A Landscape Photography Attitude That Needs To Change | Photographing Autumn in Eryri National Park

In this video I talk about a topic that has always bothered me, and it's all around people's attitudes to sharing the locations of some of their favourite images. I've noticed in recent months, especially amongst traditional Landscape & Woodland photographers, this hesitancy to tell people where they took their photo and in this video I ponder the reasons for that.
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[@chrisharveyphotography]

Thanks for watching everyone! If you want access to my new, FREE, Lightroom Preset, 'Seasonal Shift' all you need to do is sign up to my Newsletter 📬: www.chrisharvey.co/newsletter

[@noenken]

I don't know if I would call it free, tbh. I don't have anything against the practice but "you need to do X" is the price then, right?

[@confrontingphotography4815]

It’s really got nothing to do with helping other photographers. The sole consideration should be to consider what would happen to an area if it gets popular among tourists with cameras. Wildlife, property owners, fragile ecosystem, historically significant ruins, etc can all be negatively impacted. It’s just not a big deal to let people find their own places to shoot.

[@Fourpads]

Came to echo this. I remember a video about that mirrored obelisk that got put up in the US somewhere in the middle of nowhere. The huge amount of people flooding to a non maintained area was destroying it so a group took it away.

[@the_rat_run]

You appeared in my feed, and with such a title I couldn't resist watching! Your question sits on the horns of a dilemma - public places that are maintained for some footfall, I'd share any time, the more out of the way places, maybe just a general area. Like others commenting here, it is far to common to see litter in places that attract visitors, which is sad. for me, bing a bit old and not able to clamber up hills & mountains, vacariously visiting interesting sites through youtube is excellent. Great 'thinking' video, thanks.

[@PSYCH022]

Lets everybody find the locations for themselfs. Nowdays all the touristic locations, popular viewpoints are overcrowded, closed and trashed...so keeping the nice untouched locations secret is crucial. Lets pick for example iceland... nowdays wildcamping is forbidden and for good reason. The ammount of people visiting that country is huge... and as you mentioned in the video stunning photogenic and untouched places in woodlands are super rare (everywhere in EU). So I totally get it why photographers dont want to share their locations, especially with someone who they dont know. And lets face it... the biggest thrill and fun of landscape photography is not the photography part its the part when you explore places with no expectations and stumble up on a stunning view, etc. Replicating photos from the same locations as other photographer is nice when you starting out but if you dont learn nothing from it its useless. Nowdays there are so many tools to explore places whitouth being there, like google earth pro, hiking maps with countour lines, flipping old hiking books, magazines like sidetrack. There are just so many resources to find the perfect location that I think asking for the exact spot from the photographer is just stupid at this point. Im not a pro landscape photographer but I totally get it why they just ignore these kind of questions.

[@martinhommel9967]

Thanks for your thoughts. Sharing locations is the decent thing to do.

[@nigelshaw3572]

I live in the US and have spent 25+ years documenting Amish country. I do my very best to treat the Amish with great respect. Many don’t. I hesitate to give specific locations, to protect the privacy of the Amish.

[@stevehunt4660]

I found a local spot that I had never seen photographed so started taking some shots over a period of months and posting them on a local page, i took a friend once, within weeks access to the location was closed due to damage done by other people going there to photograph. Track damage by 4wd and intentional damage done to foliage to get "better" shots, rubbish left behind. Never again will I share a location with others as they destroyed it for everyone.if others don't have the "benefit" of time or other reasons, that problem belongs to them and I am under no obligation to provide them with opportunity or learning experiences. That might sound harsh but I don't want to feel responsible for damage to a beautiful place because of even 1 irresponsible person.

[@alanbudge]

I agree with this 100% I’ve been exploring my native Scotland for over forty years and have just returned from my latest trip to show my wife some of the outstanding beauty of my homeland. Whereas previously I could go to these spots and take in and enjoy the scenery, it’s now saturated with thousands of tourists, many of whom have no respect for the landscape. In particular I’m referring to the Fairy Pools and the Quiraing on Skye and areas now taken in on the dreaded North Coast 500.

