It's always Luminosity & Contrast - In Landscape Photography & Life

Creative Black & White Processing Videos by Alister Benn: bit.ly/3evsTzh
THE VIDEO:
The two main purposes of this video are to announce my new Black & White Processing Video Tutorials which were released this week. 3hrs and 45 minutes of everything to do with making Creative and Expressive Mono images.
Secondly, I look into the whole issue of how to select images to process, and what are the triggers for doing so.
The title says it all, Luminosity and Contrast drive just about every visual decision, but also the ups downs, and highs and lows of life shape our creativity and emotional resilience.
Once again, I want o cut through the BS of popularity and ego to get to the reason why we need to express ourselves, and listen to others.
Stay safe everyone.
As always, I hope you find my take on the art of photography useful, if so Please SUBSCRIBE.
Images & Music: Alister Benn
Video Production: Ann Kristin Lindaas
Thanks for watching
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[@boatman222345]

Easily the best insights and advice that I have ever encountered on how to connect with, explore, and fine tune the spiritual connection that moved you to produce a particular image . Better yet a series of artfully detailed insights as to how best to clarify and make evident to yourself and others what that connection was through emphasizing the power of contrast and luminosity. Brilliant! And I will watch it over and over to remind myself that in this troubled and troubling world the exploration of and appreciation for nature's beauty is the most effective medicine!

[@janeqol438]

Very informative Alister, thank you and congratulations on your 10K 👍🏼👍🏼

[@Alister_Benn]

It's like pushing a boulder up a hill!!! Thanks always for your support. We saw mum yesterday for the first timer in 4 months!!

[@janeqol438]

Expressive Photography That’s great seeing your Mum, been a tough time. The village network seems to be quite good there with support and deliveries. Feel free to give her my number if she ever needs anything doing. Take care, hugs to you both.

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Alister: Another brilliant and thought provoking video. I particularly liked your comment that you sometimes you may not go back to recent photos to review them, and in doing so it allows you to create distance between the act of taking the photo and viewing it, ending up with a more objective assessment of the photo. I find this to be a very refreshing approach. Keep safe! Cheers, Keith

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much as always...

[@jan.eigil.m]

Great inspiration Alister. This channel is getting better and better. It's so nice to have alternatives to "normal" photography videos. Thanks a lot.

[@Alister_Benn]

Much appreciated! Thank you. I certainly didn't start this channel to churn out the same as everyone else :-)

[@mkbuhain]

I love it when you said "Photography is a means for us to level up against the drudge of normality" Thanks for saying that Alister, you leveled up photography not just as an art form but also a visual philosophy.

[@ericcarter3617]

Great work as always Alister. I've learned so much since I began watching your channel. I can't thank you enough.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great to hear! Excellent, delighted to hear that.

[@mitymous1]

Excited to dig in to the B&W videos; sure they'll be a great contribution to my knowledge and processing. As always, so much value in your content and presentation - thanks!

[@Alister_Benn]

Awesome, thank you! - massively appreciative :-)

[@dannynash5713]

So absolutely fantastic Alister! The luminosity, if you will, in your teaching is so eye opening and inspiring! Thank you for the beautiful clarification in all parts!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much, I am finding all the positive feedback to be very humbling.

[@stephenrowson4828]

I came across your Channel through Adam Gibbs. I really love your insight into the creative process - very refreshing and inspirational! Looking forward to watching the rest of your videos.

[@Alister_Benn]

Awesome, thank you! - I really appreciate your support and hope you continue to enjoy the content.

[@MichaelDavis-hn3mo]

Thanks Alister, this series has helped me move forward in my creative journey. I do not use Lightroom or Photoshop but your techniques are transferable because you explore light, texture, transitions, atmosphere and colour. Yesterday I actually revisited some photos I took from 2016 on a canoe trip to the Bowron Lakes, in BC where I live, and I was able to understand why I took the photos and was then able to process them using luminosity and contrast, I was totally immersed and very happy with the results. I’m also loving all the interviews, thanks again. Mike

[@Alister_Benn]

That is awesome to hear, I'm really pleased for you. The world is out there waiting for open minds to walk into it :-)

[@Mrmelody85]

Wonderful! I'm so happy to have discovered your channel. What you said at the 19.55 mark really resonated with me, you certainly have a talent with words as well as with the camera. Feeling inspired now, looking forward to watching more of your content, than you Alister!

[@Alister_Benn]

That's brilliant, thank you so much and I am delighted you've found the channel and the content useful.

