Landscape Photography | The 2 MOST IMPORTANT Lessons I’ve Learned in Lockdown

In today's film I look back over the last 12 months and reflect on how lockdown has affected, influenced and shaped my landscape photography and share the 2 most important lessons learned in a year of Lockdown.
Lesson 1 for me - you can shoot in any weather, any conditions, any time of the day, any light and still achieve some great images.
It’s about learning how to distinguish the characteristics of the lighting that you get during different times of the day so that you can optimize your specific conditions and use the right camera, the right settings, lenses and filters…..and choosing the most suitable composition to help you achieve the best images possible.
The second lesson learned is all about the enjoying beauty in the local landscape.
I found myself in woodlands and country parks I’d never visited - taking a real interest in woodland photography, something I hadn’t previously shot. Learning all about creating compositions out of the chaos and calming nature.
I found many a pubic footpath I’d never walked, or even known existed, wandering their paths with no expectations , just taking images as I happened across any interesting compositions.
I Discovered trails with potential images emerging at every twist and turn.
It really honed my skills in composition, forcing me to really focus on creating a photograph and getting the scene right, moving maybe just a matter of feet or inches left and right, up and down.
And the beauty of all these local spots is that you can revisit as often as you like to practice your photography skills, shooting in different seasons, different light and conditions, refining and improving your skills and techniques.
Shooting locally has been a huge eye opener for me, helped me to discover so much beauty on my local doorstep, enabled me to practice and improve my photography, opened me up to new genres and together with my first lesson about shooting in any weather, any conditions, at any time of day, really opened a whole new world of experience.
My channel aims to inspire you to get outside, into nature, into the countryside, enjoy the great outdoors and experience the landscape from where I share my photography thoughts, experiences, insights and observations hoping to encourage and motivate you to take a few images along the way - if you have enjoyed this video please consider subscribing to enjoy future episodes.
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[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

My channel aims to inspire you to get outside, into nature, into the countryside, enjoy the great outdoors and experience the landscape from where I share my photography thoughts, experiences, insights and observations hoping to encourage and motivate you to take a few images along the way - if you have enjoyed this video please consider subscribing to enjoy future episodes.

[@annnaden2992]

As an artist your photography really inspires me to paint your wonderful photography.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Many thanks Ann 😊

[@VintageInsightPhotography]

And I thought for sure one of the two lessons would be that trousers are not needed to be a great landscape photographer! 😂 Quality retrospective and reflection of the past year. Looking forward to watching your future videos and experiences.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Ha ha 🩳 rule ok 👌🏻 and I’ve got plenty planned once we have more freedom to travel so hopefully some good stuff to come Thanks as always James 👍🏻

[@RussWeymouthPhotography]

Agree with both of your lessons learned. Shooting local and revisiting the same location is a great way to hone the skills - you can gain a greater understanding of light and how it changes at different times of day, weather and through the seasons.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks for watching Russ and glad you’re in agreement - I really wanted to share my last 12 months photography journey and glad that you enjoyed the film and the sentiment 👍🏻😊

[@TravelsofRedRover]

Very good advice. Shooting in difficult conditions will almost alway make us all better photographers. The “recy” trips are some of my favorite. Enjoy your new freedom.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Many many thanks and practice makes perfect as they say ! Much appreciated and safe travels 👍🏻

[@wendingourway]

The two lessons learned are so apropos for us all...universally learned by most everyone I am sure! My big take away has been not to take my local area for granted...there are special gems to find and explore right where I live. Thanks so much for sharing your insights!

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Glad that you are in agreement as for me, discovering the local landscape has been a real pleasure and totally agree that we should not take it for granted ! Looking forward to some trips away but will also ensure i enjoy the countryside around me.

[@adrianalfordphotography]

Nice work Andrew - the moon river image was beautiful. Thanks for sharing the video and your thoughts on landscape photography 👍🙏

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Many thanks Adrian and appreciate the support and encouragement as always :)

[@brianbeattyphotography]

March is always a difficult month to get great conditions! And that's such a great point that it's still important to get out anyway even just to practice, that way when the stellar conditions do reappear, the skills are sharp and ready to capture! At least you still have those stunning silver birches.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks Brian - it's tough at the moment but nature is waking the countryside and it's just great to be outside, honing the skills and making the most of the local landscape :)

[@cheapshotphotography5828]

Hi Andrew Some very special images in this episode, I especially love the Moon Rover shot and the Unilever soap factory one. I will be out filming today for a project, but you’ve certainly inspired me to go somewhere new and find some great images All the best Tim 😊👍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Hi Tim and thanks for the great feedback - good luck with the project and look forward to seeing that ! Safe travels and take care :)

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great 2 most Important Lessons Vlog, I love the pictures in the 20 minute challenge especially the soapworks, thanks for sharing the Video Andrew

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks so much Tony 😊 I've definitely learned and developed over the last 12 months and discovered so many new spots right on my doorstep ! Thanks for watching and the loyal support and encouragement :))

