Landscape Photography l CHALLENGE YOURSELF with LIGHT

This is a Landscape Photography self test to Challenge yourself with light, and shoot in light you wouldn't normally shoot in. A far cry form the subtle light of Dusk and dawn, but instead - the middle of a sunny day, to see what I can get.
A good exercise to keep your thinking fresh.
Hannah and Sam's channel with a recent one of NZ taken at approximately the same time. / @bosephotography

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

Well, if there is one thing that I took away from this more than anything else! Hang on, back in a tick...I't's to get my back up from the garage and plug it it! Great film as ever. I am surprised to hear that you get light leakage whilst the mirror is up during long exposures. I never had this problem with my Canon but have to say, I have never tried such long exposures with the Z. What I liked about the film more than anything, and I think I must say this every time! I enjoy the relaxed pace on which you deliver all the information! The split apple rock is a gem of an image and really works well in that mid-day light! I also noted you were using the Rode radio mic! I must have a chat to you about that! Well done buddy! Lots of comments again!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Simon. Yeah light leakage on mirrored platforms with extreme LEs in strong sunlight, which is why your 1DX had a rubber flap as part of the CANON Strap. Im glad you enjoyed it Simon and keep enjoying them, as everyones feedback and interaction, makes it all worth it. I do like the apple image too actually and there were several people who stopped and spoke to me when i was doing it, and they couldn't work out what i was trying to achieve. I did hand out business cards, and I hope that they too, have seen the result! Appreciate you taking the time Simon. We will catch up on Skype soon? Maybe next weekend or something. Ewan

[@SimonBoothPhotography]

@@EwanDunsmuirImages Ah yes, I remember now, the 1Dx has an internal blind you can lift up! It's funny how things become second nature when you do them!

[@maximodrake2768]

InstaBlaster...

[@silekiernanphotography]

Beautiful work Ewan, and thank you for sharing your experiences.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks Sile. Appreciate your interaction my friend. = ) Regards Ewan

[@laurelb8372]

Have never heard the term light snob, sometimes we have no choice and have to work with what nature gives us. Love your work, calm & measured.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thank you very much. It wasnt a phrase I was that familiar with either. LOL Regards, Ewan

[@FabrizioZago]

I like the first photo but the pano is my favourite here, I like the minimalist style in this case.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

HI Fabrizio. many thanks. I prefer the Pano too and think it turned out pretty well. I love the simplicity of it too! Many thanks for your kind comments. = ) Kind regards, Ewan

[@thejoyfultripod]

I'll echo what Simon Booth said - your videos are calming and educational & the pace is just right. A real pleasure to watch. Thank you and all the best for 2020!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks very much Brian. I appreciate your interaction. All best best for over Christmas and into 2020. - ) Regards Ewan

[@arbez101]

Yes, you have lost your mind. Isn't it wonderful! Your choice of subject, the tractors, was unique and brilliant from where I'm stood! You have inspired and fascinated me Sir. Thank you most kindly Mr. Ewan.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Rick. I do enjoy doing random 'freestyle' photography... I just dont do it often enough. Many thanks for your interaction and kind, kind comments! Regards, Ewan

[@user-su7ho1db5j]

So glad to see your videos again, Ewan. So inspirational.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks. Nearly ready to do some more1 regards, and thanks again. Ewan

[@donaldnewton4947]

Amazing work!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Donald. I actually had quite an audience at the second beach as I had two cameras going and the big un on the big tripod. This was a part of an experiment for a project for National Geographic on light. Kind regards and thanks for the comment. Ewan

[@RugbyLock2668]

Entertaining video Ewan with some good information. Loved the split egg shot. Liked and subd!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks for that. I appreciate you watching and also the subscription. thats awesome. Hope you enjoy them! Regards Ewan

[@MichaelJenkinson]

Good day to you Ewan. Really enjoying your channel, and apologies that I have only just found it. Your vlogs are extremely interesting, calming and informative. New Zealand looks a wonderful place to work. Keep vlogging and hope your channel grows. Regards.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hello Michael. Many thanks my friend. Im glad you like them, and I sure am lucky having NZ to shoot in. Wonderful place = ) I too look forward to what the next 12 months brings. Thansk again and have a great New Year! Regards Ewan (NZ)

[@lorrainemccarty5113]

Great video, I liked the tractors on the beach photo - very Kiwi!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Lorraine. It sure is Kiwi like huh! Ewan