[@nevillethorogood3639]

Very well said Alister I love listing to you on this subject, it has truly helped me with my struggles on my frustration on where I am at the present with my photography and life generally.

[@Alister_Benn]

Wonderful! - I am delighted to hear that. I hope you are well, and thanks again.

[@ffoeguk]

Alister I find your channel the most informative and encouraging I have watched. Since watching your channel my photographic eye has started working in luminosity and contrast. Every where I look I am looking at the world in a different light (pardon the pun). You have a different fresh approach, I find encourages me and guides me to what I want to achieve for myself, images that nobody else has, as nobody else feels the image as I do. I have purchased your editing video to learn more.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much Geoff, That's great to hear. For me, understanding luminosity & contrast was a game-changed, pure and simple.

[@chrisalmerini3284]

Came back and watched for a 2nd time...I think what has made the most impact on me is that it is ok to really move the sliders in Lightroom and let the creativity come out...At some point in time that was seen as 'over processing' or you missed the exposure in camera...Not sure who or what established that standard...The liberation you mention as the compliments you are receiving is found in that area for me. As someone who maximizes the weekend for photography while working during the week- there is added pressure. This has allowed me to really release that pressure. As you shared in an earlier video- photograph what excites you...The processing back home in Lightroom completes that joy as you showed here. Thanks!!!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much for the comment, it is great to hear that the content resonates with you. Very much appreciated.

[@rlhartland]

Truly find your videos inspire me to work harder at understanding my images and how to take care in my processing, thank you

[@Alister_Benn]

That's great - hard work pays off :-)

[@theladubfovi909]

Just discovered your channel... this is a really great inspirational / instructional video. Refreshingly devoid of "let's mainly talk about ME!", which is all too frequent in KZbin photography videos. Delivery style is spot-on, and content highly valuable! Keep rockin, Dude 😎🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@Alister_Benn]

Awesome, thank you! - I really appreciate that.

[@CatMilton1]

Ye Gods Sir, if that's what you call a ramble, may there be many, many more! I've just subscribed in hope. Inspiring, and thought-provoking - thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

I do enjoy a good ramble!! - Thanks so much for your great comment.

[@johnmcsporran3090]

Increasingly I separate 'vlogs' into story telling (for simple enjoyment) and instructional (which teaches me something which improves my photography and image processing). I consider that you are one of the best instructional photography 'coaches'. As a result I have begun to re-visit many of my RAW files and re-process them with what you have taught me. I bought your video - I think its important to support people like yourself during these 'strange times' or we risk losing 'critical voices' which help us improve our photography and image processing. Regards - John.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks John, that means a lot. These are strange times, I should be in Tibet right now with 6 clients ready to photograph the solar eclipse next week!! I really appreciate the support. Thank you.

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Brilliant tip about dropping exposure and looking at luminosity. I have several images in mind from my Sedona trip that I've struggled with in color, but I think will look great in monochrome. I'll have at it tomorrow. Thanks!

[@Alister_Benn]

That's great to hear, thank you. I love Sedona, I was amazed when I first went there!

[@Bringisen]

So well said 🙏 Photography is a gift so we can run a way from all the crazy thing in the World.

[@Alister_Benn]

Agree 100% - It's great to hear such positive feedback.

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Great video as always

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks again! - Really Appreciated.

[@rossmcleavy453]

thank you for sharing your valuable experience much appreciated

[@Alister_Benn]

My pleasure! and thank you for taking the time to make such a thoughtful comment.

[@Alastair6]

Some great insight into the creative process. I'm lovin' your videos, Alister. Man, it's really difficult to spell your name as you do. :-)

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL, thank you. Yes, the spelling is the one I grew up with, so didn't have much choice. I should change it to Alastair Alexander, which was my grandmothers surname.

[@RiccardoPareschi]

Great video as usual. Thanks !

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for watching! - really appreciated.

[@justkerry173]

Great video, very well explained. I'm heading off in a few days, on my first photography trip in a year. I've been struggling with motivation but your video's have helped so much. I'll be hearing your voice while I'm working out my compositions, fingers crossed, I'll get one that I'm happy with.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that, and best of luck. Best to keep the expectations to the minimum and concentrate on just being there and allowing what speaks to you to be heard. (I know!, very Zen!) :-)

[@justkerry173]

@@Alister_Benn that works in with the last video I watched. Must learn to quiet my mind.

