Landscape Photography | Composition | Why, NOT HOW...

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THE VIDEO:
Too many video out there on HOW to Compose, what about the WHY? IN this video I share the secrets, and yes, it makes you happy too.
I also announce I will be dialing back on the amount of content I upload. My voice is destroyed and I am suffering from lack of time to write my book and make fine art prints.
To Be clear, I will be posting 2 x Vision & Light and 2 x Sunday Videos PER MONTH.
For Expressive Photographer Memberships (JOIN BUTTON) - I will still be producing weekly videos.
Please support our work by buying an eBook or Video, discounts available...
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Stay safe everyone. Subscribe and Tell your friends :-)
Images & Music: Alister Benn
Video Production: Ann Kristin Lindaas
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[@alancoligado8540]

I do hope that you'll feel much better after a well-earned rest, Alister. You have given us more than enough to mull over and put into practice. Thank you, and take care.

[@Alister_Benn]

I appreciate that Alan, even after one day yesterday, I can feel it easier.

[@alancoligado8540]

@@Alister_Benn Good to hear that, Alister. I've been meaning to ask if there is a hardcopy version of your Luminosity & Contrast ebook.

[@gradusvanassen8033]

Thanks for this new episode. Wish you the best of Health. Think it is wise to choose for a break. Will be right there when you are back!

[@Alister_Benn]

I appreciate that - thank you so much

[@howardrankin7119]

Clear message and guidance . Strong images too

[@johnscratchley3288]

Have fun, take beautiful photos

[@Alister_Benn]

No doubt images will happen :-)

[@alanhumbard8298]

I just found your channel and I’m floored on how well you express yourself bad voice and all. You are so deep in your thoughts of photography. I will be following you on future videos. Your photos are amazing.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that encouraging feedback.

[@boatman222345]

Another excellent discussion of the importance of following your own personal vision. Five or six years ago the value of of having created a style of my own was driven home to me at an art show where I was selling my prints. Anybody who has ever done this knows how discouraging it can be to watch people take a casual glance at your work, stifle a yawn, and just walk away. A couple of hours of this can be deeply unsettling and it's easy to start doubting the value of your work. Anyway at this particular show a lady in her 40s eventually walked up to my booth and appeared instantly attracted to my images. One by one she examined each of the roughly 100 prints I had on display before finally buying 3 of them. We made small talk during the transaction but she seemed quite shy and nothing of any importance was said by either of us. Imagine my surprise when half an hour later the same lady came back to my booth and said, "I love your work, your images are really different, really unique, and I am so pleased to have these prints to put on my walls." A bit embarrassed by this I simply thanked her and said that it was always good to hear that people liked my work. Fifteen minutes later I looked up in surprise to see this same woman standing once again in front of my booth. This time she said, "You know I don't think your realize what a good photographer you are and how different your work is from others." Somewhat embarrassed by this praise I searched for something appropriate to say and finally just blurted out, "You are probably correct in saying that I don't realize how good a photographer I am but I'm willing to be convinced if you want to keep on trying." Now the point of telling this story is not to give myself a congratulatory pat on the back (although I won't turn one down) but rather to demonstrate that a personal vision, a particular way of composing, exposing, and printing images can and will be appreciated by those for whom that style resonates! That's your true audience, those are the people you create for, not some nameless mob of "experts" on Facebook, Instagram, or other social media platforms. So work hard to develop your own style and stick to it...sooner or later, like me, you'll find your audience and through that audience, your way.

[@Alister_Benn]

That's an awesome story, and so true. Thanks for your great contribution.

[@kencarlson542]

well said and in my opinion, shows a maturing of your photography. You can not be all things to all people and if you try you will either fail or end up with mediocrity.

[@HIWalkerPhoto]

Take care of your voice, will miss the frequency of your videos but would much rather have you healthy and comfortable. My great grandmother swore that warm water and lemon did wonders for her voice. And yes, we learn so much more when we ask the question of WHY.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that, very much appreciated.

[@chrisalmerini3284]

We all were thinking the same- the posting was not sustainable at the rapid rates you have been doing...BUT please know we are so thankful for your sharing of great ideas. Take care we will miss you. Rest your voice! I recently shared my displeasure with several images I had made and when I told this small group "it is because it is forced and this is not what I really want to do- and I believe it comes through to the viewer" ...The small group was almost dismissive. It taught me to follow my gut and stick to my vision and stop trying to confirm. This channel has confirmed that in ways that really connect with me. See you in August- refreshed and healthier!!! Thank you again for sharing so much of your journey and vision.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much Chris, and thank you for your kind words and support. It's amazing this little community we are building here.