[@paulatterby7507]

Agree totally. The respectful, careful photographer is a rarity. Most people trash the countryside in order to get more “likes” for their vain personalities. Look at Snowdon, a mess, caused by excessive people who just dont care.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

I vote for the landscape orientation of the last photo as it includes more of the bridge and areas around the house.

[@terryhathaway4873]

I just discovered your channel, thank you for sharing. I agree that all of Nature is in the public domain. I am in (and photograph exclusively) southwestern Idaho in the States-if I can affect even one other person to get "out there" that is cool. I readily share where each photo is taken, as an early morning person there are few (if any) others out when I am. Thanks for sharing this philosophy.

[@chrisharveyphotography]

Thank you Terry! Really appreciate you checking out the video and for leaving such a thoughtful comment! You have a really refreshing perspective on this topic which is so great to see 👍🏻

[@jimmywestphoto]

I'm only 2:34 into the video, but to share my thoughts on this: Personally, I'm fine with sharing my locations. Since I’m not a well-known photographer, my photos don’t tend to go viral. However, for popular photographers, especially those with large Instagram followings, sharing a stunning location can lead to an influx of visitors. Unfortunately, this often results in environmental damage, such as excessive foot traffic or littering. In those cases, I feel it's not a good idea to share specific spots.

[@ravensgryff]

I like the horizontal shot

[@paulm8157]

Thoughtful and provocative post, Chris. Not a simple equation. My sense is that those who are reluctant to share locations are concerned w/copies that dilute the commercial value of their compositions, like special waterfalls. Location spoilage a valid point, but not topmost in mind, IMO. Iconic venues are fair game for all - good for practice but difficult to render as special. Good compositions are everywhere all the time - better to learn how to make the best of any venue than to replicate or approximate the pics of others. More than photo sites, I’d like to know where more practical things are to be found, like restrooms😊. You seem to be an ace at finding comfortable seating (tree stump and bench)😊. My pref is for the tighter composition that more clearly hones in on cottage and bridge leading to it. BTW, do you prefer single or variable ND filters? Choice and reasoning might make a good video. Minor suggestion: update channel pic to a color version. Cheers!

[@ScottEdwards]

Great video mate and a really interesting topic! If it wasn’t for KZbin I don’t think I’d have found so many of the incredible places I’ve been too recently so I definitely see the benefits of it. The amount of times I’ve driven past that little tea room on the bridge as well it’s such a cool little spot! 📸 you know your about to hit the mountains when you reach it 😍

[@simonmiles1972]

It seems to me two things that seem to contradict each other can actually be perfectly valid. 1. Except perhaps on private land (but that’s a whole other discussion!) no-one owns a view or has exclusive rights over it. 2. As photographers we’re all free to share as little or as much about our work as we want.

[@simonsuen5946]

I always share my locations, but never seen anyone takes the same style of pictures like mine. I think it’s all about how a photographer see and represent the view

[@DS-ke8pq]

As the third most densely populated country in Europe (excluding the tiddlers) there is zero opportunity to avoid helping to manage the pressure on locations. Given there are enough “classics” documented and geolocated for beginners to practice on, the next phase in landscape photography is discovering the fleeting and ephemeral and working on the novel and, in doing this, spreading the load evenly. For this region is enough detail, Eryri, Dolomites, Hebrides, etc. The focus is then on desktop or in field “visualisation” (if I go over there x,y,z will align, the light will be here), compositional skills, technique, timing, patience, exploration, experience, learning, field craft and luck. Go forth and discover!

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Hi. I came over this in the feed. Nice video. I have noticed this is more common in UK than where I live, Norway. I guess.more people and pressure on locations and nature are some of the explanation,

[@chrisharveyphotography]

Thanks for watching I really appreciate it! I also really appreciate you sharing your views!

