Expressive Photography - The Moody Landscape

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THE VIDEO:
Following on from last week's video, in this one I look at some intimate scenes on a grim cloudy day. My mood falls as I get creative block, but in the end, a surprise calling from the landscape lifts my mood and my engagement.
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Photography: Alister Benn
Video Production: Ann Kristin Lindaas
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[@M_Rollins]

That hawk flying through at 1:51 is worth the thumbs up all by itself. What an unlikely and epic moment in the air. I've started exploring more with shutter speed in the last year. Sometimes, even when I know what look I want, I'll take 3, 4, 5 shots with different speeds just to see what it could be. Not being afraid of bumping up the ISO is still something I need to remind myself of. Really looking forward to Vision & Light with Simon Baxter. If there's anyone on KZbin I'd call my "Photography Hero," I think it'd be him. Sorry Alister. But hey, if he's my "Photography Hero," then you're my "Photography Guru," so that's pretty cool.

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL< sorry for the slow reply man! Photo Guru! :-) I'll take that LOL

[@peterorr999]

I find your forays into the Scottish landscape a great substitute for being able to be there myself. Your detailed discussion on the composition, exposure and environment is fascinating. I look forward to watching each of your videos at the start of my day as they impart a real sense of being, and are a real tonic. Thank you.

[@mitchellmysliwiecphotography]

I wish I could click like more than once. A great tutorial on just shooting what you feel.

[@joelwolski]

I really like how you discuss the ways ones surroundings affect mood and emotion, especially since I tend to have the opposite reaction to what you mention. Personally, I find bright sunny weather to be oppressive and wide open spaces evoke a more anxious mood in me. I greatly prefer overcast "gloomy" weather and tighter landscapes. As important as it is to be able to recognize our own emotional response to a given scene, it's equally important to understand that others may respond differently.

[@TimberGeek]

That green reads as an eye to me.

[@tompetersphotography]

Really enjoyed this one Alister, very well produced

[@Alister_Benn]

Much appreciated!

[@anisab9506]

You have sparked my curiosity when you spoke about your melancholy related to the history of this place... without revealing the exact location, I would love to learn more about the history of that particular area. I'm often compelled by "what if the rocks could speak", there must be an element of that, that transpired in your final images. Beautiful!

[@kevinmclin8263]

Hey Alister, this was another great video. I very much enjoy your weekly offerings. There is a point in this one where you misspeak when describing the relationship between ISO and shutter speed. The ISO does not increase or decrease the amount of light in an image. Only the shutter speed and aperture do that. Increasing the ISO merely brightens the image by increasing the output gain when the sensor is read, but at the cost of making the noise more prominent. I know you know this, but there is a surprising amount of confusion about this fact, especially among people who are new to photography. I thought I would mention it for their sakes. Between your channel and the folks over on Skye who produce Photography Online, I can see there is a trip to Scotland sometime in my future. I have never been, and it looks absolutely spectacular. Happy shooting.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, heat of the moment, sometimes the wrong words come out. I don't script things at all and that comes at the price .

[@nickshepherd8377]

Firstly I really enjoyed your recent book the colour of meaning. The quality of the photography, the content, and how it was put together was exceptional. Enjoyed today’s video, as always. You are right, the landscape never stops giving. Sometimes it requires you to look for it but if you open your mind, it usually comes to you. Thank you and I send my best wishes. Nick.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Nick, that’s really kind. I’m struggling to relate to a world where popularity is the point of landscape photography.

[@nickshepherd8377]

Alister, as an amateur photographer it is difficult enough to try and distant yourself from the approval of the social media. In your case, when it is your living, it must be even harder to balance the financial need to your heartfelt individual views and personal happiness. It certainly must be a dilemma. From someone on the outside, you seem to have the balance right between integrity and your role as an educator. It may not be happening as quickly as you like but I feel sure this model will grow and be sustainable.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks, and I agree 💯

[@galensinkey]

Alister, this was helpful for me to think through my own emotional responses to changing landscape textures, luminance, and of course, color. I can think back to a couple of shots in particular where I experienced a strong emotional response by finding a composition unexpectedly. Regarding your pics, I feel like I want to see the water's translucence and opacity with a faster shutter speed. That's my opinion... now I need to go out and find some flowing water to try and get something similar.

[@geoffstairmand3747]

I too share your disappointment that your target looks like being missed. But take heart Alister - you are having a tremendous effect on your current audience. For me personally you provide lessons in photography and life, you inspire and give confidence to move forward with our art.

