Shoot for the Light - Improve Your Compositions

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[@DJshutterfly]

The Stephen King of landscape photography. Wished every video on the Web was as amazing as yours. This was perfect.

[@dasp125]

The way you use light and colour in your photography is what sets your images apart from most!

[@qunchen6343]

You know what,after ten minutes of struggling,I decide to simply type two words for you:Thank you.

[@ElementsSti]

Really don't know why you don't have 200'000+ subscribers. Your photos are amazing and you're videos are super educational. I subscribed to a lot of photographer channels but your channel really stands out. I often have to stop your videos because the few seconds you show the photos are just not enough to dive into this beautiful photos.

[@toddcanterino3376]

Adam, don't go to the light just yet. We like you here. Thanks for this video.

[@Adam-pm1cy]

Adam - to me it's obvious that you are on a completly different level than other landscape/nature photographers showcasing their work on KZbin. You don't seam to need great vistas, even though Canada have them, to create photographs that convay a feeling that is almost fairytale like. So, so good! /Adam

[@lint2791]

So Adam created a separate channel to praise himself? Weird flex

[@Adam-pm1cy]

@@lint2791 Funny enough there are two Adams on this planet. At least.

[@powershot70]

While watching this video, I came to the same conclusion. I like the fact that he does not need to photograph huge vistas to come away with a beautiful landscape picture.

[@AmbientWanderer]

I agree. I feel that his photos have so much depth. When you view them, you really feel the need to look deeper into the photo. Just amazing!

[@123Coffs]

Yes, anyone with 200 photography books has some serious dedication! Kudos to him! He has learned the art very well.

[@adamsmith6594]

Squinting can show you the shapes you mention and simplify the contrast areas so that you can focus on those. I've learnt this years ago in another hobby. Beautiful images Adam and I think composition is the master element because non photographers only have that to reach their mind. You really are brilliant at composition and often brave in your choices. Thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

[@howardallen5390]

Light might be quiet but when it talks it has something important to say, we just need to learn to listen.

[@nevadaxtube]

This is a video that shows Adam Gibbs at his best. Brilliant work Adam!

[@benjaminwilkins1385]

Your channel is one of the few channels that I feel I've learned something after watching. Keep up the great work.

[@coopscorner123]

For me, it's how the light influences the scene I'm looking at composing. Of course we all have our own tastes and preferences on how the light influences our photographs. But, you will have to admit, great light is not an easy to come by commodity most of the time. Then, we make the best of what's there, or pass on by, and try another day/time.

[@bradleyzimmerman4184]

Back in the mid 80's I really got into the photographic world beyond just snapshots. During that time, I discovered several photographers that I really admired. Their work seemed so new and exciting, leaving me with an almost magical experience and a new way of seeing the natural world. Viewing your work always brings me right back to those times and how I felt, recapturing the newness, excitement and passion I had all those years ago. Great work my friend.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Good to hear because your experience of discovering these photographers was not unlike my own.

[@glendarowland51]

You have such an eloquent narrative to your videos Adam, and an artistic eye that captures the intimate landscape so well. Such a contrast to the shenanigans you and Fototripper get up to.

[@yoki9743]

Two words.... and one free one..... THANK YOU.... WONDERFUL....

[@johnburrow4124]

Excellent video as always! I too try to compose by light with my work. I had lost a bit of my way second guessing that as the business of a woodland keeps me from focusing on what I had always done with other works: it’s all about light. As you say, compose with a subject and light and make it shine! I am looking forward to all of the content, and keep up the awesome work. As an educator by trade, I can say with full confidence you are a great teacher as I have learned so much from your content!

[@markjarrett9400]

A week or so ago, almost as a throw away line you said 'shoot for the light'. That comment resonated with me. I kinda understood what you meant, but was having difficulty trying to envisage it in action. This video is just what I needed. It is brilliant. Thank you.

[@evertking1]

To me, this is what separates you from the rest and it's your compositions. I'm not sure this can be taught... Sure leading lines and all that but seeing creatively.. not so sure.

