Low Key Moody Landscape Photography

In this video, I created low key landscape photography images to add drama and mood to the incredible scene.
Last week I was photographing in Glencoe. The conditions were as always quite challenging. If you have ever been to the highlands of Scotland you're probably already aware of the "3-seasons in a day" weather. You're quite often subjected to that delight in the latter part of the year.
This and the previous day were no exceptions, the conditions went from bad to worse and then worse still. Today however I got very lucky. The conditions changed from awful to fantastic! albeit for a very brief period.
To capitalise on the dramatic change in weather I quickly decided to exaggerate the moody conditions by creating low key images. Creating darker than normal images is a technique we often use in the studio.
I thought in this case it worked a treat!
HOW I POST-PROCESSED THE FINAL IMAGE
If you want to know how I edited the final image head over to my website
tinyurl.com/tw...
Feel free to comment
Gary
Join my channel to get access to perks:
/ @garygough
Music:
My amazing music downloadable from Epidemic Sound
Music for content creators - Unlimited Access to 30 000 Tracks
TRY IT FOR FREE - tinyurl.com/y7...
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MEMBERS ONLY AREA - JOIN my members-only group (£5.99/£8.99) and download every one of my pictures I show in my videos JPG & RAW
If I shoot a 9 image pano then you get all 9 RAW files.
It's a great way to support me and a great way for you to get hold of quality pictures to use personally. (Cancel your subscription any time)
Interested?
MEMBERS AREA
Claim every JPG + RAW file featured in my 2020 videos!
Watch this video for more info
► • CLAIM EVERY RAW + JPG ...
► JOIN HERE tinyurl.com/ss...
►THIS VIDEO CONTAINS 11 jpg + 14 RAW files
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
►MY GEAR: tinyurl.com/y7...
This is a list of gear I use. Some of the links are affiliate links. It would be great if you used my links when making a purchase. It won't cost you a penny more and it will help to support my channel.
► WORKSHOPS: tinyurl.com/tr...
► MORE ABOUT ME: tinyurl.com/yu...
► PERSONAL WEBSITE: tinyurl.com/k7v...
► FACEBOOK: tinyurl.com/4p...
► KZbin CHANNEL: tinyurl.com/nue...
► INSTAGRAM: tinyurl.com/yc7...

[@user-xi5xw8ug8p]

black & white i love it

[@dx3200]

Just stunning. Love the black and white, Gary.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers 👍👍

[@AyrBlues]

Colours are my favourite......amazing landscape.

[@peterdovey5182]

Always something different, but always entertaining. Thanks Gary.

[@allenpoulson6203]

I like the colored pano the best - great shot💪👍

[@RM831BC4E4]

MASTER ! Nothing else for it. Your work is untouchable!

[@GaryGough]

Thank you! Cheers! xx

[@RM831BC4E4]

@@GaryGough No worries.

[@janewillis2421]

Loved everything in this video from location , music and your photos, for me the black and white were beautiful and moody 🌿 thanks for sharing

[@harry4323]

The colour version of the pano is just superb all images are great but the pano for me is excellent.

[@keithsayles8050]

Another superb video Gary. Lots of meaningful advice on how best to get the most out of Landscape photography.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Keith 👍👍

[@allanmarshall4582]

Defo the low key B/W for me. Thanks for the video Gary.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Allan 👍👍

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Love the pano sir and for me the autumn colour floats my boat more.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Paul 👍👍

[@bri7530]

living up to the glen of the weeping ...superb images 👌both images are class

[@grahamegannon9708]

This is something I should try and thanks Gary for the video and walking us through the compositions and settings.

