Landscape Photographer of the Year: Collection 7

Landscape photographer of the Year: Collection 7 is a wonderful book, with some amazing images. The quality of the paper and print is very good and If I went just by the photos alone, this book would be 5 stars. What holds me back from giving this rating is that some of the images cover two pages, so the seam goes through the image, which is a pity. Saying that I would very much recommend anyone who is into landscape photography to take a look at this book.

In isolation this is OK but going back to compare with earlier years one is struck by the similarities and, in particular, the perpetuating cliches of single trees, woodland in mist and converging trees seen from below, to name but a few. There don't seem to be the standout shots that occur each year with the Wildlife POTY, for example, which is a disappointment. Now I don't know whether this is a reflection of the entries or of the judging panel but I note that 5 of the 8 judges were on the panel last year and 3 of those 5 were there for 2010 (I don't have Collection 5 but I would not be surprised to see the same names in 2011). No doubt these are all worthy and distinguished people but maybe it is time for a wholesale change so that some life may be injected into this competition.

The book itself respects the format and excellent quality of the previous editions. Some editorial choices however are questionable and many pictures look like "more of the same old places". A couple of pictures were taken at the same place, aiming at the same subject, at the same time but from different angles and even if each one by itself could deserve a place in this book it doesn't make much sense to choose both. After 7 years I still miss some out of the box choices.

The selection of winning or recommended photographs included in this edition are impressive and the finish quality of the book is good. I would prefer that the technical information for each shot is included beside the photo rather than scrolling to the end of the book for easier reference. Perhaps I have not covered the book exactly but having a summary from the experts on why they chose the winners would also be useful information...May be I missed that?

Sets extremely high standards for the rest of us amateur snappers to aspire to.

Yet another landscape photographer of the year, I always look forward each year to these now in it's 7th year, like all previous editions the photographs are excellent, a lot of reviewers say that this or that edition is better than the other, I don't believe that, they are all full of great photographs, even though you may see the same scene from one year to another it is just that bit different each edition, long may they continue.

I bought this for a very good friend for her birthday who loves photography herself and she absolutely loved it. I did have a little look before I wrapped it and it's filled with beauty. I think it is an inspiration to anyone who loves this planet to maybe start taking their own photographs whether of their own back yard or traveling. It's also a very classy book and screams quality.I Recommend it.

As always a joy to behold, amazing photos, as are all the other ones in the collection to date.