[@mauriceprokaziuk337]

Thank you for some great information. My take on this is to stop, look and listen. Don’t rush into a photo. Take care of yourself and your voice.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for the kind comment.

[@AndyCakebread]

Hi Alister - I've just stumbled across you and been absorbed whilst having breakfast. I'm feeling it and loving it - thank you. You do what a lot claim to by simply appropriating a word - inspire.

[@tjcuneo]

Thank you very much. Take care of your health and stay safe. I am looking forward to your return as I have learned a great deal from your channel. In the meantime I will be reading and practicing the concepts from your eBook.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much - means a lot...

[@JJRAIA-es9cj]

Quiet those pipes, stay well !!

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL, will do, thanks.

[@AndrewCooperPhotography]

Another excellent video, take time for yourself we have lots of fabulous instruction from yourself to go out and make better photographs whilst you take a very well earned rest.

[@Alister_Benn]

:-) I will go out and if photographs happen, that is fine :-)

[@richardtindell8366]

Thank you Alister! Your insights continue to strike a cord. Rest, peace and happiness my friend ...

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you for that. I hope you continue to be well

[@robertd.skonbladandersson269]

A well deserved break. Take care!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks, I really appreciate that, thank you.

[@howardallen5390]

I’m glad that you’re taking a break to put yourself first. Thank you for all the effort that you’ve put into your channel over the last few months, I really appreciate it and I’m starting to look at the world and my photography differently. I’ll be teaching my dog those words so that he can remind me when we’re out together.

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL - yeah, a canine aide memoire is indispensable :-)

[@vitalyglad8325]

Great inside as usual. Thank you very much!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much

[@dhakaljourney7329]

most inspiring youtube channel for me.

[@mkbuhain]

Thank you Alister for always sharing your thoughts, philosophies and questions on photography, its music on my ears. And get well soon, keep safe always my friend.

[@philipculbertson55]

Take care Alister. We need the voice of the lone wolf howling in the wilderness.

[@marie-josevanrijsbergen8670]

Thank you for another very inspiring video. Get well soon with your voice !!

[@ejpeiker]

This video brings back such great memories :)

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, for sure. What a great trip!!

[@kevinsink3799]

Great work Alister... take a break man. I used to teach photo workshops & classes and if I were you I would have burnt to a crisp months ago. People don't realize the work behind all this. Being "on" all the time is really hard, I think especially for creatives who tend to need quiet, introspective time. I'll come to Scotland sometime & buy you a pint. You deserve it.

[@valk-photography]

Thank you Alister for this amazing advise. Your video deliberately doesn't make me follow someone blindly but to distil the best for myself from all advice and rules which was given to me ;) Like it that you explain why you took these great images. Take care and be safe !

[@BruceMcGrath1954]

The KZbin algorithms brought me here. But the Scottish accent heled me here. Great piece of content. Subscribed 👍🏻🍷❤️

[@RiccardoPareschi]

Great video ! I just can’t plan, I’m too instinctive. I prefer to go out to visit a place, walk, listen, smell and maybe take a picture. This is how I live my passion for landscape photography.

[@jan.eigil.m]

You absolutely deserves a break Alister. You have presented a huge amount of work lately. And all of it at a high level of quality and commitment. I have appreciated every second of it. Take care.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much, it means a lot to have such a supportive audience.

[@nailsenkal58]

Excellent. Thank you and keep well...

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks, will do!

[@L.Nyquist]

Have a nice break!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you, I really intend to :-)

[@kenkelchtermans6476]

Thanks man, enjoy!

[@SkiwithMike]

Fabulous. What an illuminating way to look at things. Thanks.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great, thanks for that

[@Duzekpeter]

Awesome videos, keep on going. You are so inspiring.

[@Alister_Benn]

Lovely of you to say, thanks so much

[@martinoberstein8431]

Fine thoughts, Alister! AND awesome pictures that illustrate your ideas perfectly. Kind regards from a guy from the future (you will be well and prolific😉)

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much for all your comments, I really appreciate them. If you're from the future could you tell me which of my next few videos will be the most successful, that'd help a lot!

