Landscape Photography | Pack your camera bag like a TOTAL BOSS!!!

[@jimharperphoto]

So true!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks

[@QuietLightPhoto]

A dog, especially one with such a distinguished name as Adam will certainly help in building an audience.

[@Alister_Benn]

Haha, you’d think huh? 😀

[@davesusko3517]

Well said

[@jarman1970]

I have 5 hour drive to ahead of me tomorrow to shoot some seascapes so I downloaded your podcasts to listen to. Over the last year I have asked myself when I am at a location "What is drawing me to this scene?" "why have I stopped here?" And sometimes the answer involves leaving the camera in the bag and just observing. My photography has improved and my photographs have become souvenirs of an experience. Thanks

[@Alister_Benn]

Hope that worked out for you :-)

[@robertd.skonbladandersson269]

The comedy turn was unexpected but hilarious. I learn so much from your videos, your approach is both deep and refreshing.

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoyed it! - ironically, this is more of the person I am. I used to get that comment on workshops "You're a lot less serious than we were expecting!"

[@millerbn]

You're one of the most thoughtful presenters in this space of photography. That's what resonates with me. Keep up the witty expression and the spot on content. Many are appreciating what you're creating.

[@Alister_Benn]

Wow, thank you! - I fully intent to, and especially as I become more sure of myself in this environment!

[@lisarobertson7011]

Thank you for another meaningful video! So happy I found this channel :)

[@kevins8575]

Very funny! I'm looking forward to seeing Adam in future videos. 😉

[@Alister_Benn]

The odd cameo is guaranteed! :-)

[@chrisalmerini3284]

Looking forward to the new ideas you will be sharing...Completely understand the 'join' business model...I know the value I have received via the videos and B&W Course/E-book has been far more than the price paid...This channel is providing content that is unique and thought provoking in a way I want to hear it. Happy to join!

[@Alister_Benn]

I am so grateful for it. Your contributions in the comments are always insightful and additive. I look forward to what you can bring to the EP community. Thanks so much man.

[@SubiTrekker]

A few days ago, while visiting Mesa Arch in Canyonlands NP in Utah I was told by a young lady that I was being disrepectful for telling her to not walk on the arch! I replied that it was she who was being disrespectful of the landscape. I'm sure you were part of why I spoke up. Love your dog, looks just like him!

[@Alister_Benn]

That just sucks!! I get so desperate thinking about all this type of thing!! - Keep fighting the good fight ... Adam is a joy to our life!

[@jaketuckey4650]

Wow, very deep and profound. Great way to just look at life not just photography. I look forward to your video's. Thank you for your time and sharing your knowledge.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much, I truly appreciate your comment and encouragement.

[@M_Rollins]

Alister: "...the closer you are to believing that you are valid, unique, have perspectives that nobody else has, whose voice is a value. That is the most important thing that you will take into the field." Me: "Dang, that's a heavy bag."

[@Alister_Benn]

Or as light as a feather depending on how you see the load. Once we strip expectation and self-doubt, it get's a heck of a lot lighter.

[@jonbish3923]

Funny, refreshing and above all honest. I’m not naming names but one or two well known KZbin photographers might experience a wry sense of having been found out - all in good humour though. Regards to Adam.

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL -0 thanks for that - yes, all in good fun.,..

[@johnburrow4124]

Love this video. I am currently hiking and waterfall hunting with my wife - needed to hear this early in the morning. Just enjoyed the hike and the time without any expectations. Left one waterfall without a single shot - just enjoyed my time!

[@Alister_Benn]

Sounds like a pretty great day 😀

[@johnburrow4124]

Expressive Photography it was an excellent time. Learning to leave expectations and ego at home more often.

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Alister: This has been a very simple, yet very powerful message. Regards, Keith Pinn

[@Alister_Benn]

:-) Yes, I can do simple pretty well ...

[@deransadventures]

Just here to say I appreciate all the work you do. You have a ton of knowledge and, more importantly, you're really good at teaching in an easy to understand way. You are one of the best photography channels on YT and really should have over 100k subs. Keep up the great work! And more guitar stuff! \m/

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much - I'm not sure we'll get to that size, and in many ways I am not sure I want to. 30K would be a happy compromise if everyone is as engaged as the current audience.