[@gerardstpierre]

Location sharing is a double edged sword. Just off the top of my head, I can think of numerous locations that have either become impossible to visit or much harder to visit because they became Instagram famous. The Wave in Arizona, Chocolate Falls on the Navajo Nation, Antelope Canyon, Maroon Bells, & Horseshoe Bend to name a few. Chocolate Falls is closed to everyone because it became popular & people didn't respect the area. The Wave now has limited day passes & you have to win a lottery to get one. Antelope Canyon no longer does photo tours because its become so popular. And so on. I, personally, don't have a problem sharing location information, but I do it more selectively these days

[@davidkissman9179]

I much prefer the landscape shot of the house. Slightly less sky that the portrait version and the house and colours are more central to the shot. Thanks

[@chrisharveyphotography]

Thanks David! I really appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@cresk]

I have no secrets, but I absolutely don't see the point of sharing a location at all with anyone. The joy of photography often is in the journey rather than in the results. Any one of us is free to roam the world. Why not take advantage of this freedom and go scout locations all by yourself?

[@desgardner7169]

I have nothing against photographers who go to other photographers found places! but I like to find my own places and take pictures of subjects that no one has taken pictures of, I try not to copy people or go on so called workshops, but each to their own of course I am not a landscape photographer but I do shoot landscapes they are just part of my photographic journey which has been a long one, from my back garden to around the world and back, travel will always be part of my picture taking, I am very much a senior now so its all local stuff from now on which I find as interesting as a picture taken in the lake district or wherever. You last picture place which I have seen a million times but I have never been there, is a lovely place to be and I prefer the landscape crop rather than the upright. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and pictures with us!

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

I have all ways wanted to photograph on the coastline of Maine, some years ago I took a weekend trip to the southern coast of Maine, the first day I photographed the Portland Head lighthouse and the Pemiquid lighthouse, it is the lighthouse on the back of the Maine quarter. The following day i did a sunrise to sunset photo shoot with a group of five other photographers, a professional photographer John Solina was leading the group, John runs photography tours/shops in different locations and also has a few single day trips to different areas of the New England states of Maine and Vermont. The single day trips are dedicated to photographing different locations during the day with a break for lunch, meals are usually at a local restaurant, his fee does not include food and lodging on the one day trip. The first location was a cove to photograph the sunrise and many more locations during the day. On these trips he will give you as much help and instructions as you require but because we start before sunrise it would be best to know how to use your equipment in those conditions. This was with out a doubt the best single day of photography i had, the locations chosen and the time of day gave me the opportunity to shoot some memorable photos, the one day fee was well worth it, because the area is so vast to find all the locations that we photographed that day and the best way to get to each one would not be easy with out his work putting together this trip. So if have an opportunity to do a single day shoot, then do it it's a great experience.

[@robertdidierphotography]

It is a difficult one, living in North Wales when so many places are over visited. When I do find something new I must say I like to keep it to myself, at least for a little while. Maybe see you out there one day

[@K9Weddings]

In theory I don't mind sharing locations and it wouldn't be an issue if everyone had respect for the location and some basic consideration. The issue however is for some it's get the photo at all cost or simply a tick list for some who aren't even exploring beyond the actual scene they've come to photograph. I used to do a little grey seal photography at Donna Nook and you could walk right out to sea and get amazing images. It was obvious which seal pups and mothers were unfazed by your presence and which ones to keep your distance. When I returned another year a saw a semi circle of photographers all photographing the same pup and distressing it and now the area tries to limit photographers to an area close to the car park. It can be the same with many hobbies. I used to hike a lot and organised a few Three Peak Challenges for small groups (6 maximum). For the first couple you had Scafell Pike to yourself in the dark. The last couple of times though minibuses doing it for charity turned up shouting to each other, leaving plastic water bottles in the car park. The hike leader even placed glow lights on the path on the way up to make it easier for the group to find their way down. They seemed to jog down and didn't pick up the glow sticks. Selfish people will ruin it for everyone.

[@Fourpads]

Unfortunately we need to be careful with unknown locations as if they go viral and are easily accessible then the entire area can get destroyed with a sudden hi influx of traffic. This can also cause chaos for small villages if they are suddenly filled with tourists.