[@bernym4047]

The received wisdom with digital imaging is to expose to the right but I noticed that in this heavy, overcast lighting with this very rugged landscape, the clipped very deep shadows add definition and relief. Coincidentally, I have been studying techniques for enhancing detail in unpromising skies and this video has encouraged me to get out on those damp dark days and experiment. I guess the lesson to be taken from this is that a professional will get out and produce images in the most unpromising weather because their living depends on it whereas the amateur will be more choosy and lose many potential opportunities. Thanks for a very thought provoking video.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Berny 👍👍

[@oliviertardiveau9995]

What a great location horizontal pano in the top 5 pictures. 🥰🥰

[@gregtaylor336]

Must admit liked both the colour and the B&W. The compositions you picked were amazing.

[@rosssayer6524]

Thanks so much for sharing Gary, great tips on Low key photography of which I haven't tried, enjoy trying something new which is why I love photography so much.

[@lisasimpson9343]

Pleased to see you in Scotland again, love low key, moody photos. I too liked them somewhere between colour and b & w. Also on a different note thank you for introducing me to Murray, Scotlands Mountains, in the interview you did with him, I'm addicted now.

[@johngrace4323]

99% of the time I'm 100% in favour of your b&w pics but I love autumnal colours and about 85% faded did it for me. Keep up the good work, well exceptional work really imho.

[@jimcooke5590]

Brilliant Gary, thanks for sharing the tips and for me the black and white worked better in those conditions

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Jim 👍👍

[@Pentalvers]

Bloody marvellous gary. They're are all good,can't find a favourite .👏

[@pedrodasilveira]

Beautiful images! Love them all Great job

[@GaryGough]

Many thanks!

[@desgardner7169]

Those pictures are stunning! but I have to be honest they scream colour, and thats my preference. That's a fantastic location, you certainly know how to pick them! Well done and well photographed...

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Des 👍👍

[@artinphotos9996]

Fantastic images as usual Gary.

[@GaryGough]

Many thanks 👍👍

[@annetivendale8616]

Magical 💙💙💙

[@GaryGough]

Thanks Anne 👍👍

[@Bluenoteguitar]

Wonderful !!!!!

[@GaryGough]

Many thanks!! I think you'll love the images 👍👍

[@paulinejones3447]

Beautiful images, watched many times, low key is so moody.

[@joetagg1961]

Fantastic shots Gary. Thanks for sharing!!

[@mikewarrender9646]

Some great images Gary 👍

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Mike 👍👍

[@stevenfenton9661]

Loving the colour pictures more than the black and white but it's the b/w that l would put on my wall...🤔👍

[@PalleMouritsen]

Both versions are very nice photos. I personally like the coloured one - it just brings the final fall mood... In my opinion. ;) Well done!

[@tuftyhill]

Fantastic moody processing on those Gary 👍

[@scs3drg]

one of your best gary, I'm all about B&W but the colour one is world class

[@alunlambert7456]

Absolutely stunning, I really must find this spot

[@Biscuit761YT]

Wonderful images Gary 👍

[@dougsanderson5265]

Outstanding Gary. Colour for me. As an ex-pat living in Canada these shots and indeed the video bring back memories of my younger years hiking around Glen Coe. Especially the mist and rain. Thanks

[@GaryGough]

Many thanks! Cheers Doug 👍👍

[@pskourides]

Amazing images, great work, loved the video.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers

[@klaus.bernhard]

Great Great stuff 🧐 color is not bad too.... 💪

[@GaryGough]

Thanks Klaus 👍👍

[@genewick2633]

Really really fantastic photo. I love both the B&W and the color equally. Think either would be the proper choice depending on the room and color scheme it was placed in. Real winner and masterfully shot photo sir.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Gene 👍👍

[@jimmyhaha514]

Fantastic pics Garry love the black and white pics was there 2weeks ago ma self ur pics 1st class

[@davidwhittaker8392]

Love it Gary I do like that look. Reminds me Oo Julian Calverleys style

[@DuarteMacedo]

I love it all.👏

[@davidpearce2981]

Incredible place, I think both black and white and colour works. And the importance of the edit

[@GaryGough]

Cheers David. We need to get you up there m8 👍👍

[@davidpearce2981]

@@GaryGough next time mate

[@michaelbottari6398]

This Images are masterpices 👌👌👌👌👌.

