Landscape Photography | The Power of Light

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THE VIDEO:
As the days shorten and the sun spends less time over the horizon, the mood of the landscape changes. In this video I explore an area near where I grew up in the Highlands of Scotland and find light in unusual places.
Over on the Zen Haggis Channel I explore the concept of Killing Time! Our most valuable commodity.
The Zen Haggis Channel: shorturl.at/zNS45
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Images & Music: Alister Benn
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[@paulredman1496]

Thanks for the reminder we take photos for ourselves. Another stunning video.

[@Alister_Benn]

You are so welcome!

[@nldazuu]

I think listening to photopodcast from you is also great, love The phrase i shoot what i like and not.....

[@RollyDSpradling73]

I enjoy, and given our rather tense times, need your quiet, thoughtful, introspective approach. Your style and intellect draw me to your channel. I value your presentations very much. That they are inspirational is important to my growth as a photographer, but your thoughtful approach is what keeps me wanting more.

[@MarkRomine]

Thank you for your time in putting your thoughts to film! As always, nicely expressed.

[@AmbientWanderer]

Absolutely loved the third image, Alister!

[@SilverDragonCloud64]

I like your ranting! It is calming, it is intelligent, it is open, it is creative and has a certain depth added to the photographic medium that I like and understand very well. Yes, it is so important to create art - photography is an art- that we first of all like. The artist owns the creative process and that is what distinguish each original artist from all the other artists. Being truthful to ourselves is essential I feel. Every time I found myself having to do something that pleases the client but that is not truthful to my vision I felt a deep sadness and realised that I need to photograph mostly for myself and follow my inner vision. This week I came across a documentary where the topic was art created by people with mental health issues or learning disabilities. These artists create exclusively from within their own mind, they are not effected , neither inspired by other artists work which concludes with very original and unique creations. So their disabilities become their most refined abilities....I just loved it. They don't create for others to like, they don't do it for money, they just have to create, it is a natural instinct. By the way, in case you have not realised it yet, you are having an impact on so many photographers who get to know you via your channel, or/and workshop. I think the two of you together are stirring up changes....I see them as positive....in the world of landscape photography. You put into words lots of things I've been doing for a long time just out of my natural instinct without thinking why I did it. Now listening to you, I actually get to understand the why behind my choices as a creative photographer and as a human being. 🌞🌳🌞

[@Alister_Benn]

I find your comments so humbling and incredibly supportive. I wish I could spend more time to write longer replies! A simple thank you feels inadequate.

[@SilverDragonCloud64]

Humbling is always good, for everyone, better then living a totally ego driven life I feel. You give already plenty with all your videos, your chats, all that time spent creating beautiful content that then you share....you simply share....that is honourable. 🌞🤗

[@tonyhayes9827]

If you spend your life trying to be pleasing and acceptable to other people you will remain paralyzed in the sense of never being yourself. Your style is soothing. It doesn't surprise me at all you can run another show like the Zen Haggis. I watch it. I listen. I agree with it. There's something about both your sites that says, `hush now, life is worth it, somehow.' Keep up the good work.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Tony, I really appreciate your sincere feedback. Very much appreciated.

[@johnbentley1056]

Great video as usual Alister. I prefer spontaneity because I go out as my time allows so I don't have the capacity to critically plan for a single image. This works for me and makes images that I like. I think social media has been detrimental to photography because it produces formulaic images. Everyone applies the same light room presets so the get likes just like the other popular creators. Thank you for sharing.

[@Alister_Benn]

Well said! I obviously agree with you 100%

[@54321djg]

Just discovered your channel through Adam Gibbs'. Really enjoying the thoughtfulness of your content so far 👍

[@chrisalmerini3284]

Another great discussion...thanks for reminding us we make photos for ourselves...coming back from a short vacation of photography this was core to my experience... responding and photographing what I loved in a particular place... the only goal was making myself happy...as I review the images now back at home those feelings return and fill me

[@Alister_Benn]

Excellent Chris, I am so happy to hear that

[@michaeltillman886]

What's up my friend? I like what you said about shooting what you like, because after all, if you don't like the shot, don't shoot it. It's just that simple. Peace my friend!!!!

[@geoffstairmand3747]

I believe also in the spontaneity of taking images - if it grabs me I shoot it. This last week we have spent time in the Lake District (mostly around the Langdale valleys) and the autumn colours were spectacular. I likened my approach to a child in a toy shop - excited, energised and loving every minute of being there. Now I need to ensure those feelings and emotions come through in my edits - but the driver is me, not some style or approach that hunts for the "likes". Some will say but they are pretty pictures but I really don't give a damn anymore - they please me and I like them for what they are.

[@Alister_Benn]

Sounds great man - I think that path is a quicker way to inner peace than being driven by external validation.

[@esanford]

As I watched and listened, you again caused me to experience another John Coltrane moment. As he went through his career, John got away from "ear candy" in the same manner that you escaped "eye candy". That is to say that you focus on shapes, color, contrast and luminosity as it strikes your imagination and engagement. I am headed in that direction. As I do this, I am weaning myself off the "likes" from others. Nevertheless it is a challenge. Thanks for another inspiring lesson.

