Untouched 22 Dec 2025

This week’s submissions show a strong collective response to winter light, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Across the set there is a clear appreciation of atmosphere — mist, silhouetted trees, glowing skies and low-angle sunlight are all used to convey season and mood. Whether in open landscapes or within the built environment, photographers have been alert to fleeting light and colour, producing images that feel timely, calm and observational rather than overworked.

Learning Themes to Take Forward

1. Be more decisive with framing and cropping

Many of the images are already strong in subject and light, but could be elevated further by simplifying the frame. Small adjustments — trimming empty foregrounds, reducing competing edges, or committing more fully to sky or land — would help focus attention on what first attracted the photographer.

2. Use light as the subject, not just the illumination

Several images work best where light itself becomes the main theme: mist revealing layers, sunset colour defining shape, or artificial lights punctuating dusk. Pushing this idea further — by waiting, moving position, or excluding secondary elements — can turn a pleasant scene into a more intentional and memorable photograph.

Tim Ravenscroft – Misty Trees on the Ridge

Brief description

A softly layered landscape with a small stand of trees emerging through mist, the scene receding in gentle tonal bands.

Positive comments

Beautiful sense of atmosphere and depth created by the mist layers.

Restrained tonal palette suits the subject and season perfectly.

The isolated trees form a calm, contemplative focal point.

How it could be improved

A slightly tighter crop (top or bottom) could strengthen the visual emphasis on the trees.

Consider a touch more local contrast around the trees to help them stand out without breaking the mood.

Patricia Buckland – Winter Oak with Nest

Brief description

A tall, leafless oak tree photographed close-up, revealing its branching structure and a visible nest.

Positive comments

Strong observational image with clear attention to detail.

The nest provides a subtle point of interest and narrative.

Natural colours suit the winter subject well.

How it could be improved

A tighter crop could remove some empty space and concentrate attention on the branching structure.

Slightly increasing contrast could help define the branches against the background.

Vic Steadman – Blue Hour Over Open Fields

Brief description

A wide, open landscape at blue hour with dramatic colour contrast between deep blue sky and warm horizon glow.

Positive comments

Excellent colour contrast gives the image real impact.

Clean, simple composition with a strong horizon line.

The silhouetted tree anchors the frame nicely.

How it could be improved

The foreground is very dark; a gentle lift in shadow detail might add interest without losing mood.

Experiment with slightly lowering the horizon to give more space to the sky.

Vic Steadman – Storm-lit Oak Tree

Brief description

A dramatic, leafless oak silhouetted against a brooding sky, its twisting branches dominating the frame.

Positive comments

Strong, characterful subject with excellent use of silhouette.

The sky adds drama and tension without overwhelming the tree.

The composition gives the tree real presence and personality.

How it could be improved

The dark foreground could be simplified or cropped slightly to reduce visual weight at the bottom.

A subtle lift in mid-tones on the tree might reveal a little more structure while keeping the silhouette feel.

Norman – Cathedral in Winter Sun

Brief description

A grand cathedral bathed in low winter sunlight, set within open green space.

Positive comments

Excellent use of warm light to model the architecture.

The building stands out clearly against the sky.

Foreground space gives a strong sense of scale.

How it could be improved

A small crop from the foreground could bring the cathedral closer to the viewer.

Slightly increasing contrast in the stonework could enhance texture.

Norman – Low Winter Sun Between Buildings

Brief description

A low sun casting warm light between modern buildings, framed by tree branches.

Positive comments

Effective framing using branches to contain the light.

Pleasant balance between built environment and nature.

The light direction is used well to create depth.

How it could be improved

The bright sun area could be controlled slightly to prevent it dominating the frame.

A more decisive viewpoint (step left or right) might simplify overlapping elements.

Norman – Sunset Through the Oak Canopy

Brief description

A vivid sunset seen through the silhouette of a spreading oak and surrounding buildings.

Positive comments

Strong colour impact and dramatic sky.

The branching silhouette adds structure and rhythm.

Effective contrast between warm sky and dark foreground.

How it could be improved

The building edges could be cropped slightly to keep attention on tree and sky.

A touch of shadow detail recovery may reveal more texture without losing drama.

Norman – Village Square in Winter Light

Brief description

A village scene with trees, buildings, and winter sunlight catching warm tones in the background.

Positive comments

Good sense of place and everyday environment.

Warm light on the distant trees adds seasonal interest.

The composition feels open and inviting.

How it could be improved

Foreground elements compete for attention; a crop or lower viewpoint could help simplify.

Consider waiting for a human element to add scale or narrative.

Norman – After Sunset, Path Lights Glow

Brief description

A dusky scene with path lights glowing beneath trees as the last colour fades from the sky.

Positive comments

Lovely transition-of-day atmosphere.

The path lights create a gentle visual rhythm.

Calm, understated mood works well.

How it could be improved

The image may benefit from a slightly brighter mid-tone lift to reveal more detail.

Consider a tighter crop to remove unused dark areas.

Diana Ross – Sunrise Along the Path

Brief description

A warm sunrise view looking down a pathway between buildings, with glowing sky colours drawing the eye forward.

Positive comments

Lovely warm colour palette that immediately conveys early morning.

Strong leading line created by the path into the sunrise.

Well judged exposure that preserves colour in the sky.

How it could be improved

A small crop from the left could reduce distractions from the building edge.

Consider lowering highlights slightly to retain more sky texture.