BORING LANDSCAPES? How FOREGROUNDS will IMPROVE your PHOTOS

I explain how and when I shoot foregrounds and go through some examples out in the field. I also go through a simple way to focus stack your images.
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[@NigelDanson]

Thanks for watching! I realise this isn’t the most boring landscape - in fact no landscape is boring! But I wanted to show how you can use foregrounds when there isn’t anything too prominent in the distance... thanks for all the comments about your ‘more boring’ landscapes 🤣

[@wildzenventures]

For those of us that love nature, there is no such thing as a boring landscape! Great video 😁 I live in an amazingly beautiful place but still get stuck sometimes on my photography. Always a good reminder to hit the "reset" button. Cheers!!

[@rowen8conner]

I would like you to explain the Nikon D5600. As in quality and if its a good beginning camera for it being the model it is. Please and thank you.!

[@dansatMaryland]

-6 in April is unusually cold for April in the UK, even well north of London. Really enjoyed this one.

[@sandrasmith6725]

Try living in Suffolk and looking for hills!

[@johndowie8916]

I have a Nikon D5600. It's more than a beginners camera, especially if you invest in good glass.

[@JenniferKlinger]

I absolutely like it when you critique your own pictures. It is massively helpful.

[@domjkof5327]

One day I'll show you what "boring landscape" really means hahah Cheers, Nigel.

[@miljo2146]

Exactly what I was thinking haha

[@amsivertson]

“Boring landscape.” Until you’ve been here on the southern Canadian prairies.... 😏😆

[@davblec]

Jajaja yes yes I have a Lots of boring landscapes very dificult to shoot !!!

[@NigelDanson]

Ok - it isn’t Boring really...

[@martharetallick204]

@@amsivertson I loved those prairies!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Yes - love the last image. The top third works much better, and the colours are gorgeous.

[@albertwaltersberger505]

Compared to the highly cultivated, domesticated monoculture landscapes of Central Europe, this rough landscape seems to me exactly the opposite of boring. Nevertheless, again amazing examples of high photographic and editing art.

[@ChrisMustermann]

Very informative! This Splitscreen where you show us the composition with your finger while explaining is great! Never seen this in a video before, although it is a simple way of explaining...

[@dylanbeadle3409]

Your photo critiques are soo much help; it really makes things click when you’re out in the field

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Those grasses are stunning with the light

[@martondobay]

It amazes me how you can share your thoughts in such depth, with all that enthusiasm. Were you always able to do this, or did the natural feel of how you talk about photography and your process arrive gradually, with experience and years of getting at it? How much did getting positive feedback help with having the courage to open up?

[@JasonLorette]

I don’t know how you hike, find a location, vlog, look for the right light, take pictures, fly the drone...my heavens, I wouldn’t know what direction to turn, lol. Oh, and that’s not boring landscape, lol.

[@NigelDanson]

It is a bit hectic sometimes!!! But fun to do

[@Rad_Travels]

An excellent video as always. I like how you went back home and shared with us the critique of your own photos.Thx

[@cornishmadematt]

Thank you, Nigel. Your videos have inspired and reinvigorated me to pick my camera back up after a weird year for all. Been looking for something different for a while, and i love what you're doing with your woodland shots. Outside my comfort zone and looking to give it ago. I live in Cornwall, and as most know a gold mine for photographers, especially coastal. I look forward to doing one of your workshops one day.

[@mariebird01]

You have become part of my Sunday mornings, every week. Your ‘must-watch’ KZbin videos have been inspiring me and others I’m sure, for a very long time, either before I go out for my local walk, or directly after coming back. I have started, only just this year, to focus stack some of my images, which was learned through watching you. Hope to send some of my efforts in to your competition! Thank you.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks so much

[@FelixJorgenfelt]

Great subject! I recorded a video a couple of days ago where I was talking about this subject as well. To quote myself from that video "it's easy to get distracted by all the interesting things and lose the obvious." Meaning that we try to make composition acquisition more complex than it has to be. Instead of focusing on all the interesting things focus on the unique things in that particular area and you'll probably be rewarded with a better photo.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

A well spent morning!