[@Alister_Benn]

Excellent. I am always happy to hear your lovely and thoughtful feedback.

[@mstphoto99]

Love the Silver Birch image, Alister. Really like the processing. If it was my image, I would have increased the saturation but listening to your "rant" made me question my own photography. When I'm out with the camera, I'm getting round to wondering, who am I really taking this image for - myself or to keep some camera club judge happy? Lately, I've been getting fed up with judges stating that my images are over processed, under processed or some other derogatory comment when in actual fact they are processed to my liking. If it costs me points in our club competitions then so be it. Thank you so much for your "rant" - keep them coming!! LOL And btw, congratulations to you and your lovely new wife. So happy for you both. Mike (Aberdeen)

[@kencarlson542]

Thanks foir this episode. I felt like my experiec e yesterday was similar to the experience that you had in this video. I went out with a vague idea of taking advantage of the folioage and "discovered" a beautiful little glade that I didn't ex[pect. I really liked the ferns and stream image that you worked on with the semi-circle outline of the ferns with their tonal changes withinng the greens and the stram almost making a frame around them. I flet like we wre both in the same emotional place.

[@elizabethjohnson2899]

Keep "ranting" in the videos it adds such thought provoking content making it more that just about photography. Loving this channel

[@Alister_Benn]

That's the plan!

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I'm watching this video right after seeing Adam "First Man Photography" Karnacz's video about authenticity. You're using different vocabularies to address the same thing, and I agree with you both. We have to find our own voices in photography. Chasing social media likes for their own sake and creating phony-looking Instagrammy-bright images is folly.

[@dannynash5713]

Another inspiring video Alister with very nice images and scenics of Scotland! I always appreciate your candor along with how you analyze the scene you work! Great stuff! ✊

[@Alister_Benn]

My pleasure! Thanks so much

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Alister: I really liked all three of your images, with my favorite being the third image the most with the 'god-beams' coming into the image. The simplicity of each shot is very engaging. I am really excited to learn more from your upcoming book. Keep Covid-19 safe . . . keep creating . . . and keep real! Cheers, Keith (Canada)

[@Alister_Benn]

Tha inks Keith, very much appreciated feedback as always.

[@andrewherbert9938]

very enjoyable and interesting video Alister , thanks as always for making the effort

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@justkerry173]

You can't please all of the people, all of the time. If you do what makes you happy, you'll always find like-minded people as the only audience you need.

[@dianevose9655]

That was a really interesting and thought provoking video. I hadn't thought of luminosity in the landscape or woodland in flatter light but you have opened my eyes once again! By the way I can highly recommend the Luminosity and contrast book ✨👏👏

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you very much! Luminosity is everywhere...

[@jacktaylor6190]

Great video Alister! At first when you said the word "ferns" for the life of me I had no idea what you were talking about, that Scottish accent, to me sounded like farns eventually I understood what you were saying!

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL - HAHA. A wise Scot once said - "We've paid for these letters, we're going to pronounce them!"

[@jacktaylor6190]

@@Alister_Benn Good point Alister!

[@philipculbertson55]

I enjoyed the video Alister. I did have a question. I was already aware of your aversion to the 3X2 aspect ratio, I too am a fan of the 4X5. The square was nice as well.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Phil. What was the question?

[@Hirsutechin]

Yesterday by the coast was very flat light, but the effect on rocks and lichens was quite three-dimensional. This afternoon in the woods was again flat, but so beautiful when backlighting in a glade illuminated bursts of autumn colours. Yes, I'm practising "there's no such thing as bad light." Get that book finished, will ya? Looking forward to it!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man. THE BOOK IS FINISHED - available from next weekend.

[@ffoeguk]

I agree, prefer to please myself. Waiting for the colour book to come out, I have learnt a lot from the luminosity and contrast book, makes me think before i shoot.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much - the book will be available for Members of the Channel from Friday with a discount code of 25%.

[@julianheritage6436]

Just subscribed to your channel tonight, this great content

[@Alister_Benn]

Awesome, thank you!

[@alanclark9691]

Alister - In discusssing the first image you indicated you had focus-stacked but subsequently said you has "softened" the image. Clearly the image had been softened, an important facit of the final image to my eyes. I was wondering why you focus-stacked if you were then to soften the image that effectively counteracts the focus stacking? I'm also interested in how you softened the image - was it simply through negative clarity? Cheers.

[@gschneider]

Would you happen to know which paint was used in your office? I'm really fond of that shade.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Greg, it is a colour by the Isle of Skye Paint Company - from memory its called Camus Bhan.

[@rickhanger8225]

“Audience”.......coincidently, trying to drive that concept from my mind. Having some success. Thanks for the bump. 🙏🙏✌️

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks a lot.

[@charlesandaloro7709]

Psychological Games! There are plenty of KZbin Channels with hundreds of thousands of subscribers that play those games. I find those uninspiring. Just keep doing what your doing.

[@howardallen5390]

Does your mum like your photographs?

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL, She can't really tell the difference between something I take on my phone versus something I have thrown my heart and soul into. She tends to prefer "views" - which I don't do much of!