂 And, your coming in with a common consensus about this issue. I’m almost convinced that it would be a landscape. Thanks for adding your comment, Barb!
LikeLike
I have to admit I had no idea either, Heather. But, everyone seems to be agreeing that most landscape classifications would include images with both water and land included within the frame. Your comments always add to our discussions, Heather. I hope you’ll continue to “chime in.” 🙂
LikeLike
I certainly don’t think it would be “disqualified”. Most competitions usually have several classifications or divisions. If there is a lnadscape division, they would put for example, scenics. Anyway, they, the contest officials, will put it in a classification that is closest to what they interpret it to be. Nothing to worry about.
Having said that, Steve, why don’t you look for some contest to enter. There is usually ads in Pop Photo mag, and Outdoor Photo mag, mentioning various contests. I would urge you to subscribe to both of those anyway. You can learn a lot from them.
Anyway, get your feet wet. Most contest don’t have a fee. If they do, it usually is a small amount. You’ve nothing to lose. Most of the time you just have to upload your digital file. Give it a try, and contact me if you have questions.
Bob
LikeLike
Alright, Lynda! You have come in with a completely different category – seascape. It could be. Whatever it happens to be classified, I’m pleased that you think it to be beautiful. I appreciate that more than you probably can imagine. Thank you for this great comment!
LikeLike
I can see the need to classify when submitting to contests or for organizing, I like the seascape idea. It’s a beautiful photograph anyway you look at it.
LikeLike
Thanks for all of this information, Bob! What a great help this is! I’ll be sure to check out these magazines and keep you posted of my progress! Thanks, Bob!
LikeLike
That’s great Steve.
If I hear of something you would like to enter I will let you know, too. The full name of those magazines are Popular Photography, and Outdoor Photographer. I subscribe to both, they are cheaper that way. Good articles. I am always learning from them. If you only subscribe to one, go for Popular Photography. I think it is the number one photo magazine. You will get the most out of it. Plus they have tempting ads, too. 🙂
Good luck,
Bob
There is also Shutterbug Magazine, and Photographers Forum Magazine, But I personally don’t like them much.
LikeLike
I’ve never submitted anything to contests, but with the information Bob gave me – I might! I’m glad this discussion got started. Thank you for your kind comment, Martina! I do so appreciate it.
LikeLike
Checking out the magazines today, Bob! Hmmm…tempting ads! I’ll have to be strong – or not! Thanks!
LikeLike
I might also add that I know of at least two more of your pics that I think could be a winner, depending on the type of contest. That picture of the inside of the Church Dome, and that Brown Pelican you show on this page, both knock my sox off. When photographing wildlife it is always neat to get one that shows the birds in unique ways, more animated, etc. That pelican certainly does that. And that’s what judjes in wildlife contests look for. It betters your chances of winning.
Bob
LikeLike
Intersting landscape discussion! I can see, that I probably am a little (too much) traditionalist?!!….. It is good that you still can learn – even if you are old ….
LikeLike
Nothing wrong with being a traditionalist, Truels! Thanks for sharing your comments! I always appreciate them.
LikeLike
One of the things I love about visiting your blog is that I almost always learn something. I really enjoyed the discussion. I wouldn’t have been sure about the category for that shot, either.
Beautiful photo. The reflection is lovely.
LikeLike
Hi, Robin. Good to see you back on the comment page! 🙂 Thank you for your kind words here. I rather like this shot, too!
LikeLike
I’m glad you appreciate even comments from an “old feeling” Danish man……
LikeLike