How important is sharpness in landscape photography? And why we are so obsessed with it.

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Is the landscape sharp front to back, does it have to be to make good photographs, and why some alternatives can even be better!
Video edited by Ann Kristin Lindaas
Images ©Alister Benn
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[@thomashecht71]

Alister, this deeply resonated with me, on two levels: 1. Getting away from externally imposed (and often self-imposed), misunderstood perfection towards expressing your take of the scene. 2. Getting out of the darkness of depression through a creative journey. All the very best and much of success with your book, you good person.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much, hugely appreciated

[@davidmcculloch8490]

Such a great topic. I spent a few years hearing club judges salivating about sharpness, when nature itself is not sharp. When we look at a scene, clarity reduces over distance. Also selective focus is a useful creative tool, in drawing attention to the key point of interest. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@Alister_Benn]

I don’t have a lot of time for camera club judges 😂🫣

[@dalkapur]

Bang on. Expanding the topic a bit more, I feel that there are now too many over processed images. Not just oversharpened ones, but also those with way too much clarity, or saturation, or dehazing or pulling shadows / pushing highlights to a point where the image just looks unrealistic and ugly. Post processing has always been part of the photographer's toolkit since the darkroom days, but I sometimes feel some photographers use extreme processing to give images an impact rather than doing so through composition and understanding how to use light.

[@jimrinaldi8357]

My first reaction to your calm presentation was that I need to slow down and pay attention. I too have been caught up with the desire for maximum sharpness. But your illustrations of how unsharpness, especially in the background, enhances the feel of the image, reflecting how nature really is. Secondly, and as importantly for me personally, is your admission to suffering from depression and anxiety. I have also been through that and know all the negative affects it has on us. I have long felt that doing landscape photography is good for my wellbeing and I am gratified to hear you confirming my belief. More than your discussion of the art, your comments on photography as good medicine for depression are what prompted me to subscribe to your channel. Keep up the good work, and God bless you sir.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for the kind comment and feedback. Everything I do is to promote the benefits both mental and emotional of being creative and having better relationships with the process and output. Welcome aboard ❤️

[@jovelinoalmeida4704]

great 👍 I struggle to understand those so many youtubers telling that "landscape needs to be sharp from fore to background" and so they destroy the 3 dimensions / volume that would enhance their landscape photos (I do not mean that full sharpness doesn't has situations were to be applied)

[@SimonWillig]

Very important issue - thank you!

[@dwrisdon2487]

You nailed it exactly. When a photo is over-sharpened, I sense a tension that the scene is about to explode in the next instant. That creates a rush to snap the shutter. I'm exhausted. You just explained how/why that doesn't/shouldn't need to be. Thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Awesome, delighted with your feedback

[@joelmspencer]

It is important but not overly important. The most important thing about Landscape Photography is emotion - and that doesn't come from how sharp the edge of a subject is.

[@garymc8956]

Excellent, learn so much!

[@nickbristol3457]

Alister, I totally agree with your thoughts here and quite enjoyed seeing this video. It's been my thoughts for a long while now when it comes to sharpness. Thank you.

[@roryhaymanphotography8882]

Very interesting points. Thanks for sharing

[@mthomas653]

I don't recall ever hearing this perspective. This video is invaluable. I'm glad I found it, and you. Thank you. I've subscribed to your channel.

[@wjgraham63]

Thank you. Very interesting in what you said. I need to rethink about how I post process my images.

[@CGadney]

Alister, thank you for this lesson in seeing and interpretation of what we see..... it is after all, unique, individual to each and every one of us. For too long I have tried and tried to have tack sharp photos from front to back as this how I have allowed others to influence my choices. Now my images aren’t sharp or as in focus from front to back; they have depth they express how.... I..... see the world around me and evoke more emotion and feelings I have about those places.

[@dcrilley9624]

Great. Short and crystal clear. There are few scenes in which all parts can or should have visual equivalence by being sharpened or resolved to exactly the same extent. I have heard you talk about the transition of the blacks or darks before - derivative from painting I think- and there is a parallel theme there which I would love to see you explore. I grow tired of seeing photograph after photograph which has virtually no shadow left in it and if there is any its left much darker at the rear with bizarre lightening of surfaces at 180 degrees to the light source for the image.