[@dennisheckman5916]

You had me chuckling more than once during this surprising video! I thank you for helping me, and many others I am sure, for continuing to teach about what really matters. I too thought it was very strange for Alister to be teaching a course on how to pack your bag?? Too Funny. I even made a conscious decision not to watch this video for a while because of course I already know how to pack my bag. I recently did a hike into the high country of Colorado, where I live, and I left the house with way too much gear but very low expectations. My goal was to have a good day hiking, listen, and maybe get some decent flower images. I managed to get one decent flower shot, and burned many calories along the way. Next time though, less gear and still low expectations. Thanks.

[@Alister_Benn]

:-) thanks for that, and thank you so much for joining the membership. Anyone who knows me, knows that I am rarely serious for a minute! My "KZbin" persona is actually a bit too serious!! I'm trying to lighten up! :-)

[@justkerry173]

"You have to look in the mirror and be comfortable with what you see". After almost 60 years and trying to be what everyone else has needed me to be, photography is now starting to teach me, who I am. At the moment I'm still a bit lost and it shows in my photos but I think I'm finding myself. If i can just slow the process down a bit...

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for the great comment. It's not an easy trip and this is why so many people choose to follow the herd. Facing up to who we are and self-actualizing is daunting, but not without substantial reward.

[@ejpeiker]

Knowing you I was shocked to see that you were doing a "what's in the bag?" video so I initially ignored it but now that I've watched it, it's clear that this is not a boring what's in the bag video :)

[@Alister_Benn]

Ha, thanks mate - knowing me, you should have known I take the p%$$ :-)

[@LukeOrwin]

Great Video.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks! - always appreciated man.

[@MichaelBlanchette]

You're normally a serious educator, so it's hilarious to see you engage in a bit of slapstick comedy. Love it!

[@Alister_Benn]

This is actually closer to who I am, so I aim to have a bit more fun in the future videos, without being staged, or stupid!

[@bobdot1000]

Wise words indeed Alister. To keep the larder theme going the message in this video was the "seasoning" to sprinkle on my "food for thought ". Many thanks once again.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thankfully I have just had breakfast, as usually your comments make me hungry :-)

[@gregtee1693]

Alister, I am so glad I came across your channel, to use your '"word", your work and outlook on photography really "resonates" (just love that word) with me. Thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Awesome, thank you! - I'm really pleased about that and I'm just thrilled that the audience as growing and is so engaged.

[@MarkRomine]

Most excellent once again! Your comments in this video reminded me of how I feel about arrogant photographers. There are not too many things in life that turn my stomach more.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that - ego is just a veneer of weakness :-)

[@alanclark9691]

Another interesting video Allister. However, I'm not sure your own personal stage of self-realisation is so readily transferable. Many photographers who are striving to 'earn a crust' from photography simply don't have the luxury of ridding themselves of "expectation", or of the need to be competitive in what is a hugely competitive industry. Even for amateur photographers, when we go out into the landscape with our camera there is a natural expectation deriving from why we even went out and where we went. 'Expectation' almost certainly does have consequences and disappointment with the outcome can be one. However, I'm really not sure how we avoid expectation, and it seems to me it is how we deal with the consquences that is important. If we are disappointed with an outcome, trying to understand what went wrong is surely an important learning experience without which we might never improve and become better at the art?

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Alan - As a photographer who earns his crust from my work I accept that this is one of the biggest challenges and I have the luxury of working for myself without external clients to please as it were. People who sell prints or shoot assignments all realize their personal preference has little to do with commercial success. I'll elaborate on the content of this video by saying this. Expectation is not the enemy - our reaction to when the event doesn't meet that expectation is. If we measure our happiness of that day of our life based on an achievement or not. Frankly, there is always an excuse to find a negative - I have chosen to seek truth in my own existence by finding joy and positivity.

[@nancycarroll7452]

I am liking this "new" Alister a lot and wish circumstances were different right now so I could join you for another workshop. Thanks for opening your kimono, bff. The Ego has landed for both of us.

[@Alister_Benn]

I hope so too Nance. Ann and I are still hoping to make it over to the States next year and we'd be in Colorado. We will meet again :-)

[@nancycarroll7452]

@@Alister_Benn we have room for you both! :-)

[@Alister_Benn]

@@nancycarroll7452 Wow, that sounds awesome...

[@aniketabasu4658]

Love your philosophy, although I am not a photographer yet, but I love to take photos and totally believe in treding softly on nature, to preserve and admire it. Totally in sync with your thoughts. Loved it.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that - if you love taking photographs then you are a photographer. The title doesn't come when you hit a certain standard.