[@sarkarpappu]

As always, thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much for all your support

[@msingrey14]

Pressure should be nothing that someone as creative as yourself should feel. Your beautiful approach to the images you create seems effortless and natural. Of course, we don't have a KZbin channel that demands output, so that's easy for me/us to say. I hope you give yourself and your voice a rest so that you can renew the feeling that helps you create in the first place. I love your channel. Your guidance and outlook has helped me to produce images that I want to see, even if there in NO audience.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Matt - yeah, it's a balance between creative freedom and making a living. To be honest, we enjoy the channel very much and without it we would have struggled to stay afloat. It's worth some discomfort !

[@Bringisen]

Great video again. Sorry to hear about your voice. Hope you get well.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you, I appreciate your support.

[@alfredolopezcalbacho2752]

I hope your voice get well very soon. I´m subscribing

[@Alister_Benn]

Happy to hear that, thank you very much.

[@maryoneill6216]

Sending you well wishes on your short break! I thoroughly enjoy your content, and I’m super excited to see your images each week. You continue to both inspire and educate me, and I really appreciate your generosity in offering these videos!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that.

[@brucehyman]

feel better!! i look forward to your recovery from whatever is challenging your throat - Nothing is likely to challenge your voice.

[@Alister_Benn]

That's kind, thanks so much

[@susanfirth2279]

Once again, a great message. Glad that you are taking the time to heal your voice. Take care of yourself and look forward to seeing you when you are feeling better.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much! very kind of you.

[@pbziegler]

Glad you are taking yourself.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks mate - appreciate that.

[@MarcKoetse]

What an incredibly good view on phtography! I wish I had come across this view some 5 or 6 years ago. I am certainly going to experiment with this! (Probably make way fewer pictures and spend much more time on looking and enjoying). Thanx!

[@josemanuelcasadomolina2462]

Muchas gracias de nuevo por hacer pensar.... Saludos.

[@Alister_Benn]

De nada, un abrazo...

[@maggiemae1969]

Love the videos and hearing your perspectives. Take care of yourself and I look foreword to your future videos. In the meantime, I will be diving into your ebook and videos.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate the kind words and support.

[@borissmit7112]

I have one word to express my feeling, agreed!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you - you said it all.

[@johnscratchley3288]

Understand taking a wee break Alister. Don't know how you've done it so well and so often. Again the message is clear all about engaging oneself and I've taken this approach a lot more of late. Look forward to what's ahead. Cheers!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks John, I really appreciate that comment. A good break will do me good and allow for a well-earned period of self-indulgent creativity.

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

I'm not surprised you're taking a break, you're been treating us of late 🙂 I loved the first image with the fog and the close crop of the jagged rocks from the coast.

[@DWEccles]

Thanks goodness I’ve discovered your channel - full of the most thought provoking content. I’ve just bought 3 of your ebooks and look forward to working through them. Stay well and keep up the great work. David Eccles

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much, I appreciate that hugely

[@glennricks]

Ah to be one of Alister’s Shepherds and not an internet sheep. Thank you, love your work.

[@charlesandaloro7709]

Art First!

[@Alister_Benn]

:-)

[@scottternan105]

Thank you very much for all your hard work Alister. Personally I would be happy with one video a month. You’re right it isn’t sustainable to produce that much content. Give your body and mind a break !

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that - really appreciated. I'll settle into a one video a week for the channel in August.

[@nicknichols4249]

The best to you during your break, it is well deserved and a wise decision. As we get older health is of paramount importance.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that, and I agree so much. Thankfully I am getting better at recognizing that I need a break before the full on crash happens!

[@mitymous1]

Hope you have a wonderful, restorative, vocal-cord rejuvenating break, although the interwebs will be the worse for it. As always, thought provoking, inspiring, and enlightening content.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for all your support, a break will do me good and no doubt the creativity will flow.

[@dianevose9655]

Another intelligent and very thought provoking video. Im so enjoying listening to how you create expressive images with contrast and luminosity. I have always shot images for myself and to express my experience in the environment. I'm definitely drawn to light and dark in the landscape. Have a good break and rest ✨

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your support. Freedom lies in self-actualization.