[@Alister_Benn]

That’s very kind of you. Yeah, I take great heart in having a very keen and dedicated audience.

[@juliangreaves4727]

Another very enjoyable video Alister. The point you continually make regarding the overriding importance of engaging with the landscape, and realising that this is a worthy goal in itself is so important. Many times, I think we all spend time on making an image that doesn’t work and walk away disappointed. You remind us that the image is not necessarily the point, more, the icing on the cake, or an expression of that engagement. In much the same thought process, don’t get hung up on the 20k YT subs. It’s just a number. You’re still sending good vibes into the world and it is the world’s loss if it’s not yet listening! It will :-)

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Another brilliant video. I personally preferred the image you discussed around 12:30 with the rocks visible beneath the water. However, the last image worked very well, too. It reminds me of a mountain peak emerging from an inversion layer, in miniature. I look forward to your interview of Simon.

[@dannyhead5287]

Very inspiring!

[@brucehyman]

that last close up image *really* worked for me too.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man, really appreciate that.

[@grabshotphoto7396]

7:45 That's a great reminder for us to use when we're shooting and then again when viewing the images. It's easy to feel let down, but remembering the day and the feeling (engagement) ensures we don't lose the value.

[@mitymous1]

Once again you have articulated my thoughts and feelings; so many times I go out hopeful but not optimistic, and manage to find some little bit of intrigue that captures my attention and interest, thereby shifting the mood of the entire outing. Looking forward to your chat with Simon; he's (another) of my very favorite photographers.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much. Yes, I find myself having to deconstruct and rebuild my relationship with photography and the landscape.

[@esanford]

I really loved the red rocks in the river.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Ed, me too :-)

[@chrisalmerini3284]

The 80-400mm lens just allows for so many different options... kind of my go to lens now

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, me too!!

[@robertd.skonbladandersson269]

Love the shots of water flowing on the granite rocks, such a nice contrast of color and of elements

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much 😀

[@dianevose9655]

Love the red rocks in the water with the slower shutter speed. I would imagine they mirror the mountainous landscape around you 👍

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much Diane, and apologies for the slow reply, wrapping things up before the holidays.

[@alyamaut]

Great 🤘

[@andrewfindlayphoto]

Like the red rocks, like the music at the end. You need a gimmick to get to 20K fast 😆

[@stephensmith9236]

That last image of the red rocks is stunning. And I'm sure I'd have missed it walking along the stream. Nice edition today. You are really lucky to live in that environment (though no doubt weather is dreadful a lot of the winter!)

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoyed it - really appreciate your comments this year.

[@keithlinforth4585]

Love the images and you right every scene has a story if you tuned in to see it and that’s what keeps on our creative journeys.

[@johnharrington6357]

Another wonderful episode. Love the final image with the diagonal rocks

[@MarcKoetse]

The last photo is really cool.

[@rodgraham1890]

Really like the video and pictures. I wonder if at about the 10 minute mark there is a shot over your left shoulder, perhaps a 1:1 format, of the brown bracken in the lower left and the silver birch in the upper right, anchored by the lichen covered rock in the lower third? Being a “Graham” myself, I’d be interested in the history of this small canyon. Love your work!

[@laisnebruno8372]

I really liked your mood changes when your eyes were drawn to this scene with these red pebbles at the bottom of the water I sometimes feel this feeling of well-being in a photo release

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, emotions are everything

[@AndrewCooperPhotography]

Another excellent vlog, love the use of the 400mm to take us into the abstract shot of the water. The final diagonal image has the light catching the rocks perfectly.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Andrew, yeah, the last couple with the warmer rocks I really liked.

[@uhligsu]

Thanks, I always enjoy your videos.

[@Alister_Benn]

Happy to hear that

[@matssandquist9258]

When you feel that you covered the waterfall or stream in the big perspective in all angles, I think this is brilliant, to get close att focusing at small details. It musn´t be the grand overview all the time.

[@Alister_Benn]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ianiles6430]

Your dog is very good, sitting there quietly throughout the video

[@Alister_Benn]

😂 yes, very low maintenance

[@borissmit7112]

Beautiful video, I was doing the same but with a wider lens as all the white I had was snow a d the flowing water.

[@dallasthomas9298]

Greta video as usual, you mentioned a while ago that you bought a new head for the tripod and I see it clearly in this edition. In a future video could you provide an overview of the head and the advantages of it over day a normal ball head. I know this is not a Gear Channel but Im sure Im not the only veiwer who would like to see this. You never know others outside the EP Family may become members?