[@scalaacom]

Yes, finding nice compositions where there are seemingly none is a challenge for sure. Thanks for the encouragement to keep looking.

[@MarkSweeting_]

As a novice with a Sony RX100 this is complicated to me but I enjoyed watching and understood most of it. I'm learning. Best regards thanks for sharing and stay safe

[@jacquesmorin8967]

Dear Nigel, you are changing my life by your videos in which you explain really really well things about photography. You've given me the passion and the motivation to wake up in the morning to take a walk in nature and appreciate it by finding every nice places to find. Thanks you so much. Keep going. I've just bought Z6II and a few prime lenses F1.8 20mm and 85 mm, then a 24-200 mm like yours. I'll try to follow your advices about how to take pictures.

[@eamonoc2268]

Wow, another cracking tutorial. I cant wait to get out and practice finding good foreground. I find it really hard to get it right when I am out shooting. Great demonstration in the field. I felt I was almost there with you and lovely to see you pointing out what you are paying attention to, both good and bad in the scene. Great job. Eamon

[@NigelDanson]

Good luck!!

[@Joseph-iu6ip]

I like the same one as you with the diagonal wall. It really stands out, I think, because of the rule of triangles or what some call the rule of sevens, where you have askew angular shapes. I think this is a great example of that with the angular walls.

[@robcoates4394]

The 'bush' in the Darling Range, east of Perth is, if not boring, very 'samey' so finding interesting foregrounds is a must but a challenge. Unfortunately we have to rely on the odd boulder or mis-shapen tree as it's mostly virgin country and doesn't have those fields and stone walls that you're so lucky to have. Nevertheless, this video has emphasised how important it is to look for foreground interest and take your time - no quick snaps! 😊 Thank you for yet another thoughtful insight into the professional mind and cheers from DownUnder. PS - I 100% agree with your "Two hours on a mountain . . ." comment. My sentiments exactly!

[@jessemasci9986]

Thanks Nigel! You've been part of my inspiration to get up early :) and I've been adjusting my sleep schedule so I can get up for sunrise photos before I start work and it has become my favourite part of the day... though it is sometimes hard to put in a full 8 hour work day afterwards haha

[@NigelDanson]

Awesome! It is hard to get out of bed but so so worth it

[@MrLucsbaron]

Really enjoy your videos, this is no different. Really enjoy the production, discussion and analysis. Some great images!

[@ison5622]

photography and art is all about enjoying not only what you yourself can do but what others can, and i always enjoy your images thanks Nigel.

[@lisasimpson9343]

Thank you, you have made me think about the better possibilities on our property. I live in the Flinders Ranges but more in the pastoral country which can be not very spectacular but I now have some ideas to try. I have a phobia about fence posts, love the old style fences that lead off but dislike the more pedestrian ones so as soon as I saw your shot with the mountain and the posts in the middle ground I wasn't sold lol. We are all different.

[@erichstocker4173]

I don't find the landscape boring but while I appreciate the grand vistas from the edge of cliffs and mountains, I like these "natural" scenes. I wish youtubers would use horizontal and vertical rather than landscape and portrait. Lots and lots of landscapes are taken in vertical mode so portraits isn't the best description. In many continuing ed classes that I taught I was amazed at number of new photographers who thought portrait mode was inappropriate for landscapes. But, maybe it is too late. To paraphrase St. Thomas Aquinas: a name makes the concept. Nice and interesting video.

[@grahamroberts5949]

Cheers Nigel, great video, with just rolling English countryside where I live, and 12 months of travel restrictions, you have given me inspiration to get out and about.

[@NigelDanson]

Brilliant

[@bossofthemoss450]

I agree with your choice Nigel.

[@kennyfrancis9629]

Thanks for your vid. I live in the type of landscape you see there but have been spending a lot of time in woodland. The super strong foreground idea has me keen to get out to the hills again. Brilliant shots.

[@lorneturner5318]

Thank you Nigel....another well presented and thoughtful video.