[@gordonbrunner9429]

..final shots are just excellent..do prefer the color but won't condemn the b/w...love the flame like water....well done

[@GiancarloBartolini]

Hi Gary very nice video, wonderful locations, beautiful your images. Greetings from Italy.

[@stevemozzie6497]

My favourite image was, "ALL OF THEM!"

[@jerryhutchinson2543]

New technique to try for me when I head to the Outer Hebrides later this year! Excellent stuff as always gary

[@Boatzerama]

I prefer the B & W Gary.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Michael 👍👍

[@pete-c]

Brilliant, Always learning from your vids Gary, many thanks

[@seacap8]

You’ve got strong content and composition in the photos. Just what is needed for beautiful BW. Good goin!

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Gaz

[@Higgins_Nature_Photographer]

I like both shots, but the color one is quite striking.

[@martinagiusstreetphotography]

For me the B&W version is majestic.

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

Superb as always !! What a spot !! Sublime light and images pal

[@Scotphotoamateur]

Great tip for low key images. Just love your final low key monochrome that has the wispy streaks in water. As they say in Glasgow “Pure dead brilliant”.

[@GaryGough]

Cheers David 👍👍

[@alexandervasilenko7773]

Cool! Thank you very much!!

[@stuartfranks1644]

I like both

[@lancerichard7120]

Incredible images and wonderful video as usual. I am inspired by your talent!

[@scotty4418]

Beautifully done Gary, the dark moody effect with that sky really did finish off your images perfectly. Great tip as well about under exposing the image👍

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Scotty 👍👍

[@donnakeeley4531]

Fantastic images, thanks

[@peterebel7899]

Excellent images!

[@josecarlosmora9318]

Muy bueno, gracias.

[@richardmoult9781]

Interesting video as always , superb images both colour and black and white work for me but the Autumn colours just shade it.

[@chadashton7029]

I have to say the color versions for me. I think it's just because those colors are so amazing...I don't see anything like them where I am from so it's just very different for me. I love them all though!

[@pierrebernier4949]

What a great place : Thanks Gary for sharing this : Fanstastic result !

[@GaryGough]

Many thanks

[@jezzrichings534]

Another masterclass, Gary. Excellent images, and some great tips that I must try out. Love the B&W treatment. Definitely gets more expression and mood out of the low key shooting.

[@dilus13]

Love all of the different types of photography that you do Gary, long exposure, minimalist especially. As someone who hasn’t yet tried major post production achieving images of this quality is something of a pipe dream. I have played with black and white and underexposing on purpose to make images more “moody” with some surprising results. I preferred the colour images if I’m honest but all of them were top quality and can see exactly why you were so excited, great Vlog from a dramatic location 👍

[@GaryGough]

Cheers 👍

[@jimtipton8888]

Always a pleasure Gary and thank you! A stunning as all the images were, I lean color. I think they just made me feel more like I was there. Cheers!

[@JohnGreenwoodPhotography]

Thank you so much, that was excellent. What a great video, images and technique.

[@tevezutd]

Awesome shots Gary 👌

[@GaryGough]

Thanks 👍

[@whatmattersmost6725]

Hi Gary, I was supprised on how close the color & BW are but for me the BW takes the cake!

[@shot2death876]

Some nice images there.

[@carlinschelstraete682]

Killer images!

[@TudorSmith]

All of your videos are amazing :-) The colour images work best for me!

[@joyriggphotography]

Fantastic images ( wouldn’t expect anything else) but love them in Black and White, Awesome Stunning Gary.

[@GaryGough]

Thanks Joy 👍👍

[@jeffwhittaker7281]

Great pics Gary, well done. Loved the colour pics as they brought out the beauty of the scenery 👌

[@GaryGough]

Many thanks. Cheers 👍👍

[@playerone82]

Beautiful shots. For me the Autumn colours have to be in the image.

[@GaryGough]

Many thanks!

