Landscape photography - How to compose in flat light

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When you are running a workshop and the weather gets flat and moody it's not possible to just say "we won't bother today, let's wait until we get some good light." We get out there, take what we're given and make images that are articulate and expressive.
In this video I look at how we can compose with flat light. Looking at 3 or 4 different compositions and then showing the finished images at the end of the video.
Bear with me, there is no B-Roll and I talk a lot to camera, but what I have to say is just so important for our attitude and state of wellbeing.
Video edited by Ann Kristin Lindaas
⬇️⬇️⬇️ Feel free to read this ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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[@PhilThach]

I clicked on your video because I thought the subject was interesting and something that I could really benefit from hearing what you have to say about but I'm commenting because of your T-shirt. Rush is my all-time favorite band. I was lucky enough to see them live 17 times over the years including one show on their final tour in 2015. RIP Professor. Ok, now that I have that off my chest, I'll get back to the video. :)

[@Alister_Benn]

Oh for sure. I’ve been a Rush fan since the late 70’s. They shaped me, as you can probably tell from the way I talk. Yes, RIP Neil, a tragedy.

[@esanford]

"There are no wrong notes on the piano, just better choices." -Thelonious Monk. If there is a single concept that I've learned well from watching your videos is that there is no such thing as bad light. I often make better images in these situations because I am required to dig deeper. Beautifully contrasted light often makes me take things for granted. A great video!

[@Alister_Benn]

Nice quite buddy…

[@Alister_Benn]

Quote!!

[@RichardSmith-rp7yp]

The processing and composition of these photos are incredible. Thanks for sharing.

[@Alister_Benn]

That’s really kind, I appreciate that

[@philkemp8178]

As far as I’m concerned Alister, any light is good light for photography. You might not make a portfolio image but if you’ve engaged with your subject then you have almost certainly achieved something meaningful and/or practised your craft in a useful and positive way. Constant expectation of dramatic light being the only way to make a good image is very limiting for your creativity. I think the flat light on the beach that day was perfect to showcase the subtle tones and colours that prevailed. Those are absolutely fantastic images and gave me a great deal of pleasure. Wish I’d been there!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Phil, yeah, I’m not a great light chaser, I’m always happy to be out and notice subtle beauty, which is often more meaningful than obvious drama.

[@janroos7518]

Very nice images. I really love the boulders in the sand, together with the beautiful light & dark abstract paterns formed by the receeding water! At locations like these, i just love the light to be flat. It gives me the space to bring out the contrast & details without bothering about harsh shadows & sunlight. Great video again!

[@SilverDragonCloud64]

I love empty and desolate...and I love flat light !! 😍🙏🏼

[@markflanagan521]

Beautiful work in what would seem hopeless conditions that usually is ones couple of days off for Photography😀 Inspiring and thank you for the very enjoyable presentation.

[@CameraCampTrek]

Great video ( great T-shirt, great band!) all the best

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Great review. Absolutely I like your video.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Nice - especially the final image at 22:56. Shooting in flat light, especially along the coast is a challenge!

[@CosMosArtistry2016]

Thank you for changing the way I express my photography. I have often been disappointed with images I have taken on a shoot. Perhaps being in a place with a different perspective and not having over expectations but enjoying the moment and capturing the feeling/mood. Photography should be emotive in some way and particularly when shooting. Being surprised is probably an exciting, important ingredient. Love these images Alister, great learning and you have become a photographer to follow. Cheers, Rich

[@Alister_Benn]

That’s awesome to hear, thanks so very much. It means a great deal to me.

[@a.keithclarke7975]

Thanks, the final edits are stunning, sweetly soft, but hardly "flat"!

[@andyjsmith1981]

I find your channel absolutely inspiring Alistair. My photography has come on leaps an bounds since discovering you, I find myself finding compositions that I would never have seen having not watched your videos.ooking forward to the next installment!

[@Alister_Benn]

I am delighted to hear that ❤️ thank you

[@terrysparkshiking]

Thank you. I just found your channel and its refreshing to find someone who’s a photography teacher first. I found your video to be of value to me and I will be putting into practice many of your techniques for getting the best possible photographs in flat light. -edit, I'm now a subscriber of your KZbin Channel.

[@Alister_Benn]

So happy to hear that, and thanks for subscribing ✊

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I will take to heart the examples of leveling a horizon that wasn't, in actuality, level (e.g. a receding shoreline of a lake or river). That's a complaint I get sometimes, that an image isn't "level". I always take care to level my camera, but I get it as to how the composition looks to someone who wasn't there. I think your recent interview with Alex Kilbee brought your channel to the attention of a new audience. Congrats on its growth

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks, and yes, Alex gave the channel a huge boost and it’s so motivating to finally see some rapid and significant growth ❤️

[@oneandonlyjaybee]

Great images. With videos like this I'm finally letting go of my habit of caring far too much about how dramatic the sky and resulting light is in landscape photography. I've been slowly forcing myself to decrease how much I include when it's not doing much and by default this means looking for other things to fill the frame. This video will push me to go out even in the middle of a dreary, boring day. Subscribed

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Alister: I really enjoyed this video as it seems that I often have to shoot in 'flat' light. I appreciated the walk-through of the various beach images that you had captured and how to get the most out of what could be considered a 'less-than-perfect' conditions. The explanation of your thought-process within LR is very beneficial. Your video has given me strength to embrace the conditions that we are provided. Cheers, Keith (Canada) P.S. Thank you for paying tribute to a Canadian icon via your T-Shirt!

