Landscape Photography | Decisions to be Made!

[@Evan-us7fz]

I certainly agree with you Simon, the woodland shot is beautiful, the complexity and rich detail are what I love in a shot, and make a photograph worth lingering with. Thank you for sharing your skill and talent with us.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Evan

[@andrewherbert9938]

I have to agree with you Simon , lots to look at , beautifully processed and a lovely composition, makes me want to get out into the woods asap

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers Andrew. I hope there's nothing to stop you!

[@speterlewis]

Well done, Simon. That filter system looks top rate. And yes, the longer I look at that peaceful shot, the more I like it.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Peter and once again for the Kofi contribution...it all helps! Lovely shot I felt, but very different form my norm! It's made me re-think a bit!

[@jeffreyhofmeister3103]

Thank you I enjoyed this presentation. I truly liked how you went about the creation of this shot and explaining your thought process. That also goes with how you've presented video.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Jeffrey, thank you for your feedback on the film. I'm glad that you enjoyed it and if I'm not mistaken, you are new to this channel?

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

You have given me food for thought now. I have a Kase holder coming for my birthday next week. Some of the issues with the lee kit they have put right now but I must say the filters you used the water run off is amazing

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Paul. Oh the amount of times I have cursed at a waterfall because of water on the filters. These are pure and simply, the Holy Grail!

[@helenreeley6113]

A super image Simon, I like it a lot, very absorbing. As you say, no drama but the eye scans over the details & I find it very calming to look at. Thanks for sharing.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Helen for your thoughts on the image. I will be on the look out for more of these!

[@AliasJimWirth]

This is a really educational video for me, Simon. I liked the explanation of how you processed the image so as to lead the viewer thorough it in the way you intend. I learned a lot from this one. Thank you for posting it (though it's been out awhile...new to me however).

[@TimberGeek]

I definitely like the polarizer at the back approach to a filter system.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Much better...sorry for my late response.

[@Noealz]

great shot simon

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you for your comment Noealz

[@charlescate4029]

Enjoyed the video and a beautiful results.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Many thanks Charles

[@johnsparkes8963]

Cracking woodland image, lovely colours.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thank you John. I'm glad you liked it!

[@simondaneski2266]

Lovely shot, Simon. I like how you processed it in post. I've just started using the Kase system too and I'm very impressed with it. Looking forward to your next video :)

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Simon You are ahead of the game! Good shooting!

[@kevwarrilow45]

Lovely image Simon - very soothing and pleasing to the eye - Love that magnetic polariser - I might have to have a rethink of my system. Cheers - once again - winner mate :)

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks again Kev. I'm in a position where I am looking to renew my system, so it's only natural to look elsewhere! I have enjoyed my Lee filters but the grads just don't cut the mustard and as for innovation, Lee appear to be being left behind!

[@eugecoscarelli9745]

Well Simon, I sit by my fire with a hot drink on a wintery day and watched this fantastic vlog. I have never used ND filters but you describe the benefits very well as to their use. The composition exudes serenity and is a photo I know I could look at for long time and ponder many things. Once again thankyou on taking us on another journey of discovery and feel that I too now need to add a shower cap to my photography accessories. Sheer brilliance and pure joy to watch. As always look forward to the next one. I want to photo on demand with you, we need to talk more on how we can accomplish this. See you out there. Euge

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You make watching my videos sound really nice Euge. Thanks for setting the scene of your Australian winter, although it may as well be winter here too at the moment! Thanks for your comment and don't forget the emergency poo bag too...biodegradable of course. Photography on Demand is easy Euge, just hop on the website and select the duration. I then get in touch via email to arrange a suitable time, which would be early morning or evening I suspect?

[@eugecoscarelli9745]

@@SimonBoothPhotography I will definitely do that Simon. Agree early evening/morning would work. Have to choose some photos now. Pretty exciting concept, speak soon. And yes nothing but biodegradable bags, LOL. Cheers Euge

[@IanSmithFotografi]

Nice shot Sion, and glad you like the Kase system... they are very good

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers Ian, yes, so far so good!