[@jimharding9296]

Thank you Alister, excellent and educational as always. I love your mention of not getting hung up on the technicalities but rather immerse yourself in the creative process. On that note....and far be it for me to interfere with your creativity....here's my question. I wonder if the composition of the sunlit mountain image would sit better with me if it is cropped off just in front of the grasses and reeds (not even including the reflection of the peak, though I hesitated on that for a moment). My reasoning is that while the foreground grass stems certainly add interest, there is a bit too much space between the areas of light for them to be connected? Everyone interprets composition differently, and so they should - I'd be interested in your thoughts/comments.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Jim for the comment and your insight. For me, landscape photography isn't necessarily about subjects, or things. It revolves around geometry, luminosity, contrast, atmosphere and (if applicable) color. I don't think when I shoot, I just see, engage and compose. If I make a shot with a foreground in it then it is because that is what I felt worked to my eye, in that moment. In hindsight we may feel differently, but I am not going to agonize over ever single decision while in the field, because I'm there to have a good time, work through my brain garbage, and engage with aesthetics. There is no right or wrong, better or worse. As you describe, sure, that may make a nice photograph, and quite probably while I was there I made that composition, as it would have seemed an obvious choice. Thanks again, I always appreciate your input and do not feel you are interfering with my creativity :-)

[@andrewherbert9938]

Don’t worry about rambling on Alister , always enjoy listening to your thoughts . Don’t want to sound like I’m blowing smoke up your dooda But discovering your channel has been a massive influence on the way I see my photography , not since I started going on workshops with Richard Childs have I learnt and understood so much about making images , there’s someone I’d like to see you talk to and maybe John Sexton ? I will try and think of a question or two for the Q&A

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks very much for that, my dooda is a smoke-free zone!! :-) Really great to hear your kind feedback.

[@jorgkluber7011]

Thanks a lot for your thoughts - the new video series is oustanding five stars !!!

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you like them! means a lot, thank you.

[@mariomifsud1302]

Excellent.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@nickshepherd8377]

As always a real joy to listen to you. Thank you. As regards a question, I did touch on this once before. When you have an expansive landscape, colour, clarity and contrast recede as you approach the furthest object away. I often take this sort of scene with dramatic skies and often increase the contrast and colour to create drama. This now seems counter intuitive and I wonder how you approach this? By the way the idea of reducing the exposure on images to really pick out the areas of luminosity and contrast is of enormous help and I now do it as a matter of course with my processing. 👍👏👏👏😀

[@Alister_Benn]

This is a really good question, and I will cover this on Sunday's video. It's going to be recorded now, as the audience is so global, that trying to find a suitable time to "go live" would almost be impossible. Also, I'll be going to visit my dear 88 YO mother this weekend for the first time in over 3 months due to social distancing.

[@grantnewton5705]

Another excellent video Alistair. Question - when building a composition, do start from the foreground or the background mostly?

[@Alister_Benn]

Many thanks - I will cover that in Sunday's video - thank you.

[@p1pepper]

Playing catch up on your videos and enjoying every minute , the philosophy as much as the techniques ( they go hand in hand ) . My question should you have a moment : I have a friend who is pressuring me into trying luminosity masking , he says it is a complete game changer but I don't see everyone using the process of so ? How often do you utilize the process vs not . I feel I get where I want to be 99 % of the time in Lightroom alone but maybe I'm missing out ? Don't see you , Adam or Thomas using ?

[@sallyjberry805]

Another wonderful video which inspired me to keep working on creating photo art. After shooting photos daily for this entire closure period, I find it to be therapeutic and rewarding. Your luminosity/contrast focus resonates with me and your simple method of processing. My Question: I love the look of foggy ethereal photos at seaside. But how do you bring out the beauty is an otherwise drab day? Instead of black and white, what are your thoughts about a decreased saturation color tome?

[@Alister_Benn]

Many thanks for your really appreciated comment. I'll cover that in the Live Q&A - good question.

[@Professor_Internet_PhD]

Thanks for the video. I find that some of the things you are saying here apply to me. About relaxing and enjoying it, even though editing raw files in LR is non-destructive, I oddly enough still fear to make those big adjustments, which is really quite silly when you think about it. Also, you make it look so easy. Whenever I try to follow your approach I tend to screw up the image (halos, ugly dodge/burn etc.). It means I'm overdoing it and/or haven't really understood it fully, or maybe I don't really know in which direction I want to take that particular photograph. I guess I'll have to keep practicing. Q: In this video, you quickly find the luminous areas by dropping the exposure, but what if you shoot on an overcast day, and in the composition there is no truly explicit light or contrast? (I've seen your videos "on a dull day: part one" and "on a grey day," but there you still have high contrast photographs as examples.) Tying into to that and the time and distance aspect of the video, sometimes, I shoot a composition with an idea of how to process it, but then, by the time I get to processing it, I have forgotten what I envisioned for it.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for your comment. Your issue is a common one. I used to come across it a lot when running workshops; going through teaching and showing examples and then leaving people for an hour with their own images. It was really normal for people to follow along and nod approvingly at what I was doing, but then felt totally lost with their own images. My advice was always, "Start with doing real Well." What that means is working gently to add three dimensionality and depth. Being "creative" with luminosity & Contrast need s solid foundation in the basics first.