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes, I probably will, I utterly love it, but it is very expensive

[@dallasthomas9298]

@@Alister_Benn thats not the issue, if its good and does the job you want.

[@gruagach1]

At 1:52 do you know if that was a buzzard or a golden eagle? I never feel I'm truly in the highlands until I see that red granite in Glencoe just love it.

[@Alister_Benn]

It's a Buzzard :-) yes, I feel the same way, although I am usually heading home when I come from the south

[@aengus1948]

Man can you see !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@PaulBeiser]

This was another wonderful lesson/episode! I understand your moods and emotions when wandering around landscapes like you are doing (esp in Yosemite years ago) and you just have to keep pushing on. Some days the magic works, some day it does not :-), but being outside is always special.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks, much appreciated. It’s always tough when going out to make a vlog. The pressure can be there.

[@PaulBeiser]

@@Alister_Benn Yes, I can imagine trying to make a great photo and do a vlog would be exceptionally hard - but you are doing a great job. Hoping you get more subscribers this month.

[@Alister_Benn]

Lol, thanks, not holding my breath 😀

[@renagoodfriend-leve9443]

You always explain this best .I am for sure coming to this place one day.You will see me there and I will see you there too😉💜🙏🏻

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you. Yes, I’m sure we’ll be there together

[@sandyweir9692]

Hi Alister - Thanks for another great video also for your suggestion regarding the 16:9 crop. I always wondered how you achieved the 16:9 crop in-camera as the ratio is not natively available in the Nikon D850 menu. Cheers.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great, thanks for that...

[@claudehamel9228]

My favourite subject done with soul!

[@photonsonpixels]

Thank you for your inspirational videos, Alister. Very unique and enlightening. By the way, would you share the specs of your tripod and tripod head? Did not find them under your gear description. Thank you!

[@Alister_Benn]

GITZO GT3543XLS ARCA SWISS C1 CUBE

[@photonsonpixels]

@@Alister_Benn Thank you so much Alister. Much appreciated.

[@LukeOrwin]

Great video. In a way the last image looks a bit like a mountain range in the clouds

[@jacktaylor6190]

What kind of bird was flying under your drone in the beginning footage? Also what history in that particular Glenn are you referring too? Enjoyed the content of this video and I always seem to pick up another tip or two in each of your videos, so thanks on that count Alister!

[@howardallen5390]

Sorry you’ve lost your drone: there was some great drone footage at the start of this video. Was that a Buzzard flying below the drone at one point? I agree about the image at 13:05. I’ve only followed your channel for a few months, although it seems a lot longer given the problems of this year (2020). One of my early comments was along the lines of: I think that your channel is one of the best kept secrets on KZbin but I don’t think you’ll ever have a massive following because the majority of photographers want to watch videos with clickbait titles like “7 tips for this” or “5 pitfalls to avoid” and not a channel that has more taxing content. I’ve enjoyed your videos because it has given me a lot to think about and encouraged me to develop my photography down an interesting path.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes, the Buzzard was a bonus

[@paolosclavi511]

What about your tripod head alister .....you are the best !!!!!

[@Alister_Benn]

Lol, yeah, I love the Arca Swiss.

[@NakedInSeattle]

Did you see the drone fly under yours at 1:55? Does it ever get crowded up there?

[@Alister_Benn]

Lol, it was a buzzard 😀

[@NakedInSeattle]

@@Alister_Benn Right!

[@alanclark9691]

Another enjoyable video Alister. Regarding your drive for 20k subs, I wonder if your decision to split your audience with the private members group may have something to do with the slowing down of subs. Those who won't or can't join the private members section may be feeling they have become 2nd class supporters in what is a highly competitive environment. Just a thought.

[@Alister_Benn]

Well obviously I understand that, but I’ve produced at least one free video and often two free videos a week all year. This is our only income, I don’t have another career and make videos for a hobby. My work has to pay for itself and giving away all our IP for free isn’t very smart.

[@alanclark9691]

@@Alister_Benn I totally appreciate your dilemma Alister. I was simply offering my thoughts on what the issue could be. You have to follow your instincts, but be prepared to adjust the strategy if it becomes necessary. I certainly enjoy your material, and wish you well. Best regards.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes, I realise my response was somewhat defensive. It’s a constant process of re-evaluation and strategy. Having all your income for the year vanish took some effort to amend. Thanks for your support, it’s very much appreciated.