[@jimhamilton8775]

Impressed with this system. Great image as well.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Many thanks Jim. A big thumbs up so far!

[@ramblinman77]

I really liked this video Simon. The Kase system looks very nice but any of the high end systems are way outside my budget right now. What I enjoyed the most was your take on the image itself. Where I live, and the time constraints involved, the woods are the most easily accessed via a local state park. There are no grand vistas there just thick hilly woods with small creeks running through most of the deeper valleys. The majority of my shots taken there are just like the one you showed us here. I'm so glad that there is someone out there that feels like I do as far as presenting something to study and absorb that's not in the parallel. Thanks for sharing Simon

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hey Jim. I agree, this can be an expensive hobby! I like to use filters simply because I always have and like the process in the feild. However, the new range mask feature in Lightroom and Photoshop Raw is very good if you have either of them. Images that hold your gaze are a delight to find and I think I will be on the look out for these more often.

[@Snowcatnz2]

Great video Simon. Love the image, I'm a bit like you, these style of shots hold my attention more than the grand vistas and dramatic images, that's not to say that those images are bad, they just don't hold your attention for a long time. Kase appears to have taken the best from all the other filter systems and brought them all together into one really smart system, for instance, the way the polariser turns on the wheel I love in my Formatt-Hitech system, also the magnetic filter, like the Breakthrough filter system must be an absolute godsend. Thanks for sharing!!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Tim for your contribution here again. I think photography is wonderful in how we all see beauty in different things!

[@Sir_Grumpalot]

A slightly different video from You Simon and most enjoyable. That system looks interesting and in particular the magnetic polariser. I use Formatt Hitech filters which are glass and coated much like the system you were testing so they are good on accuracy. What I then did was to convert to a magnetic fixing system from H & Y. They do a kit to convert the holder and then you buy a clip on frame for each filter so they simply "stick" to the holder with zero light leaks and it is extremely quick and easy to use individually ior to stack them. The only thing missing is the magnetic polariser. It screws onto the lens adapter with the frame fitting to it and has a similar cog system to rotate . This also means it is easy to use on it's own but not as quick as the system you showed. A combination of the two systems holders is required. Anyway a good use of 20 minutes or so again Simon!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Martin thanks for your comment, which hurt my head a little wondering how you managed to find yourself having to work all that out! I am dubious for that very reason. I have to be confident that the brand I go to already have all the problems solved. Many years ago Lee had this nailed, but for me, not anymore!

[@chrishunt2707]

Beautiful image. I agree that a calming, serene image like this would be my choice. One day I will invest in a decent filter system. I love the idea of magnetic. Thanks for sharing with us. 👍

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Good to hear that Chris. Using filters is all part of the creation of the image and it feels right to use them.

[@AndyP1961.]

Hi Simon, another great video and a captivating image at the end. I can’t justify swapping systems from Lee, but a thought provoker as other systems are emerging from their former shadows. Love the shower cap, I’m sure many have done this praying nobody shows up. Good to see and hear your journey through the image and your explanation of the PP you did to get the final result. Thanks once again, Andy

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Glad you liked the image Andy and the slightly different format from me this time. It was a mixed bag! Hope you have had your cap on?

[@AndyP1961.]

@@SimonBoothPhotography Being from East Lancashire, I regularly have my cap on Simon, I don't have the clogs now, nor do I have a Whippet either, but plenty of scenes like the one you bagged so well. All the best, Andy

[@G0FUW]

Very interesting Kase study Simon (sorry!). Lovely image and great performance from the filters. Whether they are worth the additional cost is a moot point but they certainly sit well with your MF system. And for anyone watching/reading, I can thoroughly recommend Simon's on demand service - I found my session extremely helpful.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Steve, pun excused! Thanks for the recommendation too. See you on the 5th :-)

[@tompetersphotography]

I totally agree mate, I really feel like images like this although seem busy at first. Definitely keep your eye looking around and I’m sure if you printed it up on your wall you would see something new every time. I like the Kase system but I use the Nisi and it’s very similar. The glass filters are so much better than the resin lee ones. Lee seem to be behind in that aspect. I really noticed it, in terms of cleaning the sea spray of.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hey Tom.Yes, now if only I printed my shots!! I knew you were a Nisi user but given the price of a complete swap, I may have to go back to Lee anyway!