[@phdman2014]

I am always inspired when watching your videos. This one was especially so. Where I grew up in Florida, it's covered in pine trees and oaks with Spanish Moss growing everywhere you look so, it is a rarity to find conifers. Yet, my grandparents had three on their farm, the largest being Christmas Tree shaped standing about thirty feet tall. They were beautiful.

[@malcolmbenn1051]

I've been wandering randomly through your videos and Alister Benn's for the past week or so and you two have really put out some amazing material, somewhat different approaches and yet entirely complimentary. This video really spoke to me and your photos are spectacular.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@TL-xw6fh]

You hit the nail on the head, Adam. There are waaay too many channels that are focussed on camera gear because that's what KZbinrs watch and therefore generates revenue for clickbaiters like Tony BS. Glad that you focus on what photography is about, composition, lighting and subject matter. BTW, wonderful opening images!

[@TL-xw6fh]

@They Caged Non Well observed. Tony BS is actually a competent photographer, but is chasing clicks and generating revenue by deliberately been contentious and focussed on camera gear only. Too much rubbish on his channel lately. In effect, I feel that they are selling their soul for money.

[@1S4Per]

Very glad to see you tackle this topic extensively, Adam. Agreed you're filling a void here. Cheers!

[@MichaelSlaunwhite]

I always enjoy your thoughtful comments concerning composition and light. It has helped me with my photography.

[@Images-by-Ramona]

I have to agree with what Bobby Brown said. Composition can be learned yes, however, talent makes the difference and you have an exquisite eye. I enjoy your work.

[@Snowcatnz2]

It is no wonder to me that you won LPOY. Your compositions are outstanding, and I can really see now how light plays a huge role. Thanks for sharing!!

[@mikehart5723]

I got a lot of inspiration from this video Adam, thank you. These type of images are not the ones where you set out with a pre planned shot in mind rather the type you get when you are walking/hiking and taking time to observe the surroundings and light wherever you are and making images with atmosphere and originality.

[@vproven]

You are indeed a master of photography and for what it is worth, second to none on the Tube. Love your body of work (stills) and your vlogs are truly informative and inspirational. Keep it up my friend. Cheers

[@scotthumphrey4624]

To the heart of the subject ... Light, Composition and Geometry. On a personal level it's what drew me to photography in the first place. This was a terrific post Adam. Looking forward to more on these subjects from you.

[@mistermadsen]

But the most important thing is to be there. Get the ass out of the couch and in to the wilderness. Great images Adam!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Well yes that does help ;-)

[@PhotoGearFun]

Very insightful and helpful tips and info in this one. Your woodland work is beautiful. As a macro and bird photographer I have struggled with landscape photography, your channel has really helped my out. Thanks so much for freely sharing your vast knowledge.

[@martyd5819]

I am looking forward to this series of composition videos. Even though composition is subjective one is never to old, I am 66, to look at subjects with a different perspective. Life after all is a school. Your intro images are wonderful.

[@garybennett7845]

Living in Ohio, I don’t have many beautiful vistas so I’ve been searching for more intimate compositions. Mostly they turn out kind of boring, they’re lacking. Now I have a better understanding of why. We may not have vistas, but we do get beautiful light, and I’ll start thinking in terms of how I can showcase the light more. But I can’t forget the other elements of composition. Looking forward to more of these videos.

[@jerryhutchinson2543]

That was just fantastic. What a superb insight into how a great photographer works.

[@anujasharma9677]

Adam, the way you see light is what makes your images stand apart. I absolutely enjoyed seeing those images, they are brilliant and noted points that made them standout. Thanks for such rich content you always deliver. I am always eager to watch these and learn from your rich experiences. Thank you, Adam

[@grassland5165]

Thanks for the video. Without light the composition of a photo is black. The photos I have taken that I remember most had great light. That light may not always be spectacular.

[@federicofloresmoy8385]

I like very much how you express yourself with your images in relation to light and its composition, I always learn something by watching your videos. Thank you for teaching Adam. Best regards.

