Landscape Photography | Growth requires change

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THE VIDEO:
I think many of us fall into the trap of repeating the same thing again, and again, and again, and expecting somehow a miraculous change in results. This is never the case. We carry on doing what we always have, and we stay in one place, or worse yet, we withdraw and feel as if we are getting worse, as we lose our passion for life and art.
In this weeks video I look back at the precise moment when my life changed and I began to see the world in a different way. I ended up writing my book Luminosity & Contrast, and I have been a far happier photographer ever since.
Also this week, on our other channel THE ZEN HAGGIS, I discuss the concept of change and look at simple ways that we can start that process - TODAY.
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[@kurtkuznicki6207]

Inspiring! A nice reminder to remember why we go outside in the first place, it's not just to make images it's to spend time with nature. I have to add, sometimes it nice just to set the camera down and soak it all in.

[@mikemitchell3889]

Alister, While my seeing is certainly influenced by the energy of the locay, I'm thinking my pov/mindset has more influence than any of that provided by the environs. If I'm "wrongheaded" while shooting, I miss the richness on offer. So, a big part of my growth involves me being hip to necessary change in the mental "front-load" I bring to the scene. Through real mental growth, the better and easier the muse speaks, and helps me attune to the smaller grace and detail that often comprises the power in the composition, so I grow better satisfied with the "quieter" aspects and characteristics in my photographs. As always, I appreciate your thoughtful insight and your indulgence at my "non-technical" rambling. Thank-You, Mike

[@matssandquist9258]

You really have inspired me to do more minimalist photography. I think there is one really advantage, actually two and they are, you are not that depending on sunrise or sunset and suddenly there is so much more to photograph.

[@ToddHiggins]

"I like to get to the end of my day and feel satisfied, to feel that I've done something worthwhile." That's when I turned off the video and went out with my camera bag. Thanks as always for the conversation and the inspiration. (I finished the video after I had returned home.)

[@Alister_Benn]

That’s awesome.

[@kevinsink3799]

Love the topic Alister! There's an anticipatory energy and "time is of the essence" component to field work, especially in iconic locations but also in unique locals. In addition, I think serious photographers are always in a quest to learn and improve. All these are forces that work against the grain of having a child like creative, and meditative approach; the mindset I think your words are pointing us to. To snap us out of this oppressive rut, perhaps these suggestions may be of help? (I need to try them myself!) 1. Give yourself 20 minutes out of the non peak light time to create 20 shots without a tripod. 2. Embrace those 20 minutes with an "I could care less if I fail wildly" attitude. 3. Shoot precisely in the direction of what you think wouldn't work: into the sun, overexpose, bizarre focal length choice, selective focus, etc. Do you have any suggestions of how we can snap out of old ruts and the time pressure that many of us feel in the field?

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Kevin for your thoughtful and excellent comment. I think I'd even transcend your 20 minutes by eliminating the line "fail wildly" I think words like win, success, failure, lose etc when it comes to the arts are essentially unhelpful. I'd urge people to eliminate competitiveness from their time in the field and just engage. Interest cannot be forced, equally, apathetic, non-interest is also a sign that there are deeper issues that need addressed (see the Zen Haggis!) :-) Thanks again, much appreciated dialogue.

[@1966wasp]

At last, the hat goes, the head has been liberated !! Joking aside, those dune shots are just stunning.

[@Alister_Benn]

It’ll be back 👨🏼‍🎨

[@seoirse68]

Thanks Alister, I really find peace when out with the camera. Your video's are a joy!

[@Alister_Benn]

A huge thank you for that

[@heguiluz]

Thanks for bringing peaceful and thoughtful ideas every week.

[@Alister_Benn]

You are most welcome

[@laisnebruno8372]

i'm always happy to see your video every week it's a great moment, thanks ....

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@robingrant8082]

Hi Alister. Have you spotted the lion cub's head in the image at time stamp 6:25 ? It is the rock on the righthand side slighly above half way up. It seems, to me at least, that the cub is staring intently across the stream. Perhaps it is just my vivid imagination. Also, I just wanted to say how much I enjoy the quality of your videos and your calm presentation. Kind regards - Robin

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes, I saw that too :-)

[@brucehyman]

i continue to be impressed by your openness and vulnerability to yourself. keep it going!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks a lot, yeah, I’m pretty happy to talk about this stuff as I’m 100% certain I’m not alone

[@johannesp1422]

Very inspiring video again, Alister. That is a very nice addition for during the day, because i'm afraid that i can not resist the temptation to photograph the beautiful Scottish landscapes and light. I hope to come to Scotland in February, but I'm afraid Covid will prevent that.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks again, yes, we'll see what happens this winter. Not hopeful.