[@tompetersphotography]

Simon Booth so expensive all this photography lark ay:(

[@ianrobertson518]

Excellent video and something to ponder on as I look to replace a Lee polariser, 6 stop ND and a 3 stop medium grad which all broke at the same time when my camera pitched forward. ☹

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Ian Robertson Hi Ian, just note that you would need the Kase filter holder. The Kase glass grads are a bit heavier than the Lee resin ones and if you put them in the Lee holder, they slide down on there own and would fall out if you didn’t stop them!

[@mick8586]

great video Simon enjoyed it as all ways great work ,thank you,(oh and a great photo )

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Mick, much appreciated!

[@marcvalade94]

Interesting reflection.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Marc

[@hramakrishnaiah413]

Notwithstanding the modifications, I find the mounting of the filter set onto the step-up ring really a challenge. I don't know if the piece I have received is a faulty one or not, but I have never seen a set that is so hard to mount onto the ring. Now I have permanently fixed the step-up ring and filter system and thread the whole thing onto the lens which is a hassle.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You should get back in touch with Kase. I have rings already attached to all my lenses so that I only have to clip on the holder each time. I worked the same way when I used Lee.

[@hramakrishnaiah413]

@@SimonBoothPhotography Thanks. Just came back from a trip this week and this is the first-ever time I have used it after buying it nearly two years ago from B&H. I doubt they cover that long warranty period.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

@@hramakrishnaiah413 I think you need to be in a situation where you have the step ring (s) permanently attached to the geared ring (s). It's not ideal with any system to keep dismantling the whole thing. This is why mine are all on the lenses all the time.

[@hramakrishnaiah413]

@@SimonBoothPhotography I understand that is the ideal way to use. But the problem with my system is; when I unscrew the locking red screw, the associated back metal piece which finally lock and secure the holder onto the ring does not fully unlock/move backwards sufficiently. This does not create optimum space to fit-in/take-in the ring normally with ease. The struggle is here and thus screwing the entire unit directly into the front of the lens is the only next best option available for me. Thanks for your suggestions and time, appreciate it.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

@@hramakrishnaiah413 Email me through my website and we can set up a quick Skype or Zoom call. I don't fully follow so it might help if you can show me.

[@anthonyventimiglia4157]

I too enjoyed your image as you explained it. My comment is that, overall I would prefer a landscape image. Verticals are nice for certain dramas, however, to me, a landscape for such subject matter is the preference. Even stitching two together can be very effective.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You are right Anthony...I think to really appreciate the vertical presentation is to view it printed at a size of no less than A2. Even on a big TV, the impact is lost. However, I also think that not every image is better in landscape. Composition dictates the orientation!

[@neilt]

A lovely image, Simon.

[@philipculbertson55]

Personally, dramatic images have a WOW factor that initially catch my eye but after the first look don't seem to hold my attention where the woodland shots seem to keep me moving around and through the image. Having said that, I my opinion the higher resolution cameras and good lenses help that a lot. Lower resolution images seem to lack that same appeal to me. People often say that gear doesn't matter and I get what they are saying but when I moved from kit lenses and a lower resolution camera body to quality glass with a full frame 36 mp sensor, the detail in the shot was significantly greater. My skill was the same with both camera set-ups but the difference in detail was striking. Seeing detail throughout an image helps keep my eye's attention and it is more difficult to get that with low res camera and kit lenses. I will say that I really struggle with dappled light. I just can't seem to post process it so that it looks good. I think you did a great job in processing this one. The highlights didn't seem as harsh or shadows so dark. Well done.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

You talk a lot of sense Phillip and I can only echo what you have said already! Sorry I was slow on the uptake of your comment, I missed it coming through!