[@QuietCornersPhotography]

There is a strong parallel with 'spots' in skateboarding. Some skateboarders take inspiration from other people's tricks at certain street spots (locations) and then ask for the location or track it down on street view. For some skateboarders the fun is also in the hunt for new, untouched spots. The time and dedication for going out and finding unique new spots has to be respected, particularly if you aren't yourself bringing any new ones to the table. Some spots are kept on the down-low because some other skaters may not respect the spot (they then share its location, land owners, security, littering, tagging, behaviour, etc.) Another parallel is that skateboarders try to not do an ABD (Already Been Done) trick at a spot that has already been filmed/photographed there. This unwritten rule really only applies to professional skateboarders, but keeps things fresh, and drives innovation. People have different opinions on where the line is drawn but for me, it's important to show due respect/props to the person who opened the door to that spot for you and inspired you, and to also show respect to the spot itself so that it stays a spot, rather than a bust (where security kicks you out).

[@StuartMcGlennon]

Not quite sure the message is clear in this video as it feels a bit mixed but if you’ve some kind of expectation that experienced photographers ‘should’ be disclosing locations out of some sort of communal responsibility, it’s rather naive. Nobody has a responsibility to anyone to share this information as some kind of public service, it’s up to photographers themselves to exercise enough nous and field craft to find unique images, it’s a skill in itself and always has been. If a photographer is time limited then there’s plenty of guide books etc anyway. The only people who ever talk about ‘gatekeeping’ in my experience are not focused enough on their own shortcomings as photographers.

[@chrisharveyphotography]

Thanks for sharing your perspective on this. I don't think I was really trying to present a definitive message, rather just raising the topic and sharing the opinions i've come across over the years in the hope it starts some discussion around, what I feel, is a very nuanced topic. I agree that we shouldn't feel obligated to geo-tag our images on social media etc, I don't think I articulated that point clearly. I was intending on referring to sharing locations on a more personal, individual basis, photographer-to-photographer. I think when people are just getting into photography, they may want to exercise field craft but lack the resources and knowledge to know what that entails and how to exercise it. I feel for photographers in this situation who want to innocently ask the whereabouts of a certain location to visit but feel they are unable to ask out of fear of a stand-offish response. I came across this on a couple of occasions when I was getting started and it can be discouraging.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

It's nice that you are sharing your location, but you being where you are and me being in the east coast of the United States, the chance of someone like myself going there is not going to happen, so when someone reveals a location they might consider how many people might have access or travel to the location of North Wales.or any place else. Enjoyed your video. One last comment, i live in a some what rural area of NYS and there is a park near my house that I walk my dog 🐕 in the morning, it is a public are but the morning hours is fairly quite, most every day i pick up other people's garbage, the park has several trash containers in different locations and people still chose to be pigs and leave the trash on the ground or picnic tables.

[@timlarge7420]

Coming from the world of wildlife photography I do not consider many to be truly responsible for their environment, they treat keep out and no entry signs as invitations to go and investigate, I have seen the damage caused many times locally. I find many guys talk the talk but when it comes to getting the shot then anything goes. I therefore fully understand reluctance to share locations. There is nothing worse than hiking to your remote location only to find the remains of a disposable BBQ and empty cider cans everywhere, ( Yes I did pick it all up a carry it about three mile on the rest of my hike)

[@johnz3r]

Different for wildlife photography, but I guess woodland might come under the same rules to an extent, where sharing locations can be to the detriment of the subject. Recent article on the Guardian titled "‘You could single-handedly push it to extinction’: how social media is putting our rarest wildlife at risk" might be of interest.

[@Chromatomic]

It definitely depends, if a place is setup and has the infrastructure for public use feel free to share, if it does not and the possibility of hundreds of visitors would cause damage or disruption whether it’s private land or local places without public infrastructure then don’t share or share what is comfortable. Everyone is free to do their own research, but not every place is meant for social media. Lots of places in the US have been shutdown or blocked to the public because of social media use.