[@Professor_Internet_PhD]

@@Alister_Benn Thanks alot for your advise Alister, I really appreciate it :)

[@johndoddato2662]

Thank you for your inspiring words and creative thoughts about photography and how we should view our work. I had spend most of my photography years working in the darkroom and enjoyed the slow and contemplative approach to photography. Since moving to digital I find it frustrating to constantly keep updating and learning new software to stay current. How do you prevent technology from controlling and dampening your creative process?

[@Alister_Benn]

That's a great question - I just don't buy into the hype. I use Lightroom and Photoshop, most of the changes add little increments, but the basis of what I do has stayed the same for the past decade. The tools are just ways of letting the expression out. The more time we focus on learning every minute detail of a piece of software - we are focussed on the how rather than the why. Time is short, I try to use it wisely.

[@stevethompson8154]

The last image that had the dust spots I noticed the tone curve adjustment you took the lower left corner blacks and moved to the right. Could you go more in depth why you did this and what affect it has? Thank You.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for the comment Steve. Moving the blacks in from the left is basically saying that you are making the darkest tones blacker. You are concentrating the Histogram therefore creating more contrast. Perhaps I'll do a video on the Tone Curve to explain it all, as it's quite in depth.

[@stevethompson8154]

@@Alister_Benn Thank You. I look forward to the future video

[@sallyjberry805]

@@Alister_Benn A video on your use of tone curve would be great!

[@daveeagle1559]

Question: Hi Alister, how do you go about choosing your locations, the time of year to visit those locations, and the length of time you need at those locations to come away with images that make the trip worthwhile?

[@Alister_Benn]

Great - thank you. I have so many questions now, I think I have enough for at least 2 videos and they are still coming in :-) Hopefully I will have time to answer this one on Sunday.

[@williamdesevo2089]

Thought of a question: do you ever take photos during the midday, especially if it is sunny or partly sunny or do you limit your shooting to early morning and sunset time?

[@Alister_Benn]

Oh yes :-) I'll cover this in Sunday's video.

[@brucehyman]

question/comment: at the risk of overstatement, this is the first time i've seen you back down from your normal dictum of stretching the histogram to 0 and 255, and emphasize the dreaminess that some images try to convey - it is akin to Sarah Marino, who seems to prefer a narrow histogram almost always. reaction?

[@Alister_Benn]

:-) I would contest the "normal dictum" - In many cases when teaching I have to show extreme examples as they render better on video. Subtle work can be lost with video compression. I do make plenty of lower contrast, dreamy images, I just don't tend to share them so much on SM, as they get ignored. Sadly, some degree of popularity is necessary for me to make a living. I do also love high contrast scenes, especially from the vGobi, so they totally satisfy that part of my creative desire. Thanks again.

[@kevins8575]

You asked for questions - Do you think that the "Rule of the Golden Hour" has stifled landscape photography in which bright sunny days with vivid color (e.g. here in Hawaii) are accepted?

[@Alister_Benn]

That one will be added to a future video, as we had so many questions already :-) Thanks so much.

[@justingoodson7069]

Many thanks, Alister, for your thoughtful content. Here's a question for your live event. You mentioned in this video that over recent years you haven't taken as many photographs. Why? I, too, have taken fewer photographs, partly because of other demands on my time (photography is not my full-time profession), but largely because I've become much more intentional about what I want to photograph. Would like to hear if your reasons mirror mine or if you have other motivations. Cheers.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for the kind words, and the great question. I will cover that one for sure.

[@ffoeguk]

Question, Do you have an image in mind when you venture out with your camera, or do you search the landscape for inspiration. How are you looking at the landscape?

[@Alister_Benn]

I'll cover that in the Live Q&A - good question.

[@jpvd5489]

@Jipie It is best to purchase that video and same as the Ebook, the working method is also included, please. Response

[@jpvd5489]

Thanks for the response, but where can I purchase that video?

[@jpvd5489]

where can I buy that and can it be shipped to Belgium, thank you

[@vladolaf2601]

Do you have Instagram?

[@Alister_Benn]

Sure, alister_benn