[@iainmc9859]

I'm a self-confessed light snob, but I probably err from the other perspective. I'm more than happy to shoot in full sun and less willing to shoot if the lights flat, but if I have no choice about dreich conditions I'll usually go b&w and push contrast in post. Cool rock formations and beautiful beaches ..... could almost be Orkney 😉

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

I hadnt realised I was too... but yes - indicated by the limited time of day, i usually shoot! Could be Orkney in that beaches are quiet indeed, but 15 degrees warmer! = ) Cant remember the last time I wore a t shirt on the beach in Orkney LOL

[@neilalmond9354]

Great video learn lots.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Sorry i havent replied sooner. My bad. I really appreciate your comment and support. Kind regards, Ewan

[@garrydelday5816]

That’s a rock and a half, literally 😉 what a beautiful subject. I wish I had a comfort zone 😂 every shot for me is an experiment and that’s the challenge of photography, get it right and it’s very rewarding

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

LOL, yes it is! Stunning part of the world and very lucky to be able to pop on a quick plane journey and go and visit it! = ) Regards, and thank again Garry. Ewan

[@bob210953]

Another great video Ewan, I really look forward to them, beautiful images.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

HI Bib - Thanks very much buddy. I really appreciate your support and taking the time to comment - means a lot. Kindest regards. Ewan = )

[@JaypeaFoto]

Love the last picture

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks. Ewan

[@rosssayer6524]

Wow, what a great explanation of using light, I now realise I am a light snob but this video has just changed my thinking so thank you so much, wish I’d have seen your work 3 years ago

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Ahhh... lol. Glad to have you on board now though! Best wishes. Ewan

[@peterjan7878]

A lovely video once again, thanks for sharing and inspiring us! Greets from the Netherlands.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

HI Peter. Many thanks indeed. Isn't social media amazing! The Netherlands... = ) All the very best for the new year Peter. Ewan (NZ)

[@peterjan7878]

@@EwanDunsmuirImages It is really amazing Ewan :-). I like the social part in social media. Thanks so much and all the best for you too, on the other side of the world :-)

[@andrewsimpson5436]

You can take the boy out o Orkney bust put a tractor in front of him lol. Topping work as always, I think I'm an inverse light snob. I've waited on too many occasions for it not to happen and every man and his camera only seem to do perfect light, if it's there then great, if it's not then make the most of what's there. Mind you I'm getting viewed by 8 people not selling high end prints and making a living from my work 😁 Think I've just shot myself in the foot, Cracking shots dude.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

LOL Andrew, I hadnt actually put two and two together re the tractor connection. Maybe thats why i stopped and shoot them! I appreciate your comments, support and humour as always Andrew Cheers mate. E

[@johnbentley1056]

I think challenges help to spur creativity. Whether it be different lighting, one camera one lens, shoot with a wide angle or telephoto, or set yourself a theme. I loved your challenge. That last image is stunning. Great video as usual. Keep up the great work.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey John - Thanks for your feedback mate - and I agree. I think you need to see stuff 'differently' from time to time! The Split apple came out ok huh. Not bad for a wild guess at the exposure time! = ) I actually enjoy, not only the creativity of different shots but the way in which you can actually be Blaze about exposure time in this time range! Cheers Mate. Ewan

[@IanSmithFotografi]

Love the final image.. I think we all tend to be a little fussy with light but you battled out a couple of nice rewards..

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Very much Ian. It felt like a bot of a battle at the time but looking back it was actually fun, rewarding and educational! LOL I think the final image will make it tot he website possibly. I do some e marketing o see what the feedback is. Thanks for your comment Ian - you keep taking these awesome images in Sweden. Cheers. Ewan

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Great video Ewan. That big split apple has never looked so good! Beautiful work mate. I love long exposure photography and you’re right in saying challenge yourself in all lighting conditions. Think outside the box and sometimes you get surprising results. Thanks so much for sharing the video 👍🙏

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Adrian, It was quite stunning and I had no idea it was as close to the beach. Awesome place in bright light! A great trip all in all even with the set back of the corrupt hard drive! Baaaaahhhhh! Regards Ewan

[@boristrouserkov]

Thanks Ewan - really thought provoking and inspirational video. I don’t often have the time during golden hour to shoot, long exposures in the middle of the day is a really interesting idea !