[@andrewthomson7367]

I don't think it is other photographers that are the problem with damaging locations, but the others who just go there for a look.

[@robertlunn2836]

I went to Llanrwst a month ago for the day. We lived there for a year so know it well. I prefered the horizontal photo. Sometimes sharing a location can spoil it for everyone if getting to the location causes parking problems.

[@chrisharveyphotography]

Thanks Robert, I really appreciate it! I like the horizontal composition too. It's a lovely location, i'm sure you'll have taken a few photos of this subject. I'd like to capture it in different seasons.

[@alanbudge]

Great topic Chris. Overall I don’t agree with sharing locations. Not everyone is like us in respecting the landscape and being aware of the potential damage to the ecosystem. As is often the case, the masses spoil it for the mindful. I preferred the second shot. My eye kept getting drawn to the bridge in the first shot.

[@chrisharveyphotography]

Thank you Alan! I really appreciate you taking the time! Definitely thought this was a topic worth mentioning as it's very nuanced.

[@paulharding7282]

I think the only reason to keep a location secret is if its a site of sientific intrest and has rear plants or spesies of animal for instance some times country file has been asked to keep a site of speshial intrest secret so the plant or prodgect can flurish with out disterbenc hope this helps .

[@danevarkevisser4670]

Nice video Chris. This is always an interesting topic. I take your points for disclosing locations, but I am not convinced by the arguments. Firstly, why would anyone think they will become a better photographer - even a beginner - if they go to a place and copy someone else's work? As a landscape and nature photographer, the chances are the conditions you are photographing in at a copied location will be sub-optimal and you will come away disappointed anyway. The very idea says that good landscape and nature photographs are more a product of location than the photographer. Some locations may offer more opportunities, but I suggest knowing where a photograph has been taken is not going to help you much. Getting to know one or two locations intimately and experimenting is much more important. The location could be your local woods or the beach, it doesn't have to be iconic. Secondly, the idea that most landscape photographers are responsible stewards of the environment is perhaps true, but unwittingly they can still cause damage. Basically if you have lots of people going to one location then the natural environment will be impacted if not changed. There is no getting around this. Either you have to build infrastructure to support a larger number of visitors to protect the wider environment, and this in itself impacts the area, or you accept a degree of damage to the local environment. Personally, I think we just need to get over the idea that you need to go to locations that other people have photographed because this is your best chance of getting good images. I am of the strong belief that we shouldn't be sharing locations to a wide audience if this is going to have a detrimental impact on an area. We are only ruining it for future generations and I am doubtful it teaches photographers much if anything.

[@chrisharveyphotography]

I understand and agree with the sentiment of your points but I would argue that beginners can learn an awful lot from copying other photographers. It helps you understand composition and what makes a good composition, it also gives you a potentially decent image that you can then edit and learn about post processing. Take musicians for example, when you learn to play guitar, you often imitate other guitarists, learn their songs, and eventually you develop your own style. I think stewardship of the environment is important and I believe the natural world can be enjoyed and visited responsibility. If a photographer was so worried about the fragility of a location and therefore unwilling to tell anyone where that location was, then why did they feel they could go there in the first place? By that argument, surely they too have caused damage...

[@richardbroom4324]

Find your own.. a well published spot would probably make it vulnerable to over use and spoil it

[@jameschetwynd]

Nice shots

[@chrisharveyphotography]

Thanks so much James! I really appreciate it! Thanks for watching!

[@coltharwood494]

Sharing locations on social media leads to overcrowding and destroying the the beauty of the location. Case in point; look at any state or national park in the USA.

[@JonAtLarge]

Same with wildlife photographers, they are often secretive too.

[@bencompson]

Agree with some other as I'm not real sure what your actual point is. Seems to be all over the place. You do mention the problem of too many people coming to a location. And not that you suggested it, but I find the idea that no one should be able to come to a location....except me, because I'm a good person, to be utterly hypocritical. I also think the notion of closing a location in order to protect it to be backwards. Protect it to what end? Its like locking a great painting in a vault forever so that it doesn't deteriorate. Pointless. Sure, it might need time for restoration. It might need rules. It might even need limits. But if nature is not for us to enjoy then it really has no meaning at all. As to sharing locations, well, that's up to the individual isn't it? I have no problem sharing locations but that doesn't mean I'm more kind or noble than someone who doesn't.