[@janwilson9485]

Stunning images, beautiful use of light, and great processing. Its so helpful hearing your thoughts behind composing these images - thanks

[@AnVoPhotography]

Thank you ever so much for this video. I think finding good compositions is the most difficult part of photography. Really looking forward to this series.

[@aliciatangotweety4815]

Adam, your work just takes my breath away! You talk about following the light but what's hard for a lot of people to do is to just stop running around and be still so they can really SEE. An EPIC scene doesn't necessarily mean a huge vista as you show us over and over again with your Quiet Light compositions. Seeing deeply, purposefully is a learned discipline and must be practiced as you us here. Thank you for this great video!

[@davehayford4294]

Well done Adam.......I for one throughly enjoy and appreciate these videos especially ones like this. Basically a teaching and learning video at locations that are simply beautiful. Thank You and Merry Christmas to you.

[@djjurky]

Fabulous photos Adam. Simple yet so complex photos

[@AlergicToSnow]

Bang on, Adam. I love your fabulous landscapes but most of them just frustrate me. I can’t relate to my photography. I don’t have the luxury of traveling to Iceland, Greenland, Peru, etc to find great subjects. I live on the prairies. No mountains, lakes are plentiful but quite a drive away. For a significant part of the year I go to work in the dark and get home in the dark. What I really need is inspiration to help me see and capture great images using what’s in front of me, and with the light that is available at the time. I know the images are there but the options are limited. I just have to learn to see.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Check out this video, I think Rachael covers some of the things that might frustrate you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX-VqWV5ndSVh8k

[@bryantharmon8531]

Adam this was stellar,I don't know if it can be taught but in the world that we live in we need to slow down and look and see the light.we have a vision in our minds a preconceive off what we want to photograph instead of being observers and enjoying the moment.

[@JohnMHazlewood]

I find your videos most informative. Thanks so much for passing on your knowledge to us in such an easy way to understand. So grateful to you Adam. Keep up the good work.

[@anvilcloud]

The hanging moss photos were spectacular, but all was masterful and elucidating.

[@albeb87]

Almost catched up on all your videos! It’s a pleasure to watch them, you are a big inspiration and learning a lot from your work!!

[@carljones5811]

I can totally relate to this, and just recently have started thinking the same way. No longer set out for a planned shot (usually shot to death by others), but now go for a walk, and observe the light. If the light is illuminating a subject nicely, then I try to frame the lit subject into a pleasing composition. I find myself doing similar on my mountain hikes, but instead of light, I find myself framing a mountain to balance or complement a cloud formation. Love your work! 👍

[@stevesomers7366]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video and your insights. Well done. You've got a great talent and many great images there. I consider your contributions here very inspirational, Adam. Thanks.

[@lisatalley296]

I so much appreciated you explaining your approach to those last few images in the rain forest. It looks just like my back yard here in the northern Oregon coastal range. I have some big second growth firs and oaks on the trails I hike, but so much chaos surrounding them. I will be looking intently with a new perspective.

[@rskura]

Thank you for taking on this topic, Adam. It is difficult to find good info on composition on KZbin. This is why I watch your channel almost religiously - you take the time to explain the choices you make. I am looking forward to learning more on how to create compelling compositions from you.

[@TL-xw6fh]

What differentiates Adam from most other KZbinrs is that you get great solid advice from a master photographer. Plain speaking and no BS.

[@robertleathers5630]

The early photos with the blue shadows and amber light really made an impact for me. Hopefully I will better be able to see that contrast better when I am out shooting. Thanks for sharing!

[@OntarioHikingTrails]

Very informative I learnt allot from this video the next time I go out to the bush I will be looking for the light. Thanks again Adam.

[@andrewherbert9938]

Great video Adam , very inspiring and good to see some of your older images , all stunning as usual

[@Chimboica2011]

Thank you so much for sharing your work. Amazing and stunning picture. Love all your pictures, Adam

[@hallamphoto]

Some of the best forest photography I've ever seen! Not an easy thing to capture. These images were magnificent. Great video, Thanks!

[@georgefrench1907]

Brilliant. It’s all about the light. Thanks.