[@krisweyers6248]

Will miss you. See you back in August

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Kris, I'll come back EP 2.0 :-)

[@jorgkluber7011]

Take care of you!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much. I am looking forward to a break and getting out into the landscape.

[@andrespuiggros]

Take care of yourself, that should be always your first priority!! In that way we are sure we can enjoy and learn with you for a long time!!! Since I came to your channel and webpage I have benn reading a lot, I have your last ebook and it has change my way of looking thins photographically, I love the approach you have for this passion we all share. Cheers from Arica, in the north of Chile!!!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much, I very much appreciate your kind words.

[@juliangreaves4727]

Alister, Thanks for all the great, thought provoking content. A good idea to rest yourself up and have some down time. Best wishes and look after yourself. J

[@Alister_Benn]

Much appreciated! thank you very much

[@dannynash5713]

Another incredible masterful teaching video! Thank you Alister! Will pray your your vocal chords will quickly be rested and restored. Love this channel! ✊🙌👏

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much! - a rest will certainly help hugely. As will some time out in the landscape.

[@GuyRaymond_GR]

Take care of yourself!

[@Alister_Benn]

Will do, and thank you very much

[@ruudmaas2480]

Why is the keyword indeed. Keep healthy. Hope to see you soon on youtube.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that - I'll be back full of energy in a few weeks.

[@suzannemullaney3205]

Thank you!

[@Alister_Benn]

You're welcome! I hugely appreciate your comments and support.

[@derricksansome236]

Thanks as ever Alister, sound thinking and as usual well communicated and illustrated. Good to know that you are giving Adam a rest, he needs it! Your new schedule is a wise move, you need time to release your own creativity so get out and enjoy and look after yourself above all. Looking forward to seeing you again in August. Best wishes to you both, Derrick.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much - I feel very grateful for all the support I get on here. Very humbling.

[@jacktaylor6190]

Some good thoughts to think of, take care of yourself, look forward to your return in good health!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Jack, I appreciate that.

[@SteveStrummerUK]

I'm a fairly recent recruit to your channel Alister, but I have to say your insight and approach is inspirational. I'm working my way back through a lot of your older videos and picking up so much wonderful advice on the ways we can look at, and photograph, the world around us. I've been using SLR's since the early 80's (even did a bit of freelance stuff back then to help pay for my gear!) so I'm comfortable with the technical aspects; since changing over from film to digital, I've also become fairly competent with Photoshop/Lightroom. I'm finding where your content *really* helps is the with the more 'esoteric' aspects of photography, and I'm really enjoying the learning process.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great, delighted to hear that. Not enough is said about the why and the self-development aspect of landscape photography. Too much emphasis on WOW, look at me!!

[@MBKinney1]

Much appreciated be well!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you too!

[@johnhubble5156]

To play Devils advocate I would ask the question "when does why become how?". Ansel Adams is quoted as saying “You don't make a photograph just with a camera. You bring to the act of photography all the pictures you have seen, the books you have read, the music you have heard, the people you have loved.” If you accept this I would suggests what leads you to "point my camera at random things" is your subconcious distillation of all of your life experiences. But the instant you have made that subconcious decision there is a switch from the why to the how. What camera settings should I use? How should I process the image? Should it be colour or monochrome? I very much agree with the thrust of your argument but surely the key is preventing the analytical from inhibiting the instinctive.

[@Alister_Benn]

Oh totally, I get that experience allows for the flow of the subconscious. The biggest issue is the mantra that following a bunch of rules get's you there faster. As you know, I disagree. The how has to be learned, but the how replies on the why.

[@ClintonFerrara]

Take care of yourself. I will be looking forward to your return. In the mean time I will be applying the many things i have learned from you to my photography.

[@Alister_Benn]

Wonderful! hopefully they will make you happy. Best wishes

[@Fessoid]

@Alister, now i'm understand why i found your channel (after post-processing video w/ Adam Gibbs) - we both want to open up a human soul to what they are being all the time - individual and beauty :-) Good relaxation and best regards, SlavaLight

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that man, really appreciate the comment.

[@MadeleineLenagh]

Alister, once again you were clear and insightful! Sorry I missed the premiere. I have to say that Adam does look a bit like a sheepdog ;) But all jokes aside, I'm also happy to hear that you're finally going to be taking care of that voice! You've put so much time and energy into creating an inspiring presence on KZbin. Time for a break. Be well!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much. Yes, I have put a lot of myself into this for 5 months now, and the time has come to slow down, take a step back and get out into the landscape for a while. I'm looking forward to writing the book in August and continuing with the fine art prints.

