Neil Bellenie  


Martinez Hills by Neil Bellenie

November 2024 - Martinez Hills

About the Image(s)

This is the view across the Delta from Martinez, California. There are many different terrains in one view and I decided to give them equal balance in the composition - from the marsh grass to the water to the hills and sky and clouds. This was taken in March when the hills are green. Canon R5 with EF 24-70 f2.8.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
4 comments posted




Ed O’Rourke   Ed O’Rourke
Having lived next to Martinez for over 40 years I really do appreciate this scene, as I've viewed it many time. I like the way you have caught the sense of the rolling hills, and of course the green of the spring time looks a lot better than the brown of August. For me the clouds in the sky really help make this an interesting photo as I they compliment the rolling hills. I think the focus and composition are good in creating a sense of the place.

I think you could have a little more exposure, particularly for the hills on the far left and the marsh grass. I also think you could have cropped up from the bottom a bit, showing less marsh grass which in my opinion would bring more emphasis on the hills.   Posted: 11/11/2024 19:42:05



Dawn Gulino
I also think you've done a great job of capturing the landscape of the Bay Area - from the cloudy skies, to the rolling hills, water and fields.

I agree with Ed regarding the foreground and think you can crop some of it out - It's interesting, but isn't the main focal point in my opinion.

I'd also like to see a bit more of the water to separate it from the foreground and landline on the other side, where the hills are. Could you have taken the image from a bit higher to get that separation?   Posted: 11/17/2024 20:59:53



Paul Smith   Paul Smith
Ever since I acquired a 10 mm lens, I have a greater appreciation "clouds"...wide angles distort clouds. Your clouds, IMV make the image. Is there a fisherman in the distance? And is this one image, or several stacked? Good focus, near and far! I like your image.   Posted: 11/18/2024 16:17:44



Darcy Quimby   Darcy Quimby
Just a thought have you thought of using the remove distractions under the healing button in photoshop. You can get rid of the powerlines.   Posted: 11/24/2024 06:42:53