[@canuckdon]

Adam, your work is at a whole different level than most, if not all other KZbin channels. Your art is exceptional and your style is inspiring. So glad to be a part of your community in a way that supports your outstanding channel. Thanks from a fellow Canuck!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thank you, Don!

[@agapyearish9982]

Totally great video and it does exactly what you suggested was missing - provided more detail on composition. I hope you make more in this style. A suggestion, if I may, when you draw on your photos, as you did early in the video, it helps me pinpoint what you are talking about. More diagrams please in future videos. Possibly more examples that compare your selected “A” photo to your “B” rejected photo from the same shoot. With drawing on the B photo, you could highlight the reason why one was an A and why the B was not as good. I learn a lot from being able to understand where I go wrong. Superb work, top notch content. Thank you!

[@kristapple]

Having started to watch your latest video, and slowly see you turn yourself upside down, representing the old large format ground glass screen, I thought, heck why not watch the whole video upside down!! So, I locked my iPads rotation and watched the rest of the images as though I was viewing the old fashioned way. I highly recommend it, after a while my brain was seeing images differently and was almost ‘correcting’ the image. Only issue was seeing the moss on the trees hanging upwards 🙈😂. Really enjoyed this one Adam, look forward to more upside down videos 😃😂

[@QuietLightPhoto]

haha, and how did that work for you?

[@johnbianchi6430]

That's it, I'm putting my camera and lenses away and retiring from photography. I've now seen the best of photography and I am not worthy. You're not just a photographer, you're an artist.

[@nickshepherd8377]

Really enjoyable video as well as informative. So pleased that you are going to develop this theme further. Excellent images as well. Thank you.

[@allankvetch]

Your portfolio is breathtaking. Thanks for this video.

[@JosephOlar]

excellent photography and yes it all about the light can be very trick to capture but you are a master of light Cheers

[@thinkinoutloud.1]

It is breathtaking. Its pure beauty and emotion. Its humbling and calming. At this moment I live the "awe" in awesome.

[@acekyt]

Stunning photos. Simply inspirational. Many thanks.

[@jefffiles9209]

Wonderful!!! What a great set of images to accompany this video. So sorry to the person with on 1 thumb, as only 7 thumbs down!!

[@G0FUW]

Really useful and interesting video Adam. Some of those back lit trees with the mosses/lichens are just mesmerising. I found a spot locally and keep meaning to go back when the light is 'right' - lots of ferns and mosses - Jane calls it the fairy glen.

[@stevechilvers1322]

Great work as always Adam. You are right, it's all about great light & an eye for composition. Many thanks for sharing your insight into this subject.

[@joao.s.cardoso]

Probably one of the best videos I’ve seen in a while about composition in nature. Thank you!

[@boatman222345]

Breathtaking images of exceedingly difficult subject matter. Watching the video I found myself edging ever closer to the door, anxious to get outside and look for similar opportunities. Which of course means I found the video very motivating and motivation is at least 90% of what it takes to produce worthwhile images! Thanks and I look forward to more of the same.

[@johnsholian4318]

Love this kind of video. It’s like a landscape photography masterclass with all of the sublime images from your portfolio. Definitely my favorite amongst a group of photographers that I follow. I learn a lot from seeing the world through your eyes/lenses especially with your before and after critiques. Well done as always Adam!

[@NigelDanson]

Awesome video Adam and breathtaking images. Shoot for the light is such good advice.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Cheers, Nigel!

[@davidsweet8837]

Great video. Your experience with composition is excellent. I cannot wait to see the rest of your videos!

[@debbydhill]

Adam, It's hard for me to explain this...but I will try. I've always loved forests and trees in general, however yours make me gasp. The only way I can say it and believe me it will fall short...is... I FEEL. thank you Adam

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Thanks, Debby!

[@marthamoss2518]

I so enjoyed your beautiful photographs!

[@Ginette688]

I love your compositions. That one that you put the leaf in was my favorite. But then you said it wasn’t so good…bc it was a unnatural composition. But I really like it anyways. It’s art.

[@tomkier1316]

Awesome video. Looking forward to more composition videos.