[@Belchdragon]

This is such a great expansion on the 3 rules William Mortensen made for composing an image. Look at "The command to look" where he describes them. I know you have your description and open ended way of looking at the world and create images but it expands so well on Mortensens work and the brains way to interpret an image. Thanks again for the videos. I hope the voice gets better and get to a doctor to get it checked.

[@Alister_Benn]

That's a great insight, thanks. Yes, I am completely resting my voice to see if this helps. I will need to see a doctor though.

[@bobtommi2430]

Hi Alister Glad to hear that you are taking a restorative break; I was beginning to think you were superhuman 🤣. I recommend hot toddies - the principal ingredients of which are plentiful in the highlands and Skye, so don’t stint yersel!

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL, I'll get a prescription immediately :-)

[@scottweaverphotovideo]

I am in strong agreement with the message of your video. As to your voice, yes please give it needed rest. You and Jimmy McIntyre have among the most charming Scottish voices I've heard!

[@Alister_Benn]

Ha. I was joking with Ann that if it gets worse I will have to resort to the awful text to voice programs!! I don't think there is a Scottish one yet!

[@kevins8575]

This comes on at 4 am on Hawaii. I can't stay up that long or get up that early, but I'll watch the replay!

[@Alister_Benn]

So sorry about that. As you can appreciate finding a time that suits everyone is just impossible.! Sorry again!

[@kevins8575]

@@Alister_Benn Didn't mean to imply that it's a problem. It's great that I can see your videos from halfway around the world.

[@Alister_Benn]

@@kevins8575 Thanks for that. I didn't take it as such. I just like to apologize :-)

[@markjutsum6187]

Take care of yourself and pursue your dreams. MJ

[@Alister_Benn]

Every day :-) Thanks so much

[@MichaelBlanchette]

"Time doing it doesn't mean you're an expert. You could be wrong for 30 years." That's a refreshing quote to remember. Give that voice a rest, Alister.

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL - yes, don't get me started on that one :-)

[@lisarobertson7011]

Thank you so much Alister for all this amazing content, I don’t think I blink when i watch your videos! Learning so much from you. Could you point me towards the JOIN button please, couldn’t see that link. Many thanks

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much, the joint button is not on a mobile, only a web browser. I really appreciate your support.

[@timwootton4649]

Some great images there Alister, look after that voicebox! See you when you return.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes, I need a break, I've been feeling this for weeks now and I need to rest. Thanks for your support.

[@alanclark9691]

Interesting, as always, thought-provoking and helpful. On two of the images discussed you had made a conscious decision to eliminate one of your five compositional elements - colour. I suppose to be technically correct you actually "changed" the colour option to black & white. I would have found it useful if you had discussed what it was that caused you to make this choice, and also whether that choice was made in the field or in post-processing. Some people can see a potential image in b&w, whereas those like me need to simply try changing a colour image to b&w in post-processing to see what it looks like and then decide whether it is stronger than the original colour image.

[@Hirsutechin]

Thank you again, Alister, and I'd send a bumper pack of Soothers if it'd help! As a summary of your recent videos (both short and long) this is as concise as I've heard from you. I'm enjoying my photography more looking for what catches my eye, gives delight, triggers a response, rather than the Big Vista or the Killer Shot. Post-processing is also more fun and less harassed. I blame you of course. ;-) Enjoy the break, get some time outside, hope the midges give you a break!

[@Alister_Benn]

Cheers man. I am going to take a break, and will be outside :-) Heading out with a couple of really good mates.

[@Hirsutechin]

Oh, and the monochrome (8:35) sea stack with heavy surf is a fine contrast between the energetic waves crashing around the light on the rocks and the quieter sky - that's what I take from it anyway. Grand!

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Everyone is going to compose based on what strikes balance for them. I personally tend to prefer rather symmetrical compositions. I don't believe in the Rule of Thirds for its own sake, just if it works for me.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks John. If it only works when it feels right then it's not a rule :-)

[@NickCoburnPhillips]

Say less - do more ! :P Take care (y)

[@steveforden]

Very interesting, I think I agree with your elements of why. I'm not sure I'd ever explicitly considered geometry as an underlying motivation, but now that I think about it I am sure it is very prominent in my subconscious. Probably why I like a lot of rock in my shots. That and my geology background! Do you consider texture to be related to geometry in this context?