[@robertleem5643]

I do visit locations where others have been just to see it for myself and I do look to see if I can take it another way, I always use google maps to look at where I want to go, where to park etc. The final part of your video shows the lovely covered house, we visit Mid and North Wales regularly and I've always looked for a spot to walk to take pictures of that bridge and house but didn't realise until your video that there is a path there One thing I'm beginning to hate, I'm a member of a camera club and submit to competitions, surprising how many judges expect your photos to be manipulated with photoshop or lightroom, want the fine art look. This needs to stop, not everyone can afford the price of this software so they make do with what they have

[@Pyramidalist]

Shari g any geolocation - for me - is a mega problem. Since I was swatted several times I m afraied to share anything that could possibly result in further psychological issues. I liked to be a co-operative member of communities ... but after my first dead caused by peoples madnes I am sorry ... no data ...

[@malcolmmacgregor6222]

Photographers would be well advised not to reveal locations. Part of photography is discovery and seeking out - rather than riding on someone else's discovery. Look what has happened in the USA since the days of Ansel Adams. Locations such as Maroon Bells are now ruined. I used to name locations through detailed captions - but now go for a more general description so as not to reveal the exact location. Many thanks for such an interesting video and raising the issue.

[@gordonsimpson1020]

I’ve visited honeypot locations and it’s always nice to get the shot in the bag before trying to find my own composition. But I’ve see locations where flowers, heather and the like, looks like it has been deliberately vandalised to stop others from replicating the photo. Kinda sad and you wonder who has done this cause I always treat any area I visit with respect and leave it as I found it. But if I’m looking at an image I do like to know what I’m looking at.

[@als99099]

I feel if we share locations there is not so much exploration left. Also shared locations lead to concentrated crowding in countries like india, where almost everyone then just heads to that particular city, forest, Location and not exploring anything else. It may disturb the balance of the place

[@TonyHogrefe]

I’m in the US. We have a few more acres here, so I think we have a different perspective on “spoiling the land,” since we have a bit more of it. For me, if the location is truly fragile and cannot handle a lot of traffic, I’ll share it offline on an individual basis, but not blasted out publicly. I think the only real reason photographers won’t share their spots is because they’re afraid of someone else going there and taking a better photo.

[@jamesmlodynia8757]

I was in agreement with your comment until you said why people don't share locations ,I don't think people are concerned about some one taking a better photos. i was part of a group of 6 people photographing on the southern coast of Maine, we were with a professional photographer John Solina for a sunrise to sunset photo shoot. The cove that we first stopped at before first light was an area that I always wanted to photograph, i was surprised how quickly John moved the group to another location from where we stopped, myself and one other photographers stayed behind ,I knew that it would not be long before sunrise and I wanted to make the most out of the location we were at. My decision to stay proved to pay off when the sun 🌞 broke the horizon, and the sea was flat calm ,i positioned my self between the a leafless tree and where the furthest part of the cove curved ,the sun's reflection came across the water to where i had my camera on a tripod giving me the best photograph of the day. Once I had more light I moved down to rocky shore photographing different rock formations and pools of water. Even though the six of us started at the same location, we walked away with different photographs because of the decisions that we made that morning.

[@rossimusicinc]

Excellent. The wider shot definitely.

[@chrisharveyphotography]

Thank you so much! I like the wider composition too! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@noenken]

Information should always be shared, otherwise it will be lost. And to be honest, just because of the amount of cameras in the world these days there is always a good chance that regardless of what you are photographing you might not be the first one. So, I think it is silly to ever think something that just exists out in the world is exclusive to you. Where I disagree is the idea that copying other people's photos does anything for you. Understanding how it was done, what the photographer was thinking, what the challenges were and so on ... that's all super interesting. But going to the same place because I saw another photographer shoot there is something I would have no interest in.