[@LetsClickPhotography]

Now there was a blast from the past - Brian and Michael, an unexpected tune to be buzzing around my head now, for no doubt the rest of the evening!!! You never get a shot sat at home, funny you should say that because that's pretty much the theme of my next one, it's definitely a point worth making. Loving the multicamera and zooming production. And, of course, I see you nailed the lone tree at the end there - very nice shot

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

It’s funny what you see when you’re out and about and the thought train you embark upon - I just saw a Lowry landscape and started singing it to myself and sorry to inflict that tune on you Dave 😂 I nearly commented on your Sunday vlog that we’d both done the multi camera vlog but I wasn’t sure if this film was going to go out - it was quite windy and the sound on camera 2 was dreadful so syncing the two was proving difficult and it wasn’t until yesterday that I actually managed to strict him them together ! Look forward to your next one as I think it’s a great message to get out whatever and I seem to have shot nothing but trees in lockdown 😂😂

[@paulkennedycreativemedia]

Just loved the Moon Rover image. Really cinematic, almost like a image still from a movie. Got some really nice weather now for the next 3-4 days so all us creatives have no excuse not to go out.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks Paul and it's an amazing landscape up there - looking forward to autumn especially and yes hopefully get out over the next few days now :))

[@JenniferLupine]

Hi Andrew 😊 Sounds like the lockdowns are coming to an end - just in time for spring! Your 20 minute challenge sounds like I paid off - I’ve really enjoyed your woodlands photography!

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Hey Jennifer hope you are well and enjoyed the weekend - yes, restrictions are being eased as we speak and hoping to enjoy a few breaks away in the caravan soon ! I really enjoyed the challenge and it opened my eyes to some local hidden gems and I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the images from the woodland trips :) Big thanks as ever :)

[@JenniferLupine]

@@AndrewHamiltonPhotography Have a great time traveling around! I’m trying to get in a few day hikes here and there- on the lookout for wildflowers! Have fun exploring!

[@paulcookphotography]

Great video is always Andrew! The thing that I've learned from your videos, but already knew this myself, is that you live in a beautiful location (Warrington) which has locations that aren't always plainly visible or known as a hidden gem for photography. Watching you all explore your local areas and discover new places and things to photograph just down the road has been my favorite part of your lockdown. Lovely images throughout. Moon Rover and Primordial Soup were fantastic, but I think my favourite was at 8:07 with the dark storm and beautiful rain shaft. That's pretty much my taste in photography right there! Well done on that one! Really enjoyed this one and happy you'll be able to travel further afield now, just hope you all stay exploring local from time to time as well! Hope you're doing well my friend and keeping safe as always! And nice use of "ain't"...such a southern US word. 😂

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

I always love reading your comments Paul and you provide so much encouragement 👍🏻 I’m quite amazed at what I’ve discovered and photographed locally over the last 12 months and wanted to make a film about it and I’m glad that this voyage of discovery has been a pleasure for you to witness. I’m not stuck for locations on my doorstep now for sure but you ain’t (😂) wrong , I’m getting ready to travel further afield soon. That favourite shot was taken on my birthday on a local walk - I pitched up in a field and watched the storm approach and caught that image - shortly after I got soaked ☔️! Thanks again and look after yourselves over there, take care and stay safe and hope the jab went ok 👌🏻 ( I think you’ve both had it now ??)

[@paulcookphotography]

@@AndrewHamiltonPhotography I'm glad you enjoy my waffling as ya'll (southern slang) would call it! Yes first jabs both in both of us. No side effects for me, Joanna had some fatigue and a sore arm but she's a bit of a pansy 😂 Next round of hand in mid-April!

[@JeremyPayne]

The best way to get better at landscape is to revisit local locations in different light, Great video again Andrew and some sound words of advice mate. Man you have a great eye for capturing an image mate.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it Jeremy as I wanted to share my last 12 months photography journey in lockdown - and thanks so much for the support and encouragement 👌🏻👍🏻😊

[@MainlightDrone]

The moon rover shot worked so well because there is a curious relationship between gray and orange but I don't know if it's color theory or just psychological. The footpath at 6:34 and the huge tree with the horizontal branch at 6:50 were tops among all of your stunning images. Your advice to just get out there is well taken!

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks so very much Christian and that black / orange colour combo works so well for whatever reason doesn't it ! I really appreciate the comments on the other images also I really enjoyed discovering these hidden local gems - thanks again for watching :))

[@victoriahamilton9443]

Some great advice there! Love the moon rover shot 👏🏻

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Many thanks and glad you liked the image :)

[@NaomisAdventures]

Thanks for sharing. Those were great pictures

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Much appreciated and thank you so much Naomi :)

[@1961Duane314]

Another nicely done vlog Andrew. The 20 minute challenge worked well for you. You captured some nice images and found new places locally to enjoy. I liked the field one and the lone tree at the end.