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks, happy to make you think. Texture is contrast, like clarity. Transitions of contrast lead to changes in texture and atmosphere. (It’s all in the book and videos! 😂)

[@paulredman1496]

I find your video's fascinating and thought provoking. I mainly do close up photography of insects, flowers and other subjects that nature opens my eyes to. Do you think that luminosity, contrast, atmosphere, geometry and colour can apply to close up images?

[@Alister_Benn]

Firstly, thanks for the kind words. Regards the second question: take a look at your own photographs. Look at where the brightness is, look for contrast, transitions, details, color and the formations of lines and shapes. You bet it applies. Look at any photograph, of any thing: portraits, architecture, birds. It’s all the same basic 5 elements. It took me 15 years to notice.!

[@jefftrapp5407]

No apologies needed!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man - taking off for 10 days with a couple of good mates.

[@miketschappat6402]

Thanks for the great video, and take care of that voice. If you didn't say a word, but just showed your photographs, it would still be tremendously instructional.

[@Alister_Benn]

That's really kind. I am sure the new schedule will help with quality...

[@ItsFritzDaCat]

Always interesting to hear your thoughts and reasons behind your images, appreciate your time and work. P.S. You may already know this, a lot of musicians wear a scarf or something around their neck to help keep it warm and protect their voice. Take care of your voice and will be looking forward to your return once back to health. Cheers,

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that Will, yes, I really need to start to be more professional about looking after the essential assets!!

[@lorrettaclarke709]

Alister I have a sony and are about to purchase a zoom, but need the lightest option. What focal length did you zoom into in that landscape in that first seascape. I am used to zooming in a lot and I have either a 180 mm which I think won't be enough for me.

[@Alister_Benn]

Hi, I use the Nikon 80-400. If I were you I'd get the supposedly excellent Sony 100-400. Often I wish I had 600mm, but 400 is super practical.

[@lorrettaclarke709]

@@Alister_Benn Thanks alister, but I think that lens is out of my league, and it is heavy. I might wait ;to see the reviews are for the sigma 100-400 F5 - 6.3 - another question when shooting zoom at a long reach, does the fact that not having F2.8 matter when it comes to blurring the background? In my experience (or lack of it) it doesn't as one has to use an higher F stop to get a subject, ie isolating a rock, for instance, ALL in focus?

[@Alister_Benn]

@@lorrettaclarke709 DOF massively reduces with focal length, but the time you shoot at 300-400mm, even f11 has a limited depth of focus. The best thing if you are in the west coast of US would be to try renting the various lenses in your budget and try them out. Renting a lens for a day gives you loads of files to check.

[@anisab9506]

Expressive photographer membership join button... can’t seem to find it 😞

[@Alister_Benn]

It’s not on the mobile app, only on a web browser. Thank you so much for considering it.

[@furbs9999]

"Adam"? Gibbs? :)

[@Alister_Benn]

No, just a coincidence :-)

[@furbs9999]

Alister, first let me thank you for this channel, it's been a massive help to me and also very entertaining. I'm just starting out on my journey into landscape photography and one of the most often problems I run into is picking and committing to a composition, I still find myself rushing around thinking there is a better photo just around the corner, even after finding something I really like. Do you have any tips on committing and slowing down to get the best out of photo? Maybe a video idea? This is what I've got so far... www.flickr.com/photos/186801162@N04/ Thank you.

[@esanford]

Alister, you deserve time off... I don't know how you create the level of content week after that you present. Plus you have no staff writes... :) I have read the book and I have the course.... I will be fine.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Ed, I really appreciate that thanks. Yes, I feel the need for a break! I'm not the youth I once was!

[@arthurmorgan5937]

Stop all talking other than within your family for at least five days. If that does not CURE the problem consult an Ear Nose and Throat Surgeon ( NOT a Family Practitioner). Heal quickly.

[@Alister_Benn]

That's pretty solid advice. I'll be sure to do that.

[@CWReace]

Just to be safe, maybe while taking this bit of time off you should get a medical opinion on your voice issues?

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, I saw the doctor a few weeks ago, but I suspect further investigation will be necessary, going to rest it for a couple of weeks and see what difference that makes.