[@saernikke]

Finding a spot is part of the charm it self in my oppinion and why would you want to go and take the exact same photo as someone else?

[@chrisharveyphotography]

I wouldn't want to take the same photo as someone else, but I think there's a distinct difference between asking for a location because you see the potential and want to explore it for yourself (which is what I would do) compared to asking for a location because you just want to recreate the same photo. I think regardless, either is valid, beginners can learn a lot from copying other photographer's compositions, but this assumption that asking for a location means you want to copy a composition is shortsighted and needs to change. You can visit an iconic location and still have a unique photography experience if you try hard enough and exercise some creativity.

[@saernikke]

@@chrisharveyphotography This is true. I mostly shoot wildlife and I rareley share my spots due to the animals safety and well being. But that is diffrent from landscape photography I guess.

[@MrMartinsla]

I don't think location has anything to do with it. It's about the image. If anyone wants to comment on my image I'd have no difficulty sharing it

[@GregCarrick]

Yep, I've come across this attitude here in Australia. My response is to give explicit directions to places I go to. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXuWepWLdth9hLM

[@GlynnHodson]

Great video again mate, but I personally think that sharing locations is perfectly fine. It allows us photographers to visit amazing places that inspire us to get out of the house and shoot when we probably aren't feeling it or stuck. I always find it tricky to plan a trip that no one has ever been to unless you have time for a reki. But most of the time that's not the case. I do agree with making differences to a photograph of a popular location though then again not every day is the same especially in the UK. The weather changes a lot ahahah.

[@tireeautomatik4537]

Sadly places can’t be ‘undiscovered’. Keep it quiet for the Keeled Skimmers.

[@Richard-kl9bb]

The problem with this thinking is that people are just to lazy to go out in all weathers and trudge miles and miles curry combing the mountains, hillsides, woodlands and river courses to find really good perspectives. Copying scenes is a lack of imagination and photo sharing sites are full of these same scenes. I live in Snowdonia not far from the 'lonely tree' and wannabe photographers arrive in the same place in their cars, queue up to get the same shot, sometimes fight each other for the best spot and then they leave all their crap behind rather than put it in the bin a hundred yards away.

[@stevebarnett5048]

I live in the Peak District and therefore a major tourist hot spot. I post on Flickr but I don’t mind saying where the photograph is made. But I hope people find their own photograph, all to many times ‘influencers’ on KZbin cause people to go out and copy an image especially if it doesn’t require a hike or good weather but maybe a nice lazy ten stopper photo of some groynes on a beach.

[@renelegarreta1455]

I dont share locations because most people l met are selfish about what they do. So l keep most things to myself. I dont mind helping but it would had to be the right person/people

[@jremi]

I totally agree that copying other photographers is a great way to learn. That is also true in other fields. For example, as a guitar player, I have learned a lot by attempting to copy great guitarists. The photographers who refuse to share their locations probably consider scouting as an important part of their work. On the other hand, some locations are easily recognizable. I also believe this is a strange attitude and often, the more experienced the person, the less likely he/she will have this attitude. Paying forward is a sign of wisdom and of recognition that someone else has helped you in the past. What’s the point of treating your knowledge as if it belongs to you?

[@iaincphotography6051]

I suppose there are those photography books that tell you where to go (in a nice way), I was tempted to buy one, so I would know where not to go! Photography should be about being creative not just photographing the bleeding obvious. How many people have now photographed Tryfan in the Ogwen valley (there is another, up left above Nant Peris) from Afon lloer, ffs most can't even pronounce it correctly which is showing disrespect. To quote Georgia O'Keeffe, "I had to create an equivalent for what I felt about what I was seeing, not just copy it". Better if beginners search out their local area first, different times, different weather, different seasons before they start chasing honeypot locations.

