Landscape Photography in the Heart of Scotland (and killing a Mavic Air 2)

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THE VIDEO:
I never shoot in the famous places of Scotland, they are usually just too busy for me, but this week we went to the closest one to home; about half an hour away. We were rewarded by some beautiful light and a deserted glen.
In this video I discuss why I compose images the way I do and narrow down my preferences.
And yes, I crash my 3 month old Mavic Air 2!!
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Photography: Alister Benn
Video Production: Ann Kristin Lindaas
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[@dorianonthebike8448]

I normally prefer long-lense landscapes and more intimate scenes, but I had very pleasing time watching your video and your wide-angle photos! Thank you for that pleasure!

[@Alister_Benn]

Me too :-)

[@karlthefirst8690]

“Cauldron of madness”. Fabulous.

[@AlexBerger]

Ahhh, what a beautiful time to be out in Scotland. Love how the flow in the clouds roughly mirrors the snake of the river in your shot at 3:40.

[@andymacdougall6593]

This is the spot I went to after my mum passed away last year. So your comment about engaging with the landscape really resonates with me. I had a lovely afternoon there, just being in a place I loved and losing myself in photography, it really helped. Looking back at the pics they are moody and chaotic and a little dark... I guess that’s no surprise. But it’s a lovely place and I’m longing to go back and shoot it again in winter conditions. Thank you for sharing and reminding me of a special location.

[@Alister_Benn]

Sorry for your loss Andy and you know how I feel about the power of the landscape to heal and give us perspective

[@andymacdougall6593]

@@Alister_Benn thank you Alister, and yes, I totally agree with your perspective on that. It’s a healing place, and it’s wonderful to realise that and to let it do its thing. All the best - keep these videos coming!

[@rerod7481]

What a beautiful scenery.

[@krisweyers6248]

Gorgeous location. Sorry to see your drone go down. I am impressed with your attitude about it! It’s refreshing to hear positive talk out of a bad situation!! Just one more thing that I love about your calming personality!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Kris: Life's too short and the anger is worse than the loss! Life is suffering :-)

[@bartekbgraczyk5574]

Second narrowed comp of 3 sisters is much better in my opinion

[@dennispenton2052]

Nice mix of comments. I thought the tripod with the spikey feet might take a tumble/bath. Enjoyable.

[@russellschundler6559]

I very much enjoy the vicarious experience of "being there" as you find and compose wonderful images. I did like the second wide-angel image with the slight cloud movement. This is an example where I often take another faster shutter speed of the water and composite the second image's water to add a very slight texture to the water in the primary image. We have such freedom and choice.

[@kurtkuznicki6207]

Hi Man, This video rocks, your enjoyment of the landscape comes through. I love your explanation of technical aspects of the shot ( I wish my mind worked that way) and the fun your having is contagious, I 'am grabbing my camera and going outside. Videos like this are why I subscribe to this channel. Cheers.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man, that’s hugely encouraging

[@kensalome483]

Minute eleven was a moment where looking behind you was a rule that rules. The pastel colors, the flowing grasses, the green plants with white flowers, the birch trees and the smooth rocks. Wowee-Zowee. We don't have grand landscapes where I live, so those intimate scenes would have sucked me for days. Was this "and it's still impossible for me not to have degrees of expectation" as you mentioned or just my visual limitation?

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, I went there to shoot wide. Next week's video is all about intimate again, in the same area.

[@kevjscott6977]

Wonderful video Alister with some great shots from a special place

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@craigtaylor885]

What a beautiful location. That was a fun video to watch, thanks. I share your pain on the drone. I flew mine straight into the top of a 50-foot-tall snow-covered spruce tree. It then fell into a pile of snow-covered logs. The bright side is it made for an interesting video for KZbin. After melting the snow that was packed into the gimbal and motors it was ready to fly again. However there has been a high-pitched noise from one motor since so sooner or later I expect it will drop from the sky in a dramatic fashion.

[@perambulatingmike]

What a stunning location, Alister!...

[@lindahenderson2113]

Thank you, Alister. What a beautiful country you live in! Gorgeous photography. I hope to visit one day.