[@malcolmbenn1051]

Alister, this topic and your presentation are so timely right now as the weather in southern Ontario is blah .... please snow. That said, I hear your message about expectations and acceptance and opening our eyes to the beauty that is right there hidden by those expectations.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great , one leap of faith at a time ❤️

[@bro_liv]

Got your Luminosity/Contrast e-book, can't wait to dive in! Really enjoying the way you look at things in such a peaceful way. Keep it going, we appreciate you.

[@a.keithclarke7975]

Have you noted that he also instructions in a "peaceful" way?! :)

[@astridpreisz519]

I love these photos! They are quiet but so full of energy! This beach looks like a treasure chest for me 😁

[@Alister_Benn]

It is ❤️ it changes every time too.

[@astridpreisz519]

@@Alister_Benn Wonderful! So much to discover!

[@joelbarto1103]

I recently subscribed on the suggestion of Alex Kilbee from the Photographic Eye. I really like his stuff. I'm a bit of a late bloomer and since I've now watched 1/2 a dozen of your videos, and you are providing words where only thought previously existed, so thank you. I look forward to digging into your catalog.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much, that means a great deal to me ❤️

[@nickshepherd8377]

Very enjoyable and useful video. We see so many vibrant images on social media and I find it quite refreshing to explore these quiet scenes. Image no 3 is my favourite. I think less is probably more as regards the boulders and I like the way the fore and mid ground take your eyes from right to left before they turn right again for the background. So pleased subscriber numbers are going up, I know a few members of our camera club are fans!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much again, always really appreciated ❤️ it’s so easy to force these scenes and lose the spirit of the place.

[@briannicholson2971]

Hi Alistair, thanks for your comment back from your last video. I have now ordered the 3 ebooks and am looking forward to reading through them as a journey into your mind. Another great video tonight , love your content and thought process. 😊📸👍

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much, I really appreciate that

[@alancoligado8540]

I have been relishing your latest set of videos, Alister - a great blend of the philosophical and the practical. Your images, needless to say, sing! Thank you...

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much, that’s lovely to hear

[@raleighmeade9104]

Wonderful examples that are very motivating; excellent educational points. Thanks so much!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you, I really appreciate that

[@CAYENNEOREZ]

Beautiful images.

[@Alister_Benn]

Many thanks

[@gary9771]

I’m so glad I came across your channel. I live in Ohio (midwestern U.S.) and oftentimes the light is like that in your video today. Also, I don’t have grand vistas to shoot. I’ve been looking for a channel that addresses this and here you are. I’m beginning to not worry so much about the light and just get out and shoot. I’m looking forward to diving into your books to learn more. I really liked the slideshow at the end of the video. I’ll be getting out more this winter and looking for expressive shots.

[@Alister_Benn]

That’s great to hear Gary. It’s so easy to get sucked into the only good shots are dramatic shots. I love going into the landscape on any day and responding to what is there, not what I wished was there…

[@roykropp155]

Very enjoyable set of images. I especially like the color contrast between the sand and the water that you brought out. If only more photographers would embrace your "take what you have and work with it" approach. Thanks for emphasizing that. It also works well with harsh light conditions, which many of my photog friends abhor and often ignore the opportunities harsh light presents.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Roy, I feel this is the path to happiness

[@machiavellisauce]

Nice shirt

[@RFranks]

Personally I prefer these types of images to the highly saturated sunsets and sunrises. I think they have much more lasting appeal.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, they mean more to me too

[@dajaadventures6236]

Good photographer AND a Rush fan?? Subscribed! :)

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, a twofer 😂❤️

[@vasilyneganov3883]

Strangberg detected :)

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes indeed. I love it ❤️❤️❤️

[@lesladbrook4508]

Just a brilliant tutorial, delivered excellently, I enjoyed it so much I purchased your B&W processing videos, I will be back for more e-books etc in the New Year once I have gone through and learned my current purchase. Thank you Alister

[@lesladbrook4508]

I already had previously purchased your Luminosity & Contrast e-book.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much, hugely appreciated

[@TimberGeek]

Aye, much like New England, we can guarantee there will be weather but there's no guarantee it will be good. ;-D

[@Alister_Benn]

❤️❤️❤️ amen to that 😂

[@Aviopic]

Not a fan a your way of editing but we do share the same love for music 👌

[@howardtowler6146]

The only problem with this is .this is my number 1 excuse for not getting a good picture.

[@malcolmbenn1051]

Alister were the sea shore shots focus stacked, I don't remember you commenting on that aspect?

[@Alister_Benn]

No, single exposure only. The depth of field on the 12mm is fabulous, I never focus stack it.

[@a.keithclarke7975]

@@Alister_Benn, can you please do a video on focusing for landscapes? I've attempted some landscape shots with objects in the close foreground, using f11 and the 'double distance' method, and can't seem to nail focus from front to back. Thanks.

[@davidletz9123]

Thank you for this video. I was hoping you would also pick up your guitar and play a few RUSH riffs at the end!

[@Alister_Benn]

Maybe some other time ❤️ there are a few videos from 2019 when I played