[@paulafontanini5719]

Really good video Adam. Informative and strange as it sounds...exhilarating! Watching this video actually brought back the enthusiasm I used to have for photography Makes me want to go out right now and find a composition. I have gotten really bored with the landscape opportunities where I live (midwest, cornfields) blah! I have gotten to the point where I only get excited about photography when I travel which isn't all that often. Thanks for the motivation and great information! Looking forward to the next composition video.

[@gordroberts53]

Hi Adam. I think this is one of my favourite Quiet Light episodes to date. While I recognized several of the images from other videos, I found gathering them together in a compositional theme was both enjoyable and oh so helpful. Very much looking forward to more from this series. Thanks for sharing and best of the Season to you and yours.

[@jimrookphotos]

Nice job on the subject, Adam. Gave me some good pointers.

[@pattymattes7124]

I enjoyed this very much. With the leaves in the water I see a spiral of blue starting with the left corner going to the right and up through the blue bubbles on the top right toward the branch with the leaves and continuing with the line the water makes on the leaves. That's what drew me in to the image. I guess the spiral just popped out at me. All your images are fantastic. Thanks for sharing with us!!!

[@montanaylago]

The “light” I think that’s the most difficult thing to capture in an image... great way to describe and convey the idea thanks!

[@PhilT993]

Wow! Beautifully done. Thank you.

[@lindaschuett4486]

I really enjoyed the sharing your knowledge and look forward to coming videos.

[@TheNeffen]

Christmas came early this year! Great video, and I'm looking forwards to follow along on this series Adam=)

[@Woodenarrows]

Great instructional video Adam and wonderful images...

[@stevematadobra6117]

Outstanding. Ive watched every single one of your podcasts and countless others and this vlog help me remind myself that I need to develop the art/practice of slowing down and seeing with a purpose. Seeing and understanding the light is something that im slowly developing and this video helped to affirm that. looking forward to the next one. again, thank you.

[@arthurmorgan5937]

Thank you! Your skill at turning a daily scene into beautiful picture can only be classed as tree-son.

[@caspiankai5070]

Thanks for this Adam, your work is beautiful and you're a great teacher. I'm always hunting for light/contrast in a scene.. As a photographer who's just starting to document my process/techniques on KZbin you're an inspiration. I'm based in Vancouver but you make me want to move to the island (or spend lots more time there...)!

[@Shepard4711]

Adam, I received the Quiet Light book yesterday and I'm very happy with it. Thank you!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Excellent! Thank you for picking one up, Kozu Books have done a fantastic job in design.

[@thejoyfultripod]

Really beautiful images and excellent advice. Looking forward to the others in the series. Most other KZbin videos stop at 'leading lines' so it's useful to see photos that go beyond that. Thanks !

[@DreamBig]

Fascinating video and topic ! Fantastic photos as well 👍

[@iemboyshostel]

Just awesome Adam.. thanks for making this video.

[@destructobeam3000]

I enjoy all your videos, but I’m really excited for these composition focused entries. I’m also glad that you’re breaking it down into specific topics. Now I just need to put your tips and techniques into practice!

[@weekender5850]

I was in a rut and this video brought me out of it. Many thanks.

[@tigersunruss]

Same.

[@tjsinva]

Excellent chat on what can be a somewhat nebulous topic. Look forward to more.

[@jeff8289]

Hi Adam. This is one of the most constructive videos I have ever seen. Thank you. I learned more than I possibly could have in your 22 minutes than anywhere else. I will be moving to the Seattle area next Spring. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness is definitely an area to check out. One of my takeaways from previous videos is that you had both full frame 35mm digital (30mb?) and 50mb medium format digital photos. Clearly the medium format had much more depth in the color. An analogy might be painting a wall six times instead of two. Looking forward to the next video!

[@rlhartland]

Awesome insights into your process. Thank you

[@jimbean532]

Smokin’! Thanks - looking forward to more in this series.

[@markosbornestudio]

all joined up, looking forward to the exclusive content 😀

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Excellent, thanks!

[@jimcooke5590]

great and inspirational vlog adam, thanks for sharing