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Alister: It is so wonderful to see you outdoors creating images in an area that can only be described as magical! I really liked the way you constructed this video by explaining your thought process in developing an image at the same time balancing in your photographic physiology. As an inspiring photographer it is important to see the integration of theory into the practical side of creating an image. I am also starting to re-think my use of my Big Stopper filter around flowing streams. Keep Covid-19 safe. Cheers, Keith

[@uhligsu]

Thanks for sharing all of this with us.

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnmitchell6919]

A metre can make such a difference. Thanks for another thought provoking vid and for showing more of Scotland. Sorry it cost you a drone!

[@karyleianawildernesscapes]

Aww man, it was like watching a slow car crash 😅 I kept saying outloud to my screen "Move left, there are branches, move left" haha! You had a great attitude about it tho! & that's what DJI Refresh insurance is for. As long as you can send in the aircraft, for a much smaller fee (than buying a whole new drone), they'll send a replacement. Beautiful compositions, BTW. I've been wanting to go back to Scotland for 8 years now! Love it there.

[@derricksansome236]

Excellent, very useful as ever, thanks Alister.

[@Alister_Benn]

My pleasure!

[@mstphoto99]

Greetings from NE Scotland. One of your best videos, Alister. Great location! Great images! Great tutorial! Earlier in the year I bought a set of screw in Nisi ND filters which comprises of 3, 6, & 10 stop filters. I didn't think I'd use the 3 stop much but it is now the one I use most followed by the 6 stop and I haven't used the 10 stop yet. I really need to get over West again soon. Many thanks to you both.

[@RiccardoPareschi]

Awesome places, and great video. Thanks !

[@JamesLanePhoto]

‘Alistair Benn and the Cauldron of Madness’ - I can’t wait for this movie

[@Alister_Benn]

😂😂😂

[@jeff97-polar]

Ouch, sorry to see that drone go down. Otherwise, what an incredible location. Love the way you've captured it too. Another great video. :)

[@rickwilliamsphotography]

Beautiful location. Love the line "All that technical stuff is just about getting the data into the camera." So true, yet so easy to get hung up on the technical versus the creative.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks mate, yeah, people focus on completely the wrong aspects of Photography

[@DreamBig]

Happy to see you out in nature again. So refreshing to watch happy in the field rather than almost depressed in the studio 😂😂

[@Alister_Benn]

Ha!!! I’m never depressed, just occasionally serious 😂

[@tompetersphotography]

brilliant video matey and some stunner as usual you have a very good way with words

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man

[@andersselland9396]

lovely place ,great video :-)

[@dannyhead5287]

As always, great video!

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@howardrankin7119]

Loved this one, a smattering of technique allied to a whole lot of feel and all in a joyful way. Seeing the different images was very informative and I agree that the last 5 x 4 to the left brought it all together. Sorry to see the Drone come a cropper ( made a funny sequence though). Have a Happy and Safe Christmas

[@karlthefirst8690]

Interesting Alister. I would have thought that scene was a perfect candidate for the wide angle considering how close and enormous the peaks are, but I agree with you. The standard range shot certainly has more harmony to it. Another lesson learned, thanks and happy holidays.

[@douglasritchie2836]

One of my favourite areas in Glencoe Alister for obvious reasons I haven't been up since march but will need to correct that very soon.

[@kapurar]

Alister, beautiful photo and a wonderful video. Sorry about your drone!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man, so not stressed about it :-0

[@MadeleineLenagh]

I agree on the new viewpoint you took. Have to admit that besides the crashed drone, that tripod on the slippery rocks made me very nervous!

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL, I tend to be careful, having had a few very grim soakings!!

[@FrancescoCelauro7]

Man I can’t wait to come to Scotland, I’ve been to Edinburgh in 2016 for studying purposes, but I can’t wait to be back exploring the wild side. Absolutely beautiful!

[@Alastair6]

Even though I left Scotland when I was 6, I'm 71 now, videos of Scotland make me homesick. This was a beautiful location. Is this the Glencoe area? That mountain looks like Buachaille Etive Mòr but I don't think it is. Maybe in the same area? Anyway, great video, Alister, I enjoyed watching it.