[@geoffstairmand3747]

Probably not an epiphany like yours Alister but one of my best images this year came about through trying to photograph an iconic waterfall (Aira Force near Ullswater(, realising it wouldn't work and trudged back down. I found an intimate cascade around a rock that captivated me and spent time there until urged to move on by my log-suffering wife - but I'd got the image. And now I look for the different (not always ignoring the pointy mountain) but I'm no longer driven by "likes" and with it happiness being out there.

[@Alister_Benn]

Still an epiphany. We walk past so many incredible things every day. It’s up to us to notice.

[@JohnMcKennaPhotography]

another great video; love the way you articulate the emotions we all feel when we capture something special in the field but perhaps don't completely grasp why we feel that way at the time. I always find there is a need for a break between taking images and then (hopefully!) appreciating them. After every shoot I get home and berate myself for not having made the most of the opportunities, but after a period of time I find the shots aren't as bad as I first thought. Imagine how you'll feel about your latest stuff in 4 years from now!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks John. Yeah, I don’t see much point in berating ones self. Cut out the middle man and go straight to feeling good about having been out and at one with nature.

[@JohnMcKennaPhotography]

@@Alister_Benn very true! I don't see a middle man - more the version of myself that knows I could have shot the scene better! A wee strive to improve perhaps? Really enjoy your videos, a welcome change to have some emotion rather than just promotion in photography!

[@alanclark9691]

Alister - your approach to photography today, and perhaps life, is one of self-determination and self fulfillment. Nothing wrong with that. However, this surely is contrary to what a professional photographer generally needs to do? Other than someone who is dedicated to making a living by teaching in some way, a professional surely needs to capture something compelling that appeals to a wider audience? As an amateur enthusiast, one who has retired from big business - an incredibly competitive environment - I am now a club photographer who gets his jollies by seeking images that just might be competitive in our club competitions. In this I am compelled to seek images that are different enough to appeal to an unknown judge's personal preferences and quirks. This can be incredibly frustrating, but rewarding when successful. However, it is something of a crap shoot. In watching your videos I am constantly trying to figure out how I can stride these seemingly competing objectives of self fulfillment while creating successful images in my own particular limited sphere - where the objective I guess is not dissimilar to that of a jobbing pro photographer. Any advice? ;o{)

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for the comment, the eternal dilemma! :-) Nice and simple, competitive mindsets and creativity are mutually exclusive :-) Any focus on external validation will certainly influence the outcome of wherever you want to take images. I write a lot of articles about Intent and Motive. Full examination of those is the key to finding a mindful and therapeutic relationship between our environment and our aesthetic interpretation.

[@Alister_Benn]

And for the record we make all our income from landscape photography and my teaching. I feel no conflict whatsoever between the perceived pressures of pleasing an audience and being authentic.

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Alister: Another wonderful and thought provoking video. As a watched this video, I am continually reminded of the work of Dewitt Jones. I believe that I may have mentioned this previously, but I taught Change Management cirriclum to rookie and established investment advisors for a large Canadian Bank. Personal growth and change can be very unsettling but it is a necessary part of life and certainly part of my photographic journey. While I like to capture and create the grand vistas, a have recently been looking for more intimate landscapes to photograph. Locations like you that I can get to more often to fill my need to be expressive. Keep safe. . . Cheers, Keith (Canada)

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks again Keith, and thanks also for your comments over on the Zen Haggis.

[@singingexpertspg]

I just love your videos, so educational, inspiring and brilliant quality - thanks

[@Alister_Benn]

Excellent, really happy to hear that.

[@Hirsutechin]

I'm pretty sure that rock with the distinct striations is gneiss. Schist is similar in makeup, but the mafic/felsic bands of dark/light rock (I hope that's right) are characteristic. You'll get more schist further south around Inveraray, it makes great stone stacks and would suit the Insta crowd better, lol. :-)

[@Alister_Benn]

I knew that as soon as I said it!!! We do have a lot of Schists here too, even in a crag above this river!

[@largeformatlandscape]

Lots of psammite, semi-petites, granitic gneiss and multiple types of schist around that hydro. My moneys on psammites though

[@Hirsutechin]

Tim Parkin I bow before your more detailed knowledge...🤓

[@marcelor.giorgi5622]

You let see your soul behind each photo. It’s not easy to get it.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that :-)

[@runninblue9415]

Interesting and v relevant for me, I feel like you've given me permission to take pictures a certain way ( that's good btw) I'd be interested to hear sometime how you think your journey is linked to the ageing process. And if that's a unique journey or can be generalised to others. No pressure 😉

[@Alister_Benn]

Wow, no pressure 🧘🏼‍♂️

[@TimberGeek]

The "A" reminds me of the Jethro Tull album.

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL< yeah, true enough...

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

That album has never done much for me but perhaps I should pay it some more attention. 😄