[@niemago]

I've been taking pictures for 40 years, I really like very sharp pictures. I always want to see more in a picture than is visible, I want to look deeper and I never have enough, it could always be clearer, brighter where it is dark because I would like to go there. I don't live from photography, I always take pictures to please myself. I have a different opinion than you about sharpness, but only in my pictures

[@WillieJarlNilsen]

Interesting and useful video. I will share it with the members in my local photo club. I also like your reference to the use of photography as therapy for anxiety and depression. There I fully agree that it can be most useful.Best wishes from one who lived 8 years in Scotland

[@jonathancullen7288]

Great video, awesome content. Truely thought provoking. Thank you for creating what you do.

[@Alister_Benn]

Appreciate that, thanks so much

[@richarddenise3886]

Brilliant. Thank you very much!

[@chrisburnard5157]

Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into producing your videos. Another great subject covered and brilliantly delivered as always.

[@carolbrucecollett]

Just what I needed today. Thank you.

[@georgemason2472]

Great content. So true about the amount of focus we see in a typical scene. Can you imagine how much energy the brain would consume if 60 frames per second of its input were all crystal clear focus. Being primarily birds and wildlife my DOF is usually quite minimal. Even tailfeathers don't really have to be that sharp. Landscape scenes obviously require a greater DOF but as you pointed out, too much clarity is unnatural.

[@davidbodine6465]

Guilty as charged! Great thoughts.

[@nostaticatall]

Awesome! I've been hoping someone would talk about this very thing.

[@Alister_Benn]

Fantastic, perfect timing

[@Archibald_Quincy_Stanton]

There is something in every image we compose that drew our attention to begin with. When we are drawn to that with the naked eye it is naturally in focus to us. Everything that supports it in our peripheral vision is not the same level of sharpness. Once again Alister your words have helped put my thoughts in order. Thank you so much. Looking forward to your book

[@DavidBrookover]

Another great video Alister. Hope all is well in Scotland and Happy Holidays to you and Ann.

[@danevarkevisser4670]

Alister, as always you provide an interesting perspective and I wouldn't disagree with anything you said in this video. In fact, I agree that sometimes to the detriment of the image, we put far too much weight on sharpness and resolution and not enough on qualities that would otherwise make a good image. Keep up the great work Alister and thanks for all the time and effort you put into making these videos.

[@GillesQuennevilleGQ]

Thank you so much. I agree totally with you.

[@paulkay8986]

I have loved watching your great collection of thoughtful videos, and your reflections on photography and life. I've found myself fretting at times with the obsession to get sharp images on those occasions when you need to step away from the tripod - when you're instead trying to stand rock steady, peering through the viewfinder and endeavouring to turn the focus ring by ever smaller amounts. So this video is very prescient. As was a recent decision to buy a great book on JMW Turner's life and incredible paintings. That gentleman understood mood and atmosphere. Front to back sharpness in those landscapes? I don't think so. And finally, having the opportunity to witness the best ever inversion in the Lake District a few days ago, and the effect that it had on the landscape. I've learnt a lot...

[@randersen3103]

Good day Sir, just watched a video you & Adam Gibbs thought I would watch one of your videos which was this one, absolutely hooked on you and your style, it is very hard to find professional photographers who are willing to share their knowledge and I commend you and Adam on that ,you brilliantly put it all into perspective about sharpness etc Thanks Alister

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 my photography friend, greetings from Northern California. Sincere thanks for sharing this most informative video. The very to you, stay safe and healthy out there. 🤗

[@larx4074]

Very well expressed and certainly timely for the current stage of my photographic journey, many thanks.

[@fungiformenow]

Couldn’t agree more.

[@nicknichols4249]

Thank you, another informative and inspirational video!