[@SeaAngMo23]

I basically agree with you, there is no reason to hide locations with the possible exception of an environmentally sensitive woodland subject, like Giant Redwoods forests or something. I think for a lot of people the trip to that "perfect subject" location is more like a pilgrimage than a plagiarism attempt. ps, I like the horizontal shot of the house over the river best, good work!

[@chrisharveyphotography]

Thanks for sharing your views on this, I really appreciate you taking the time. I agree with you, environmentally sensitive areas need to be preserved, but I also think it's our responsibility as photographers to visit any location, regardless of its environmental fragility, with respect and consideration.

[@Solophotoventures]

Great video with excellent points, personally I always share my location whenever possible even making it part of my video titles, however I think there is an argument for people finding they’re own locations and compositions to especially in todays world where most people now have some kind of camera available to them, as for people copying my images well frankly I think imitation is a high form of flattery it means your doing something right and to be fare the chances of anyone getting exactly the same image is billions to one against but I think if you don’t want or like people copying you the simply don’t post the images after all if you make videos on KZbin or post to social media well your asking for people to acknowledge and even copy you

[@chrisharveyphotography]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words! Also really appreciate your perspective. I think there's almost a presumption that if someone is asking for a specific location then it's because they want to capture a specific composition when in fact it could just be an area that looks appealing that provides a starting point for your own exploration. For example, If I saw a woodland photo I loved, I'd want to go and explore the potential of that woodland for myself, I wouldn't be going there to replicate the image I saw.

[@Solophotoventures]

@@chrisharveyphotography when I started doing photography it was much more specialised as it was during the time of film, I think digital photography especially with smart phones has made a lot of photographers more selfish and possessive of the work they do for me personally I believe it’s to be shared art is for everyone

[@janfrosty3392]

Finding location to photograph is a part of creative process, everyone should do their own research.

[@chrisharveyphotography]

Totally agree, but people presume asking for the location of a photo means they're asking where they can go to recreate the same image. Quite often, we ask because we want to explore the potential of these locations that we've seen that appeal to us. If I saw a woodland photo I loved, I'd want to know where that woodland was, but I wouldn't be going there to copy that composition, i'd be going there to find my own compositions and exercise that creativity.

[@stephenleece3319]

Find a location for yourself, or are you just plain lazy and what it on a plate.

[@chrisharveyphotography]

A very narrow minded view on the activities of a photographer. There's no one approach, sometimes I photograph locally, sometimes I visit popular locations, sometimes I stumble across places by chance. Being given the location of an image doesn't mean you want to copy that image. Being able to spot the potential of a location and being inspired to explore it for yourself and exercise that creativity is what photography is all about. There's no such thing as 'on a plate' when it comes to landscape photorgaphy, there are too many variables at play from weather to light to seasonality.

[@colintraveller]

I wonder how much time you waste filmin yourself walkin thro a fence etc .. A fail to see what it adds when the main focus is and objective outhere is to take pics . As for locations I could name a multitude but youtubers always go to the obvious haunts ie Glencoe , Skye ...etc ..

[@chrisharveyphotography]

I agree with the sentiment but I feel that photographers need to be respectful and considerate when visiting certain locations. It's very easy to not leave a trace if you're mindful of it.

[@colintraveller]

@@chrisharveyphotography I stay in the Countryside so i know how to move about lol .

[@malcbawn.photos]

Totally disagree with you. Example Wistmans wood. Especially in woodland you can be unique with no recognisable features to give the location away. Pick up an os map and learn how to read it.

[@TenPester]

Some Photographers act like they own the land they take pictures on. It's so much worse with wildlife photography. People can be really territorial. They don't own nature, but act like they pay a sub to get their fill of as many pictures as they see fit.

[@chrisharveyphotography]

I've come across this myself on more than one occasion unfortunately! It's a shame that people this sense of entitlement.

[@TenPester]

@@chrisharveyphotography just last night, I’m at a car parking spot trying to get aurora pics and some guy keeps driving by. So I pack up and move to another slot further up the hills. Get my pics, drive back and he’s in the bay I was in.

[@john3Lee]

Any photo or video shared on the internet can easily be traced, and location found.