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks Boris! Really enjoyed doing this one for NatGeo. learned a lot doing it as well. Not every shot needs end of day light! = ) Thanks for your interaction. Appreciate it! Regards, Ewan

[@BosePhotography]

Hi Ewan, what a great video. What you were saying about that long exposure giving you a moments time to just relax rang so true with me, one of the first landscape images I ever took was a 20 minute long exposure taken at the Kyle of Durness before dawn. It was a rubbish photo, but that 20 minutes spent just listening to the sea and the oystercatchers gave me such an intense peace of mind and from that moment I was totally hooked on photography. I'm not sure I'd have had the patience to hold those filter cases there for 15 minutes though! The image of the split rock was beautiful, I'm really glad that the 'light snob' quote proved to be useful! Thank you for sharing the channel, I'm looking forward to dropping the little bit of footage I took from our meeting into our Mt Cook vlog, and once again, thank you for taking the time to meet with us! Sam.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Sam (and Hannah) You are welcome - and thanks very much. The waiting around is as enjoyable as taking the shot itself. Its actually "good for the soul"! Must get to Durness at some point. Regards E

[@PaulCSmithPhotographer]

Wonderful Ewan, our talk about visualization must have stuck in my mind as I mentioned it in my vlog this week.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Ahhh, Nice! Ill watch that this evening. Thanks Paul. Ewan

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Great video mate, found you via Paul Smiths channel. Regarding the light snob thing, I'd not heard it put that way, but I guess I'm in both camps, as a newspaper photographer in Hawke's Bay I have to deal with all sorts of light good great and crap, it just has to be done no matter what the lights doing, however shooting in my own time and for my wee channel, I reckon I am far my picky with the light. I'll happily sit and wait for it to come right. I love the footage you shot down there, I only managed a week or so in the South Island so far, stunning place, never made Abel Tasman tho. Anyway new sub for ya mate plenty of archives to watch cheers and have a great festive one. Regards Paul

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Paul - Thanks Very much buddy. I met up with Paul S a few weeks back over a coffee and he is a lovely guy! We may head one time together for a shoot some time soon. Thanks very much for your comment and also your sub. Ive subbed you back. Something to do on Christmas day! = ) I havent been down to Hawkes bay on a shoot but Castle point and Mata Peaks are on the agenda at some point... when i can find the time! You have a great christmas and a good start to 2020

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

@@EwanDunsmuirImages Yeah Paul a good bloke, need to catch up with him too, he's not far from me now either. Castle point is one of my fave places to shoot, absolutely stunning I shot a two part vid there a while back, amazing place in dodgy light but when it kicks off its spectacular. Te Mata Park is on my door step so we walk it daily and always have a camera on hand, such a wealth of shooting options. Love to see you and Paul shoot togerther mate I'll keep eye out for it. Cheers for the sub too mate I'm racing up to 210 now!!!! have a gud un mate.

[@PMCN53]

You are absolutely right about the notion related to light & the subject matter, your results are proof, I even like the beach shot where the tractor is blurred after it moved, it adds to the final results. I need to take your advice and get out and shoot during the day, choosing the right subject for the conditions. Such a tragedy that you lost your files on the failed HD! I do a second copy when out for a few days, pain but......you never know when the failure will happen 😞. Cheers, looking forward to your next post👏🏻👍🏻

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks Phil. I must invest in SSDs i think rather than mechanical drives, as I may have also lost my LR backup catalogues in this corruption! OOPS! Thanks for your kind comments! = ) Ewan

[@GeoffBeattie]

Great video, very inspiring. Im usually a sunrise lover, and often feel the show is over when the light is past the golden hours. Must get out in the day time more 😀

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Geoff. I do love sunrises indeed... and there are less people around which can only be a win win! I appreciate your support and feedback. All the best. Ewan

[@njs12706]

Lovely images. I like your honesty as regards the mistakes as you try something outside your comfort zone. The sign of a true expert, in my opinion. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Many thanks Nigel. I appreciate your comments mate. Open and honest is best i think! Cheers man. Ewan

[@darkroomprojekt625]

Ewan, Thank you for always reminding us how amazing the journey of photography is. Im so sorry to hear about your hard drive. I do not think that backing up (even multiple times) is too much. I would go as far as to keep your cards. Cheers my friend.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hi ForArtsSake. Many thanks for your comments. Much appreciated. Yes, I have thought about that in retrospect, but cleared the cards to be able to keep writing speed up and clutter down. Additionally, some of these images were multi shot panos, with multiple layers via photoshop, and some of them measuring 3GB, which is why i need them off there! LOL Ill learn though Kind Regards Ewan