[@markmedlock6985]

Love these type of “Show n Tell” videos, so beneficial for us visual photographers 😃👍🏼

[@gavinhorrell7269]

Great to see your up early and spending time explaining your thought process. Just a quick question on photo-stacking? You mentioned you used your graduation filter ? Maybe you could do a video on it? Not sure how to do this.

[@marlogue53]

👍 glad you got out of the sack. Old walls and sun kissed grass with faraway hills. Beautiful.

[@scarcesense6449]

You should come to Australia. Even the ocean has more prominent peaks than the landscape.

[@glennricks]

Thanks for another gem, Nigel. I will have to look closer for foreground elements, not many mountains here.

[@entertherealmofchaos]

Learning lots from you, especially about how to balance a scene.

[@1964ilovebears]

I must train my vision to see the spots you see. The way how you get them is very explanatory but, I guess I need to train your lessons much more to get my goal. I always envy how many photographers are able to see compositions where I have difficulty. Thanks Nigel.

[@martinhall2593]

Very informative as ever Nigel, great to see the 24-200 mm producing superb quality shots too.

[@ijclarkphoto]

Having just got back after a 4am alarm for sunrise, totally understand that desire to just hit snooze. Can’t beat a quiet east coast beach though!

[@NigelDanson]

No - that sounds perfect

[@dlphotodlphoto1098]

A very honest approach to what is some times is a very difficult landscapes we face , and how much different the print looks via the screen.

[@URSENIORUTUBER55]

Thank you Nigel, thank you for this very informative tutorial.

[@dougdavis5808]

Thank you for all that you do, I am just starting out in photography and you explaining everything really helps.When everything gets better I am going to go to the collage and try to hook up with some of the photography students to learn more about my camera and how to shoot in manual mode.

[@treyfoerster8759]

Loved the discussion of aspects of taking an image!

[@jean-philipper-m5886]

In the first shot, it's quite impressive how some change in lighting can make all the difference in an image. Really worth the waiting. Beautiful photo!

[@Nils.steiner]

Flat?? You probably have never been to Northern Germany. Here a landscape looks like that: ___________ 😜

[@NigelDanson]

😂😂😂 i realised flat was stretching the phrase a little

[@agataWKW]

These is so accurate! hahaha, I lived in Hamburg for a few years and I have to confirm, the landscape is the definition of the flatness ;)

[@GTScaleModelling]

I quite like the one with the small distracting tree, because to my eye the curve of the wall actually continues up that small peak towards the tree, and so leads your eye up to the tree. I'm so very new to all this though so probably don't know what I'm talking about haha.

[@peteg330]

Thanks for the tips on the s-curve up the picture and the points about interesting rock in the foreground, I found them really useful. Also the stacking in photoshop, I've never done it that way before, thanks.

[@momobadilak]

"gawd I'm glad I got up" ..words to remember when the alarm goes off :)

[@triplewinlin5576]

I like the image at 17:05 the best. In addition to the obvious rock wall leading line, it also has a subtle soft diagonal line of white frost, from the bottom-left corner up to the right by the fallen rock. A stronger but still subtle line zigs from the right to the left just under the top "thirds" line, echoing the horizon. It then zags to the right, merging into and becoming the diagonal line of the top of the brightly-lit grasses to where the rock wall darkens. Very nice image! Thank you for explaining how to focus-stack, I will try that soon.

[@josephstanski5180]

Midwest (USA) prairies are my biggest challenges I face. No rocks, but lots of fence posts and barns. I like how you consider every little object on the different file planes and how you bring them all together - you have are great eye Nigel. I wonder how you priorities these when exploring compositional possibilities?

[@gregjakubowski938]

....and corn and soybeans.

[@koenpijpersphotography]

Great self critiques, help me reflect on my own images. I imagine it must be hard to focus on your photography when you also are doing video and playing with the drone. Great work as always.

[@maxencelemoine4190]

When I'm in a "boring" landscape (I mean, REALLY boring :D like around me, flat fields, flat seascape, with no tree/rock), I go to minimalism, textures on the ground (macro)...

[@peaceuponpeace1]

With the lockdown this feels like a trip to heaven 😍

[@jonstout7635]

I now have a 5 AM appointment at the Guadalupe Pass and the salt flats. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@nevillewatkins4997]

The side light really does bring the grass to life though.