[@byoregon1]

Good info on the Kase filters. I really like the magnetic style. Breakthrough Photography had some rave reviews on theirs, but they are redesigning their line and they’re no longer available. I’ll have to investigate Kase. Thx for the interesting video.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Any time Bill. Yes that magnetic system is genius and what I haven't mentioned yet is that when you drop the Kase glass, it's toughened so it should bounce! Thanks for watching

[@1spitfirepilot]

Impressive - comparable to the Nisi system that I use. I agree that a shot like this is 'stickier' - it keeps one's attention.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

We certainly agree. it was a little surprising but would I put it as a portfolio contender...that is my question? Nisi are a great brand and yes there are some similarities. I hadn't heard of Kase till recently, but I am more than impressed by them; their customer service is excellent.

[@markharris5771]

I use several different makes, Formatt Hitech Firestone polariser and 15 stop they actually have everything in the glass rather than a coating. I also use their reverse grads. Then I use Corkin Nuance 5 stop and 10 again made out of glass rather than the usual resin we are used to. Because they are both colour neutral there is no impact on using both together, I also use Kood hard grads which I think are exceptional, which again are colour neutral. I really need to upgrade my grads, and lower NDs. I take two cameras with me so I can use the 85mm on my 7DII with the Sigma 18-35. I can then bracket on the full frame so I often have two alternative for the same shot. Strangely neither are as good as yours. I also take two cameras just in case there’s a good nature shot and do the same when shooting nature, but there I often have to use the 5DIII in low light. The advantage of a scooter carrying your gear is that you can take lots of gear. Why do dippers always appear when you’re setting up filters. I remember once at Killin 3 pairs flew past then once I got my shot I never saw another all day. I’d give anything to know as much as you do about plants etc, I try to learn them but I have difficulties remembering information due to all the medication. I never ever ever get tired of looking at your images, especially when you go through them in Lightroom. I think this photograph is great from the get go, it gives you a great feeling of depth. I think the editing it brilliant but you needed the data the camera gathered with the filters to get the image to edit. Another superb video Simon, very well done thank you.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

A really big thanks Mark for writing this comment. I had missed it for some reason! I always enjoy reading your word of encouragement and listening to your own thoughts and experiences. I am finding myself at a crossroads at the moment where my channel is growing and I am starting to miss and keep up with comments. I never thought it would actually get this far!

[@markharris5771]

Simon Booth I didn’t doubt it for one second. I can’t think of one photographer that is better than you and your delivery is brilliant.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

@@markharris5771 I can think of plenty who I look to for inspiration, but I think the vast majority of people fail to see the capability in our own self! This is why the net is full of self help motivational wellbeing information. Are we becoming obsessed at being better I ask myself?

[@markharris5771]

Simon Booth I think all creatives strive for unobtainable perfection, that’s both a blessing and a curse in equal measure. A blessing as it keeps our interest and purpose, a curse because it is unobtainable and can make us over critical of our own work.

[@PMCN53]

I wasn't sure about the image at first, but you are right about how the image has multi focal points of interest. It does break many rules but as the great Ken Duncan ( look him up) said photography rules are meant to be broken LOL. I'm invested in LEE FILTERS and now have the new holder which has overcome some simple issues. It is interesting to see what other filter system producers come up with though. Love your VLOGS. Cheers!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Phil. Thank you for bringing my attention to Ken Duncan, I had a look around his site with interest! So so many people enjoying photography these days, although he has been around for a while and sorry to say...as long as me, but he appears to be more successful at the business end! I had never heard of him! But then, he's probably never heard of me either, so that makes us all square :-)

[@larryrudnick1519]

Very nice image and I can appreciate the post processing. The Kase system seems well engineered.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks Larry...so far so good. I was most pleased with what I have experienced so far. Nice people to deal with too!

[@jbairdexp]

I'm with you on your thoughts with the Kase System. I changed myself recently and I'm very impressed with it all so far. :-)

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Your ahead of the game Julian as always! :-)

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Simon, NIce to see you switch systems from Lee. I agree wholeheartedly. Spending all that money on glass and putting acrylic in front has never made sense whatsoever. What a breakthrough for the magnetic cpl. That was always an issue with those you had to screw off on ultra fine threads with cold fingers. Nice to see you enjoy them. NIce relaxed video. I like your transition form RAW to processed image! = J LOL. The image didnt actually take much which is always a good test for the kelvin of the 6 stop! Well done. I need to get another vid done too! Speak soon buddy. Ewan

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Ewan, thanks for your thoughts on this film; it was quite a mixed bag of items. I quite liked this format and yes, showing the transition from RAW to completion is a nice thing to provide as it shows the extent of the processing in that it isn't over done!.

