You can see why this part of Shropshire falls within an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These shots were taken on the viewpoint just past Hilltop on Wenlock Edge and I’m looking south-west towards the Shropshire Hills. You can see, too, why poet, A E Housman called them ‘blue remembered hills’. They seem like a memory even if you have never clapped eyes on them before.
And so when presented with the kind of blissful panoramic views that the Edge provides, it is tempting to try to capture all of it. And that usually does not work, not unless the light is perfect, and your photographic skills are considerably greater than mine. Even this landscape view is only a small segment of the 180 degree vista. I chose it because I liked the visual flow of man-made fields towards the grassy uplands, and the here-and-there accents of hedgerow and woodland; the many shades of green. Also, despite the millennia of human intervention here, you can still discern the landscape’s natural rhythms beneath the pastoral surface.
It’s a soothing scene to look AT. But the portrait version, I feel, is doing something rather different. It invites you into the landscape as if stepping through a door; it is therefore more actively affecting. Just my thoughts anyway. Also a thank you to Paula for stirring us up to think about the different effects of landscape and portrait composition.
Tish Farrell 
Marvelous green hills, Tish! For me, this view is the epitome of an English countryside. Outstanding in every respect. Wishing you a wonderful weekend.
I so appreciate your comments, Dina. A fabulous weekend to you Fab Four.
Those blue remembered hills, indeed! I agree with you re: the landscape format….I AM stepping into the scene! Lovely
So glad I lured you in for a stroll 🙂
A good bit of nostalgia….
That’s a beautiful countryside, really beautiful. What I like about the portrait format here is that it does not show houses on the hillside, instead it zooms in on the pattern of plots, accentuates the big hill in the background. Nice take, Tish 🙂
Thank you, Paula, for your thoughtful comments. Wishing you a peaceful weekend.
I love both shots of the valley Tish, it reminds me of and makes me want to go up on the mountain behind where I live and take more pictures of my part of the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Though unlike here in the US. I love the boundary lines made by rock walls, dividing fields or property lines over there, whereas here it most always fencing. There I think this adds to the natural beauty of the landscape.
I love the low mountains (or at least that is what I call them) here the mountains are much higher at 4,000 feet. or more, compared to the west coast they would call ours low mountains. 🙂 As always absolutely beautiful photography Tish! You make me want to come to England some day, however until that time I can see England’s beauty through your eyes! 🙂
Through my eyes – that’s a lovely thing to say, Mitch. Am more than happy to deliver 🙂
What a beautiful place. Ever so green 🙂
🙂
Love a bit more the second Photo…..
That cloudy sky looks so distant that it suggests a much larger space , here!
Thanks, Anna. Have a great weekend.
Tish I have scrolled back and forth between them for some minutes now trying to decide which perspective I like more. The one encompassing more makes me curious as to what is just beyond the sides, as if I might get a peek by strain to the side of my screen. The other, as you say, makes me feel as though I am walking over those beautiful hills. Two different photos, both gorgeous in their own right.
Thank you for your close scrutiny, Sue. I think I agree – each format has its place 🙂
The song, Jerusalem immediately springs to mind.
There is no green quite like an English countryside.
We’re good at green. Not bad on the red front either a la Jeremy Corbyn. Oh what a pickle we have in the UK today.
Not up with the news, Tish. What’s happening?
Snap election called by Theresa May, leader of Tories in order to strengthen her arm for Brexit negotiations. Total misfire as the young came out to support Labour and Jeremy Corbyn. Tories won but with no majority – so a hung parliament. The only way they can stick it out is to get in bed with the 10 Democratic Unionist Party MPS from N. Ireland – some of whom have some very dodgy notions re creation etc. Not ideal comradesin other words. So it’s a watch this space moment…
Lovely English countryside. I much prefer the landscape version as it shows the vast panorama in front of you and the undulation of those fields.
I can imagine a moment of meditation standing with this view in front of me.
Thank you, Lulu. I’m still thinking about your beautiful plates 🙂
This was a lovely invitation to natural beauty! I could walk in through both pictures 🙂
Am glad you could come along 🙂
I like both pictures. I like the sharpness and color of the second one, but I like the expansiveness of the first.
Thanks for your perspective, Marilyn. Always good to have 🙂
Beautiful countryside, and your photos are just fine! I find I’m drawn to the beauty of the landscape more than the portrait.
Alison
It’s interesting to have your take, Alison.
It’s a stunning landscape whichever way yo look at it.
🙂
More sky always wins for me, especially such a spectacular one.
We’re of like minds skywise, and many other things besides.
I particularly like the portrait format….and yes clearly an area of outstanding natural beauty….How lovely to wake up to that every day….janet 🙂
It would be lovely to wake up to. Maybe we need to move house – further up the Edge 🙂
Now there’s a thought 🙂
Lovely 🙂