[@jontheshrub]

Well said Alistair. Having recently returned from a trip to your gorgeous part of the world my favourite and best photos all have a softnes and roundness to them with a feeling of warmth and welcomeness using the qualities you describe. Thats not to say that sometines for effect and dramatism I dont like as sharper image but on my finer landscape shots that I have over thought in the past I can feel a serious amount of revisiting and processing comming on to remove the jarring over sharpened element.

[@TimberGeek]

Indeed! I've actually backed my input sharpening off to 20 and add a 40 or 50% 'unsharp mask' but will sometimes add some back selectively while processing.

[@andrewmckinney3053]

Very useful!!! 'Monkey off by back' stuff :)

[@esanford]

Thanks... very useful...

[@PeterGoode1128]

I agree! This is an excellent video. There are too many KZbinrs who don’t seem to understand the ideas you have presented. Perhaps because some of them learned photography very recently from other KZbinrs. Great photos don’t need to be sharp.

[@grove3927]

Thanks for the video.So true on many levels and nice to listen to your interpretation of what constitutes something meaningful in a photograph. Contrasting this, I keep thinking that in relation to the introduction of new gear and software, it feels very much like a race to the bottom.

[@KarenMitchellSmith]

Super helpful video!

[@CAYENNEOREZ]

Great topic. I like what you had to say about this.

[@Alister_Benn]

Awesome, thanks

[@paulus0109]

An other great eye-opener. Thnx Allister.

[@Alister_Benn]

Many thanks, very much appreciate the feedback

[@eileenconragan1064]

Alister. Love the new look. I know you love your guitars, but it always looked like it was a hat sitting on your head and the red is becoming. But besides the visuals. more importantly I am amazed at how your mind is able to take a subject and talk about it in such detail. You have helped me immensely and I so appreciate all your work. I am so looking forward to my book. thank you!

[@watermanOIT]

Agreed! I almost didn't watch, because I've been so put off by the "hipsterness" of the guitars in the past. Good content, in addition to good look!

[@RFranks]

I think it's interesting that even some of the masters from over 100 years ago like Léonard Misonne would use various techniques at the printing stage to soften their images and make them look more like paintings.

[@Alister_Benn]

Absolutely, way too much sharpening being done

[@Fessoid]

The Sharpening Era ))

[@michaelschneider9710]

Alister, I love shooting with old and new Zeiss. I enjoy the contrast and 3d pop. Sharpness is a bit of a side effect that is there. Some very sharp lenses look a bit clinical. Kinda like Vinyl and a tube amp vs. Digital music.

[@tjmanou6422]

couldn't agree more

[@michaellizottepineault8564]

Henri Cartier-Bresson : Sharpness is a bourgeois concept!!!!

[@raesalmon]

Wise words Alister. Thanks as always for great content #raysimpsonphoto

[@Hirsutechin]

I've often wondered if the many voices advocating greater or lesser amounts of deliberate sharpening to our images had sound sense at the back of their recommendations, but I haven't yet found a clear reason to follow them. Thank you for the case to let well alone!

[@Alister_Benn]

Cheers mate, yeah, it’s just tired old repetition with no substance ❤️

[@matsfotografi]

I've been thinking about this very subject for some time. It has seemed a bit odd to me to sharpen to the point that the image looks surreal. Thank you Alister for a video that, once again, explains what my brain is trying to tell me:)

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, some things are overdone with no thought whatsoever

[@martinoberstein8431]

Thank you Alister. Once again interesting and inspiring points of view! Step by step you are beginning to show your funny side, which fits well to your other competences😉. Fun to listen and I‘m looking forward to my copy of your book. Kind regards, Martin

[@Alister_Benn]

Haha, in reality I’m a real idiot and love a laugh 🥹

[@martinoberstein8431]

@@Alister_Benn Define reality😂

[@michaelkhalsa]

I feel it is a matter of taste. Personally, I like pristine sharp portions of my images, such as you would get with a 135mm lens. Equally important is tonal smoothness and transitions which imparts naturalness and wholeness - so the two work together in a dynamic play. I agree that over sharpening kills most images, or even any global sharpening - rather spot sharpening as and when needed. In this age of clarity sliders, over saturation, over sharpening - all are to get the quick response amidst many competing images on a screen, many of which only have 6 bits per color. The print, done on fine papers to the rescue!