[@francoisbouchart4050]

What a beautiful setting! I love the angles of the rocks in the river contrasting the “softness” of the Scottish mountains. Thanks for sharing. 🙏

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes, a beautiful place for sure.

[@tjcuneo]

I enjoyed your explanation of the compositions and framing and most helpful in understanding your photographic 'philosophy/style.' Thanks.

[@Alister_Benn]

Awesome, thank you!

[@TimberGeek]

I aspire to be fit and healthy. Happily I've found my Tamron 10-24 for APS-c fills the frame of a D850 from roughly 14mm on up. It also produces an interesting 'tulip border' when shooting at 10mm with the lens hood in place.

[@rainerludecke214]

i need your videos!!!

[@Hirsutechin]

Love it. I drove past there last year on the way to and from a job and thought how much fun it would be to photograph. Next time I must wangle some time to stop!

[@Alister_Benn]

Please do!

[@tjsinva]

Thanks for sharing that beautiful morning. At least the drone is not a total loss. Hope to return to Scotland one day. Cheers!

[@Alister_Benn]

It’s been replaced already :-)

[@geoffstairmand3747]

Without doubt one of the most beautiful scenes anywhere in the world (in my opinion) and your images do it justice. One day, health and virus permitting, I will get the chance to be there - we have a week in October next year booked so here's hoping. Thank you Alister for another inspiring video and it's good to see you back to fine shape and happy.

[@Alister_Benn]

We’re lucky to have this so close, and thankfully to ourselves

[@AndrewCooperPhotography]

Back in the field, give us an excellent vlog. Love the thought process and discussion on how and what you are placing in the image.

[@Alister_Benn]

Much appreciated!

[@stevethompson8154]

I typically shoot rivers up stream. I have tried and never seem to find the right locations shooting down stream. Thanks, you have shown me it is possible. I just need to look harder, longer, and closer.

[@Alister_Benn]

That's a good idea for a video! I do both actually, lot's of consequences...

[@PaulBeiser]

Thanks, great video. Loved the way you talked us through and explored various compositions, and different feels. Very useful as we all go out and explore the landscape.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great. Glad it was helpful

[@michaeltrue]

Thanks for sharing and providing your perspective. I enjoy your passion and feeling for photography. It so satisfying when you enjoy what you do. Life is good!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much 🙏

[@astralbody]

You're making me miss Scotland even more! First time this year and it has called my heart, caldron of madness and all! Beautiful shots. sad about drone. Thanks Alister!

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks so much

[@JayStockhaus]

I had an encounter with one of them drone eating trees. Great video other than the drone crash.

[@johnbentley1056]

Beautiful location and stunning images. Also one of my favourite subjects, moving water. I loved that you used your hands as a frame to assess composition. I thought I was the only crazy old buzzard that still did that. Thank you for sharing.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you very much!

[@rbos6001]

Beautifull scenery you had there. As for feeling the landscape, sometimes you just feel you have the right composition and sometimes you work hard at it and it still doesn't feel well. At least that's my experience. Great photo's Alistair.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that. I believe we overthink things all the time. The most successful compositions (for us anyway) are recognised rather than found.

[@LukeOrwin]

Looking stunning as always. Missing being able to get up to Scotland. Stay Safe

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks 👍

[@dianevose9655]

Feel like I was there with you both at that beautiful Glen, really loved how you talk us through the scene. Scotland is gorgeous and I hoping to get there next year as my mother's side of the family are Scottish (Forsythe) Sorry about the drone but your attitude to it was such a beautiful thing. It's all about getting outside in the landscape and having a wonderful time 🤩

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoyed it - pain is mostly self-inflicted, I try to be mindful of that.

[@sgingold]

Indeed, being out there is the important part and getting fine images is the icing. As I watched your Mavic going over the water I thought "Oh no, it going into the drink". Happily it didn't but how costly to salvage? I recently crashed my 180 macro when my off balance tripod tipped destroying the front element and crushing the CP in the mangled threads along with the tripod shoe. Repair by Canon was cheaper than a new one but costly. I enjoyed your discussion of compositional decision making and want to mention that my favorite element among all the good stuff was that single birch (?) in the middle distance. Really enjoyable presentation, Alister.