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Glad you enjoyed it Duane and I had a great time exploring and discovering the local landscape, places I'd never visited before which were right on my doorstep ! Thanks :)

[@olivershutterspeed]

oh man i really like your lifestyle you are so passionate and but a lot of effort into your pics It feels like your on an adventure each day. i like the transitions at 5:59 but maybe do 45 degrees instead of 90 degrees looks like your twisting your head a lot :D 45 is fine and looks more natural :D like 24

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Fair point as the more I watch the more I get dizzy lol ! Sometimes you have to try these camera angles and probably needs refining. Thanks for the great comments on the images and my adventures Oliver :)

[@WalterStinnettPhotography]

Enjoyed the video, Andrew! Your cinematography and narration is always inspiring! Your photos were fantastic! Your videos certainly help me to be motivated. I find myself thinking about visiting the national parks across the US and minimizing my local area because I don't think it is exciting. But, that is the challenge isn't it? Finding compositions where you think there might not be any. When I do that I end up being pleased. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks for the wonderful comments and feedback Walter. It's been tough with the travel restrictions which has forced me to look closer to home and to find the compositions which has really helped with my photography and been a positive force in developing and honing the craft. Thanks again :)

[@Robert-Bishop]

Some great footage and images Andrew. I love the Moon Rover image. My mate's got a drone and recently got a shot of a Red Kite from overhead, looking down on the bird. I do like the alternative angle you get. Good points about what you've learnt from lockdown. Defintely can relate to both of those. 👍😀

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks as ever Robert and getting a bird of prey from above would be awesome ! That must have been fantastic to shoot. Glad you can relate to my points - I really wanted to outwardly express how the last 12 months has developed me as a photographer and personally it's been many lessons learned. Much appreciate the support and encouragement and may venture further afield soon ! Take care and safe travels

[@PhotosByFinch]

Very apt and poetic even, I mean that seriously. Quite like the idea of the 20 minute drive challenge of yours and the forest woodland photographs were superb. I couldn't agree more with you that the joy of finding a path you had no idea was there, is so inspiring for me. Stay safe mate, would be great to safely meet up somewhere soon 👍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Very kind mate and really appreciate that :) The 20 minute drive was so enjoyable and I discovered so much in my local area by wandering those paths and trails and have revisited so many already. And yes a meet up would be great somewhere halfway maybe - well anywhere for me to be honest !

[@DominikKristen]

I like your photos, Andrew. But more than that I like your creativity for name them. 😂👍 really cool. January - April here in Germany you can count on sunshine like summer, rain like London and snow like in the Alps. Like you said, there is always a possibilty to get great photos! 😊👍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Glad you like them and even more so my names :)) It's a great time to practice photography right now despite the dreary conditions and always something to be had - other than that it's just great to be outside !

[@forced_perspective]

Awesome vlog Andrew. You have such impeccable narration and alot of the time I think I just tuned in to the announcer at the latest merseyside derby. Some amazing landscape photography as well. Thanks for sharing

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Many thanks indeed for the great comments and support and if photography fails I’ll have a go at sports commentary 😂 much appreciated and take care James 👍🏻

[@olivershutterspeed]

but yeah i still like the 90 degree style with the background view :D

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks :)

[@drewbrown1525]

Really enjoyed this vlog Andrew. The matchstick shot is superb and the Unilever dawn image,brilliant 👍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Hi Drew - glad you enjoyed it and liked the images - loved getting the drone up and want to do much more now I've qualified and have the proper permissions. Unilever has closed very recently so that's a shot that won't be taken again - it's a bit different but I really like it as an urban landscape - thanks as ever for watching and the boys in blue are doing well !! REally enjoying watching the games just now !

[@drewbrown1525]

@@AndrewHamiltonPhotography yes me too, we could only dream of this when I had a season ticket for 20 odd yrs and saw us win 1 🏆

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

@@drewbrown1525 And I've lost count of the cups won since I had my season ticket nearly 20 years ago ! Altho I did have one back in the 80's when we enjoyed away days at Cambridge, Port Vale, Shrewsbury Blackpool etc !

[@drewbrown1525]

@@AndrewHamiltonPhotography oh happy days🙄I remember being at FACup defeats at Shrewsbury,Halifax,Blackpool.....character building😀

[@BeardCinema]

Nice view and photos man ;)

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thanks a lot! Much appreciated :)

[@Andhiksmjy]

Hi andrew, nice to meet you, you used drone to take pictures, and you take pictures of dry land for beauty👍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Thank you so very much :)

[@AndrewWaltonPhotography]

Some fantastic shots from the '20 minute drive sets' that we've not seen before, I bet you can't wait to get out again! I love those woodland and lone tree images. 👍

[@AndrewHamiltonPhotography]

Cheers Andrew and all I seemed to shooting was trees in lockdown 😂 Got plenty practice and really enjoyed discovering my local area so intimately in the 20 min challenge. The price of diesel has shot up again now we can drive further afield too 😂 but yep looking forward to some trips away soon 👍🏻 Thanks as always