[@anthonyplancherel8274]

Great video, as always really useful to have the critique of the shots!

[@RustyWalker]

Whew! I just got back from a 3 hour ramble round my local woodlands and this was ready for watching to see what I can do next time :D

[@ulrichpflug2644]

Thanks for the helpful hints. As always good content. 👍👏

[@dinglestar24]

I also live in the Fenlands so this is really helpful! Another amazingly inspirational video, thank you! 👍🏻👍🏻🙂

[@SuperDavies77]

Have become a big fan of your channel for around a year now. Really like easy going attitude and simple but informative explanations. I'd like to ask, because I see that shot often when the sun is fairly high, are you using polarised filters? Also do you do any work using ND filters etc?

[@quentinwr8226]

This tiny 24-200 alone makes me thinking about buying a z6 / z7 + 24-200 for hiking :D I currently have a Panasonic S1R + 16/35 + 24/105 + 70/200, quality is amazing but it's a bit heavy when i'm hiking :D

[@peterfritzphoto]

Love all your videos, Nigel. :-)

[@arthurchen794]

Color and light should be considered in the composition. The one you picked has a balanced color as well.

[@andyblessett1282]

You want boring landscape, try the Fenlands of Lincolnshire! but, thanks Nigel, you give me loads of inspiration on how to compose my images.

[@joebailey8328]

I’ve been watching you for too long, I had already thought that your first image was not balanced and totally agree that your final printed image felt the best. You mentioned insignificant a couple of times today and I have not heard you say this before. I would love to know more about this thought process, when does something become insignificant? You were aware of it at the time?

[@stefans6961]

In situations like this would you ever consider shooting in black & white especially given all the amazing textures and shapes in the foreground rocks and grasses? Can B&W help in boring landscape scenes? I live in the mountains and often have too much visual information which can easily overpower images, so these flat lands actually look quite nice. Great seeing behind the scenes at what you see, hearing your compositional thought process and how you create the images. Love your critical comments on composition ...very educational! Thank you so much for sharing these amazing videos.

[@NigelDanson]

No. I think b&w needs thought just like colour. You can shoot in all conditions but I always like to look for different things

[@campsitesweden]

Great tips, just what I need!

[@guykerr8111]

For the first photo you did in the studio.....I think I would have liked it if you had only done the bottom 1/2 or so - cut it off before the fence. My amateur thoughts and opinion....

[@ibarrabenjamin1]

It’s so inspiring to see you working. Thanks for sharing.

[@dieterthephotographer]

Thx Nigel!

[@minus1db]

Thanks Nigel really helpful

[@Shetlandin360]

I’m still just getting into photography and I love your videos. I walk the same place pretty much every day and always come home with something but more often than not, it’s not very exciting. I wondered, how much of photography is simply the joy of taking photos, learning techniques etc and how much is about getting ‘the shot’? How much of photography is disappointment and how much is exhilarating?

[@todaymueller8940]

A very enjoyable and informative video. You talk about composition and light and only technical stuff when it is relevant, which refreshing. There are thousands of videos on KZbin where the presenter immediately starts talking at 100 mph about nothing of importance.

[@matasbatutis4428]

Nigel, Thank you for you videos, super informative! And that positive, nature loving energy, is just amazing, it truly doesn't get better than this

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks!

[@tanyablais2992]

Beautiful images. The light is captured gloriously.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks Tanya

[@tonygaskins565]

Agreed on the favourite shot

[@Woodenarrows]

I really appreciate your discussions on compositions. It's a great help to me trying to learn what makes an interesting image vs a snapshot image. Thanks for you continued efforts with these videos. I missed Pebbles in this one...