[@Alister_Benn]

Hey mate - yeah, just a careless moment, but passed. I learned ages ago not to stress over gear - I spend too much time in the field for bad things not to happen occasionally/

[@sgingold]

@@Alister_Benn Yup, that's what insurance is for. Cheers, Alister.

[@pr9352]

Sorry about your drone mid-air collision - it's a stupid place to leave a tree anyway! A helpful, informative and inspiring in-the-field video, as ever but also, at times, very funny. You really did come across as "having a blast" and, for someone stuck in a locked-down city, it's a great source of vicarious photographic enjoyment. Thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you too, great comment. I do have a blast, and mainly because I don’t have expectations and I don’t take myself or life very seriously.

[@PMCN53]

Such a beautiful place to be Alister. Loved the content and your composition rationale. Agh! the drone! that will hurt the back pocket! :(

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jan.eigil.m]

Beautiful photos and what a beautiful landscape. Good thing you didn't break AKs lense. Drones can be fixed.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes, thanks

[@chrisalmerini3284]

I was fully expecting you to knock the tripod over with D850 as you were sharing with us tips on filters... hands and arms moving awful close

[@Alister_Benn]

Lol, sorry for the stress, I have 360 spatial awareness ( when not flying!!)

[@jacktaylor6190]

Very informative too bad about the drone. Beautiful location!

[@Alister_Benn]

These things happen - a lovely day

[@rachelyoung34]

I felt real pain when you crashed the drone, I was really enjoying the footage then ouch... sorry this happened, glad you enjoyed your time regardless, thanks for sharing.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks 👍 yeah, I don't get stressed with these things, stuff happens...

[@andrewsimpson5436]

I get my kicks knocking over piles of stones but could graduate to killing drones, ah! Anyway, nice morning in the Glen :-)

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL< yeah, I do tower removal too :-)

[@mitymous1]

Beautiful area, and beautiful images! Bummer about the drone, but he died doing what he loved.... ;^)

[@Alister_Benn]

HAHA, so true

[@kencarlson542]

I really loved this episode, sorry about the drone

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man

[@tevinas]

Hola Alister, yo tengo el mismo dron y me paso lo mismo que a ti, aunque con menos suerte porque el mio se cayo al agua y tuvieron que mandarme un dron nuevo :-D

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, I have replaced this now and with insurance :-)

[@philipculbertson55]

Shame about the drone but Alister, you need to cut a deal with Anne Christine for that 16X35. The shot was stunning. FreeeDOM! as William Wallace would say.

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL - why buy when I can borrow :-)

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Great images and video. Shame about the drone... Gary Gough for sure feels your pain!

[@Alister_Benn]

We are so not stressed 😀 thanks for the kind words

[@82300sd]

sorry about the drone, you got some amazing shots!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks 👍

[@kirstenbax5641]

I watched you by the water waiting for you to knock your camera over, really worried.

[@cmolina31]

Great video...aside from the drone. Life happens.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes it does!

[@MichaelBlanchette]

Love Scotland. Sorry about the drone.

[@Alister_Benn]

These things happen, I fly a lot, it was just a wee lapse of judgement

[@guykerr8111]

Adult education is adult entertainment and that includes the presenter. Based on the drone incident taking up a sword by yourself and heading south across the border may require some further thought! Nice video, thanks.

[@matssandquist9258]

AnnKristin sounds very Swedish?

[@Alister_Benn]

Norwegian

[@matssandquist9258]

@@Alister_Benn Close 😊

[@CharlesMercer]

If you're not going to be depressed about the drone, I will for you. Dammit.

[@Alister_Benn]

Feel free - but I don't :-) Stuff happens.

[@brucehyman]

software may allow us to drop in skies.. next version will allow us to drop in rivers, trees, rocks, people, since there is no reason to insist on photographing the scene. maybe we should just buy the postcards. grumble grumble.

[@Alister_Benn]

And breathe :-)

[@Mrbluesplayer43]

OMG, That is not the way to set your tripod. You're lucky your camera didn't end up in the drink. Madness!

[@ronnyheinemann1283]

30 min.of your doorstep and you see this wow🤩 how flat and boring is belgium😞

[@Alister_Benn]

yeah, we're very lucky, but equally, I love the Ardennes