[@andycooper4485]

Very interesting. I too agree - when it's so sharp it almost hurts the eyes somehow, it does nothing for me.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

"It needs to be sharp where it needs to be sharp" is the money quote from this video. Sometimes front to back sharpness is good. Sometimes it's too much. The artist needs to know what degree of sharpness and depth of field is appropriate for the vision one wants to create. Sometimes I focus stack. Sometimes I don't. It depends on where I want the viewer to focus. What gets me about lens reviews sometimes are comments about corner sharpness. Who is pixel peeping in the corners?

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks mate for the great feedback, appreciate that man

[@jefftrapp5407]

I'm with you on this one, I just don't see the point of caring if a leaf 100 yards upstream is sharp! I pretend I'm an expressive photographer with moods and atmosphere being conveyed in my images. I can't see that well anyway.

[@iqueque]

Off topic entirely Alistair. Please make a video about your intriguing guitars! I have not seen a guitar without the keys at the end of the neck before.

[@boatman222345]

Right on target as usual. The obsession with sharpness and color saturation that drove the HDR movement is still alive and ill and finds it’s expression in Ai enhanced images. It's all too easy to get hypnotized by the pixel peeping phenomena and, sadly, like many other photographers I am susceptible to the Perfectionist Predicament. My wife, on the other hand, is not a photographer and so tends to focus less on the "how" and more on the "why." While her "why" is radically different from my "why" I suspect that having her mention it has helped me improve my images more than having the latest cameras, lenses, and software.

[@ruudmaas2480]

When I postprocess my woodland images I always put "negative clarity" (in Capture One) on it. It makes the photograph more real.

[@Alister_Benn]

Sounds like a plan, thanks for the comment.

[@happymystic9800]

I often do the same but then add some positive texture.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I do the same in Lightroom. Recently I've been adding an Orton layer in Photoshop, but then masking out the foreground elements that really should look sharper.

[@ivanmarquez6809]

One sugestión, ¿Could you make any video how processing photos in lightroom? Thank you

[@ianiles6430]

I don't usually sharpen my images beyond whatever Capture One might do when I import or export to print. Pretty much all my landscapes get negative clarity applied.

[@georgestark2065]

While were on the topic of sharpness and focus…… I constantly battle the use of glasses with the use of my camera everything from weather to just looking through the viewfinder on a bright day….. getting the glasses flush with the viewfinder. What is your technique during the shoot ? Do you wear the glasses? George

[@avokid136]

Isn't the default 40 points etc import sharpening quite a lot for an image which has good image quality and small pixels?

[@zwoopsies]

The word abbreviation sure is long for what it means.

[@micwarmington1]

as h-c bresson famously said : sharpness is a bourgeois concept

[@Alister_Benn]

Love it ❤️

[@ivanosrin2126]

Thank you for that - really helpful and instructive video - as an ageing amateur I find the incessant emphasis on 'tack sharp front to back sharpness ' to be counterproductive as you eloquently point out - and unhelpful . The human eye cannot see everything in focus at the same time - enough said.

[@simonmaney3438]

I hate blurred detail, when it should be sharp. This is mostly due to poor lens function and focus plane attributes. De-centered lenses are my pet hate.

[@b3arodactyl]

Besides photographers literally nobody cares about sharpness lol. Edit: also minor point but the comic sans text in the video looks a little silly 😂

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that - sharpness is a joke, hence the font ;-)

[@happymystic9800]

Thank you for this instructive video. Sharpness often takes too much ‘technical’ focus and leads you to put less focus on other important aspects of a good photograph. Can I ask a favour. Is it possible that you put something again into your video background. I really loved your guitars. A pure b(l)ackground is not something I like. Thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

We’re working on a complete office refit…

[@serenecapturesphotography]

I'm glad photography pulled you out of your mental health issues. Congrats

[@Stop-All-War]

If everything's sharp..where's the depth perception

[@edmondrusso2831]

Sharp landscapes make me dizzy . I much prefer painterly photos.