[@alanscott.online]

Really nice image... I find that when I change the style of my photography (which is not very often) the new style nearly always seems better than the previous images, for a while at least...Thanks for sharing :0)

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

A change is as good as a rest as they say Alan!

[@stephenmclean4127]

Loved the image pleased you are using Pentax gear from a new subscriber

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for the sub Stephen. Are you a Pentax user?

[@stephenmclean4127]

Yes I have a K3 and a Q7 and a number of different lenses for each camera.

[@gabrielp8660]

Just discovered your channel. Wonderful videos!!

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Brilliant, Thanks for joining in here! I hope you have subscribed and rung that bell!

[@gabrielp8660]

@@SimonBoothPhotography I don't need to put the bell on, but if it helps you I can do it.

[@johnrichardarrowsuch3530]

I like those type of images too. I'm thinking of experimenting with a 10 stop filter but using flash to fill in the VERY near interest. flash I think is overlooked by us Landscape Photographers. Interesting video Simon.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Thanks for your comment John. I went away and thought about this in the car last night and pondered it for ages. Having used fill flash for plants and bird life, I'm still not sure about landscapes...but an interesting thought!

[@paulclare1524]

lovely image a post processing and enjoyed your thoughts on the kase system, my concern is with anything with geared parts they are more susceptible to wear just a thought.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Possible Paul, but it's like that with anything you use often. My sliders on my Lee filter holder had to be replaced a few years back. I personally don't use polarisers that often so I can't imagine it being a problem for me but if it helps, the connectivity between the wheel and the geared ring was very precise. I will put the question to Kase though...

[@JamesRBurnsVLOG]

I see you’re tempted to the dark side. The coating and the magnetic is appealing. Ive recently bought the new Lee holder and quite impressed but may dabble with other filters As for the image...didn’t appeal at first buts it’s a grower. Lots of interest.👍👍

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Cheers James and sorry for missing your comment. I'm not complaining, but I am starting to miss more and more it seems. As you probably know by now, I am sticking with Kase...they are excellent quality!

[@snthomasphotography]

Hi Simon, I'm thinking of switching to Kase but already have some Lee filters. Is it possible to use the Lee 10 stop in the Kase filter holder ? I think there may be a problem with gasket but could you turn the filter the other way round? Thanks.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Steve Thomas Hi Steve, I’ve just checked mine and it fits perfectly reversed! Not a chance the other way though!

[@deltafit]

Nice Simon! I'm very interested in the Kase system after seeing this. I'm currently quite invested in Hitech Formatt filters but what interests me is that magnetic thin polariser! Do you (or someone who reads this comment) know if the Kase filter holder fits Hitech Formatt filters?

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi there and thanks for your comment. I have asked the question and yes they do fit. I suspect any filter glass with a 100mm width will fit.

[@sanclewphotographic]

A super image, and please don't take this as a criticism, but are you finding after a substantial monetary outlay that your images are any better than using your previous gear, they do not appear to be any better than before, you have always taken superb quality images that's why we all watch you and learn a lot by your articulate delivery, and presentation, I have swapped gear and most of the time I notice no markedly difference in my images, regards.

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Hi Colin. A very interesting question and no, you are right to ask! For this channel, you are right, the difference is so negligible. The camera I used to shoot with, which is the 1Dx Mk1 was old tech (2010) and the dynamic range not that great. On the Pentax the dynamic range is huge by comparison and this is very noticeable, particularly during post, which you don't get to see! I realise that the likes of the D850 and Sony A7iii have a similar dynamic range but the pixels on the larger sensor found on the Pentax have far more room to breathe compared to a 35mm sensor and this is never more apparent than on a very large print, which is the main reason why I made the switch in the first place. I was getting asked for very large prints and I felt that the quality was compromised and the cost of them to a customer wasn't justified.