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks for watching

[@guepard53]

Hi Nigel, it's always a pleasure to watch your videos. Did you made a video to explain how you merge exposure bracketted photos ? Focus stacking is easy to process but exposure seems a lot harder. Thank you ! Fabrice

[@paulpeter3340]

First video of yours which I don't like. Maybe because I had different expectations on boring landscape. The area you are shooting is absolutely beautiful

[@NigelDanson]

Sorry you didn’t enjoy it

[@paulpeter3340]

@@NigelDanson Don't worry too much as you are doing exceptional work here not only with photography but also with captivating story telling or technical tips & tricks. My disappointment comes just from misleading expectations. It's like some chef promises you to give useful tips for making easy starter only from only few ingredients and ending up with making a fancy dessert

[@tamasapro3948]

Thank you for new video! :- )I like your videos and photos. You are very inspired for me :-)

[@pamelahooper7851]

Your presentation and production are really excellent. Thank you for your videos. Plus your vertical landscapes are brilliant.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks for watching Pamela

[@JohnPaul-ii]

At -6 even the brass monkeys were staying in bed. Thanks for sharing again Nigel . Stay safe and😷🇦🇺

[@LeviFiction]

Got here too late to complain about the flatness of North Dakota. XD. According to one friend my photos made Northern Germany look like the Alps. But there is beauty and interest here as well. Like the path to the graveyard out back. Just never seem to be able to capture it properly. Oh well, that's what practice is for. Thanks for the video.

[@knutasper6830]

I live on Cape Cod with lots of dormant beach grass. I will have to go out and capture them in side light

[@ajtafft]

Informative as ever, many thanks.

[@josephburian8716]

I see you’re using your 24-200 lens in some of your shots. That lens is finally back in stock from NikonUSA, ordered mine and it’ll be here Monday, can’t wait.

[@martharetallick204]

Does it effectively take the place of the 24-70 and the 70-200?

[@glynparry6598]

Informative and interesting. Thank you for sharing Nigel 😊

[@JohnDoe-ws5iv]

I look forward to your videos every week!!!

[@southpaww]

Your 7/10 would be my 11/10, at this point. Great vid.

[@iaincphotography6051]

38secs in, that sunrise and fence, where is the shot? Your first shot, with the rock at the bottom, sooner see it cropped and without the rock. The wall. the gate, and the hilltop is a great line Nigel.

[@grahamegannon9708]

Sometimes you just have to work with what you are dealt with weather and location wise. I prefer the photo you likes, looks good.

[@peterwoodham7487]

You say boring landscapes but I live on the edge of the fens (in the bland lands) I really struggle to find new photos.

[@petercollins7848]

Fog? Sea? Are these possible in your location? Different strengths and colour of light can make a seemingly bland photo stand out. How about a triptych of the same scene in completely different conditions. Just a suggestion.

[@alexk4023]

thankyou for this video, now i can use your tips and make it useful for me.

[@lilyhong1220]

Can you do a video reviewing how you manage the hikes out to these places and the backpack/gear you use? I can't find a comfortable backpack... Or Im not fit lol

[@valrion.photography]

Great video, very interesting! In Belgium, we don't really have (or I still didnt find?) interesting landscapes... So it's good to know! :)

[@GkPhotographic]

Dia Duit from Dublin Eire , thank you . always great to see you work . stay safe

[@novainvicta]

We don’t all have the luxury of living close to mountains and in SE England we only have hills. That said I don’t think flat landscapes are boring it really depends on what trees or structures are in the landscape. A winding path for instance or an old building or maybe a pond or lake.

[@eatherto]

When you Focus AND Exposure stack, which one do you process first? Get the Exposure Stack, then work on Focus?

[@tjsinva]

Sunrise in the UK is way too early, and it's only April. 🎯👍 😎

[@NigelDanson]

It isn’t in December!

[@martharetallick204]

Waiting for someone from St. Petersburg to enter the chat.

[@daveaneil]

@@martharetallick204 Or Orkney (where I'm from) or Shetland whoch is further north than St Petersburg!

[@nelehoremans2546]

Thanks Nigel for making my Sunday once more. You did look very cold and sleepy at the start :-), luckily you got more and more exited during the shoot!. I would love to invite you to flat Flanders for boring and complicated landscapes with dull overcast skies :-) I am curious to see how you would handle them :-), but I'll try some of your tips for now.

[@NigelDanson]

I was fairly sleepy but it warmed up