[@thomasmcwilliam6507]

Great and surprising video Alister, certainly a lot to think about. Appreciate your way of thinking and wisdom.

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoyed it! Always delighted to hear the great feedback.

[@seoirse68]

Very thought provoking Alister. Great Video

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that, and thank you very much for your support. Very much appreciated.

[@RossMDavidson]

Alister, this is one of the best photography videos I’ve ever watched. So glad that I came across you here on KZbin. I’ve only just started my photography journey but a lot of what you say resonates with me a lot and I’m trying to embrace your philosophy when out in the field. All I can is... well, thanks! Super zen by the way 🤟

[@Alister_Benn]

Wow, thank you! I am really happy to read that. Yeah, I do try to be mindful.

[@howardallen5390]

When I saw the title, I thought it was Scotch mist but again highly informative and from left field. Now, I’m looking forward to the unboxing videos.

[@Alister_Benn]

;-) Before the video went live I had unsubscribes and dislikes for the content! :-) Thanks for sticking with it and I am glad it was worth it.

[@guywilliam]

Alister, do you never shoot any wider than 50mm? It would be interesting to hear more about this.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes, I do! I have a 12mm prime and a 24-70. I just didn't mention them in the bag video, as it wasn't a bag video :-)

[@juanbusciglio1771]

Awesome tips Alister, I really like the way you think and you're on my top 10 photographers , looking forward to keep watching your teachings.

[@Alister_Benn]

Well, thanks for that, I am pleased that what I have to say resonates with people. I appreciate that.

[@janeqol438]

For some of you watching on iPad app you may have to login to KZbin via safari to access the join button!! Another great video 😄😄👍🏼👍🏼

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes, a very valid point Jane - no Join Button on mobile app. A huge thank you for your support, you know how much I value that.

[@garyalawrence]

Alistair I love your work - including a clickbait headline leading to hidden depths! You describe yourself as a professional landscape photographer, yet the approach you have described would fit into any genre of photography. Do you use your camera in the true sense of the word "amateur" to shoot people, places, buildings etc? I didn't list animals because I know you started off with birds. Personally, I don't like boxes, although I see how that is useful/necessary for professionals, whose living is from photography. I think of myself as an "amateur photographer", who loves documenting the landscape but whose last two shoots were street photography.

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL, thanks - yeah, the clickbait title was just a joke! I had people unsubscribe and dislike the video before it was even posted :-) I agree, my approach is very universal (and would apply to any self-expressive art form) - They're all just labels in the end. The title may evolve, but I am comfortable in the landscape niche for now. I'll photograph anything that catches my eye, although I probably spend more time just looking and engaging now than actually making photographs.

[@blivieriphoto]

Well my computer flaked on me, have to re-watch... and JOIN! Great video Alister.

[@Alister_Benn]

Welcome back! - THANKS SO MUCH BARB...

[@blivieriphoto]

@@Alister_Benn Turns out I didn't miss much. It was the very end of the video. Apparently you can't watch the video AND click JOIN at the same time. 🤦‍♀️ 🤷‍♀️ And you're welcome!!

[@markusviol200]

So now you're drifting away into a life coaching channel, Alister? Haha... I always thought that the reasons why you do your hobbies,passions etc. tell so much more about you and your self confidence than how good you actually are in photography, fishing or what ever. If you're taking photos for the fame and likes in social media, not only do you get burned out, there's also something to be fixed in your life as a whole, i guess. I (again) loved your statement on motives for going into the landscape.

[@Alister_Benn]

Pretty much! :-) Art is the mirror of our life, if we want to develop artistically, we need to learn to be confident in our uniqueness and the validity of our voice.

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

I think you need to take a break and get out into the landscape for some photography 😉

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, I may well do that. I've been taking a break from shooting, as I find it's a great way to do like a hard reboot on my own process.

[@johnscratchley3288]

I enjoyed this. I have been listening to what you say (and have said) about competing, impressing and trying to the a great photog. and have taken a page out of your book and am having a lot more fun and desirable results (for me) when out shooting. As I may have mentioned I pulled out of 'the camera club' because it was all about perceived perfection, competition and impressing others. That ain't my gig. I go out to enjoy nature and my surroundings but still overload my camera bag with gear I likely won't use :) A lot of stuff ends up in the trash but some of the time ......success. Looking forward to what's ahead. Cheers!