[@richardstorier6172]

the colour version works best for each time

[@agapyearish9982]

Wow. I’m so inspired by this and living on the west coast of Canada, the wet dark days are inevitable through November and December. Got to go, so many photos are waiting! Thanks Gary

[@hanneshofer7590]

WOW Gary - just breathtaking ... both versions have their own significant beauty - but in this case the photo starts to breathe with the awesome fall colors maybe half BW and half color ... THANK YOU again educating and all the inspiration !! Stay healthy !!

[@LynneLuxonJonesphotography]

Always something to learn ,everyday a school day for me anyway 😁 Loved that final image, the water effect was marvellous . You showed the mono & faded it into color...the best for me was half way between the 2 , the muted color seemed to suit the whole Low Key theme so well 👌👍

[@GaryGough]

Agree totally Lynne👍👍

[@hachewie]

Stunning images. 10/10

[@GaryGough]

Thank you kindly 👍👍

[@romiemiller7876]

Shooting black and white works for you. i prefer shooting color so that I can manipulate tones in B/W by manipulating colors and color saturation, etc.

[@juanitakelly3082]

Normally I favor B&W but the colors are so rich and gorgeous on these I lean toward the color versions, which also give separation and depth while staying moody.

[@rastignack]

Hello, my preference goes to colors shots. The brown and the brown yellowish colors are spectacular to feel the autumn time. I would love to be at this place to. Thanks you Gary to share your work. Bruno

[@ianhamer4294]

Perfect conditions for B/w Gary. The coloured images were great too. Excellent video mate. It's a shame u tube doesn't do awards for best videos, you would have a house full.

[@GaryGough]

Very kind of you to say, cheers 👍👍

[@michaelnikonfuji3539]

Awesome video really inspiring

[@RiccardoPareschi]

This is a great video, soundtrack, images, scenes, mood and wonderful place. You are one of my favorite photographers/artists, the joy of photography you share is positive and contagious. Thank you very much.

[@leawood9398]

You are truely an inspiration. I really couldn't decide between the colour and the B&W shots. I think they both just had so much merit in their own right. The black and white were stunnung. On the other hand, the autumn colours are just so beutiful, I personally wouldn't have not kept the colour versions. All in all, fantastic work and a beautiful video. Thanks.

[@johnhuntley5591]

Gary, some of your best ever images! C. . an we have a bit more info regarding focus points, apertures and speeds please.Inspiring stuff

[@neilcole3406]

Great shots Gary, they look like they could have been taken 100 years ago so moody so timeless!

[@Phil-earnshaw]

Hi Gary, loved the video, has to be the colour images for me 🙂 lovely autumnal colours

[@GaryGough]

Cheers Philip 👍👍

[@siddharthaabbazi1152]

Thank you. Come to California once in a while or trek down to Morocco. Less rain 🌧️

[@waynebatley7141]

Great shots love both colour and B&W , I think I’m going to add Glencoe to my bucket list in the near future 👍

[@GaryGough]

Cheers 👍👍

[@hramakrishnaiah413]

I am a great fan of moody low key images. In a couple of images here I felt the foreground highlights distracted my attention and personally I would have avoided it. Very joyful journey through the video and love the mood, colour and of course your energy. Thanks.

[@jamesattenborough2597]

Can't decide between colour and black and white. All great though!

[@davidletz9123]

Both are superb, but I find the color to be "absolutely stunnin"

[@stephrusty3055]

Absolutely glorious autumn colours .how lucky . Searched my wooded areas. Still pretty much green still .

[@eosuser1]

Very nice work! I like the color better though. Thx.

[@RexEllacott]

Great stuff Gary, I prefer the colour versions especially as after the rain, you get all the colours pop anyway, and I am a firm believer in capturing the mood of a place or person as much as possible. It makes photography an exciting art form.

[@GaryGough]

Thanks 👍

[@RexEllacott]

@@GaryGough it is always nice to see people from other countries enjoying their photography and immersing themselves in it. Great that the art is not defined by the mechanics and the latest equipment used.