[@dfreitas853]

another great video and thanks for the challenge.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

He d freitas. Thanks very much and you are always welcome! Kind regards Ewan

[@JohnHPettigrewFujishooter67]

Brilliant video Ewan as always, the images are awesome, and an inspiration! It really sucks that you lost your data, I would have been cursing. Thanks for sharing.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey John - Thanks Mate. I was swearing and panicking for a few minutes indeed... but that quickly went away when i realised it wouldn't help! LOL. Appreciate your feedback. Cheers Ewan

[@jameschilton3901]

Really sorry to hear about the hard drive - I hope you can find someone to recover the files for you. Wise words about light - I tend to stick to morning and evening in the summer but in Scotland, as you will know, they're not that far apart! Lovely images, especially the last one. Just a wee hack for covering your eyecup for long exposures - I keep a few wraps of black electrical tape on one of my tripod legs. I just rip a bit off when needed - it's sticky enough to stay on but doesn't leave a residue.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey James - yeah, a bit of a bugger re the Hard drive and I have tried a lab, with no avail. UG! Ill try and carry some black tape indeed as thats not a bad idea. I know Canon have an eye cup cover as part of their strap and Nikon - a curtain internally, so im not sure why more dont have these features. It doesnt matter on mirrorless stuff though. Thanks very much for your interaction and support. Ewan

[@laithstevens]

mate I just used Wordershare recoverit and it is fantastic

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks very much. Illl have a look! = ) Ewan

[@AndrewHomer]

Great video again very honest but still stunning images

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Thanks very much Andrew. I actually really enjoyed making these. Had to think creatively about them. Ewan

[@johnharrington6357]

Wonderful as always. I feel your pain around the hard drive as I suffered similar earlier this year but was lucky enough to find someone who could recover my images. In Scotland we can't afford to be light snobs 😂

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

LOL, no you cant indeed, but Scotland too offers some awesome light on the dark side when its moody... its moody. And the west coast has some incredible light on account of airborne particles on the Gulf Stream. = ) Thank for your kind comments John. Ewan

[@bearoutthere]

Very nice! That last image was stunning! I see you use NiSi filters. I have the two filters you referenced, and they have gaskets that block leakage from light and work quite well. If you don't mind exposing your head to the elements, I find hanging a hat can be convenient to cover the eyepiece. Excellent presentation, thanks for sharing!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

HI Mark - thanks very much mate. The filters don't enjoy getting wet and the gasket peeled off them after a while and some rough treatment. I should probably have had them replaced under warranty... but they shouldn't have come off in the first instance. I'm also an ambassador for Sirui filters and their gasket is on the holder itself, which is actually more reliable and a tighter fit. Never though about the hat for the rear but i do have an increasing bald spot - LOL. I may even get a small black jewellery tie bag which would do the same thing and could tie it shut tight. Food for thought!... Thanks for your commentary and your kind words! Regards Ewan

[@josephcole3187]

Electrical tape!!!

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

That seems to work indeed. Someone else had mentioned that as well. Thanks very much. Regards Ewan = )

[@mikeg5121]

Do you ever get problems with dust spots ,with longish exposures.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Mike, No - you will get more issues with f stop selection than you will with LEs, as you are reducing the intensity of the light as you shoot. I have the camera sensor serviced every now and again, and cant remember the last tie I had to do dust spot removal... In fact i had forgotten al about it until just now. That must a good thing! = ) Regards, Ewan

[@mikeg5121]

@@EwanDunsmuirImages so the larger f stop number ,more chance of seeing dust spots if any there.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

@@mikeg5121 - yep pretty much. The smaller the aperture diaphragm, the harder the shadow on the sensor, which makes them more noticeable. (Diffraction and convergence) = ) E

[@user-lf5od9iy2z]

Jelen

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Regards, Ewan

[@StephenMilner]

Hey, I admire your work, what an amazing video. I love the story too. It will be great if you took a peak at my channel to see if you admire any of my videos. Keep up the amazing work! I look forward to your next video.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

Hey Stephen. Thanks Man - I have had a loo at your stuff, and its awesome to watch some one at work, who understands light and knows what it means. Nice job! Given you a subscribe. Keep it up man!