[@Alister_Benn]

Great to hear John. In recent studies 9/10 dogs preferred simplicity! :-)

[@nickshepherd8377]

Great messages again! If, I am right, you do not use any wide lenses now? I guess this is in line with one of your earlier videos about the challenges and expectations of the grand vista?👍

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks again. I do also have a 24-70 and a 12mm prime. I can still shoot with the wide angle and do, but more often in black and white than colour.

[@franzgisinphotography]

"Annihilating compositional rules starting next week?" Sounds like fun! Count me in!

[@Alister_Benn]

Ha, thanks for that - Yeah, I'm winding up into full rant mode this week. :-)

[@franzgisinphotography]

The rant was warranted.

[@andrewsimpson5436]

Woah! I was with you on this journey with an open mind, I was willing to think it wasn't about the equipment, even throw composition out the window, no expectations, delve into Luminosity and Contrast even Listen not look BUT morning! Get up in the morning! I'm not signing up for that LOL Another thought provoking vlog, cheers.

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL - yeah, early morning was a slip of the tongue!!! :-) And thank you so much for signing up for the extra content - hugely appreciated.

[@paulklenck2983]

Alister, what drugs are you on for your sore throat? When Adam came out, I was "WTF?" Nice to see your humor come out along with your thoughtful musings. (Perhaps my reaction had something to do with the dram of Blair Athol, and my new border collie sitting next to me! I was ready for some (bizarre) Scots humour.)

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL - thanks man! Yeah, I got to the stage where I felt I wasn't truly representing how truly stupid I can be :-) You know!

[@craigmarvil8856]

This is an intriguing idea. I'll come along for the ride. Does Gibbs know you named your dog after him?

[@Alister_Benn]

Welcome aboard - hopefully it's worth it! Haven't spoken to Adam this week, but I did message him! :-)

[@livbjorvik7215]

Thank you for the important words..

[@Alister_Benn]

You are so welcome - and thank you for the kind comment.

[@mitymous1]

LOL @ the dog! But no LOL-ing at the hardest thing, which is the recognizing or giving oneself the permission to have worth. Not so easy.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, I know! That's what our life is about yeah, learning that.

[@guykerr8111]

Please don't beat yourself up over who you were 10 or 15 year ago. It was part of the process to where you are today which is part of the journey to where you will be in another 10-15 years. Where I beat myself up is not at what nature presents me but how I react to it. Take care!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Guy. I don't really, that was just a moment of realizing how I've changed.

[@derricksansome236]

Aaaah, Adam is so cute!!! Can we see much more of Adam please? A bit less talking and jargon please, more, much more Adam. Could you do some Tee shirts with a picture of Adam on it please? I would support your channel by buying one.

[@Alister_Benn]

Totally, I'm training up my replacement :-)

[@slowlyrusting4044]

Once most of my ego (still a work in progress) was left behind I was able to buy a smaller capacity camera bag. As a bonus, my photography has improved. Who woulda thunk it !!!

[@Alister_Benn]

I know right? More gear isn't the path to better photographs! sheesh!? :-) Thanks so much for your comment.

[@Hirsutechin]

Next time you're meeting up with Adam Gibbs, insist he brings Gavin Hardcastle along. Gavin's dog Cleatus (bad breath notwithstanding) would get along really well with yours...

[@Alister_Benn]

Well Adam the Wonderpup is a pedigree and I have to be careful about the company he keeps :-) :-) I haven't spoken with Adam this week, so he may be surprised to hear he has a doppelgänger!

[@nickshepherd8377]

Alister, the only button I could find “to join” linked me to skill share? I don’t think this is what you are getting at? No video with details of your new service? Can you send me a link please?

[@Alister_Benn]

It is only on a desktop browser, not mobile devices. I suspect that is the issue

[@nickshepherd8377]

Thanks Alister...almost certainly the case as I watch your videos on an iPad. Will go to my iMac and have a look!

[@steveforden]

I have this problem too, and on a desktop browser as well....

[@Alister_Benn]

@@nickshepherd8377 That'll be it for sure :-)

[@cwetfeet]

Does Adam Gibbs know you named a dog after him?

[@Alister_Benn]

Who’s Adam Gibbs? 😂😂😂 I’m sure he’ll be very flattered!