Something for Landscape Photographers to think about

[@Costas_I]

What Martin said about exploring your local area (parks etc) is so true. I mentioned this in a comment on one of his other vids but I'll say it here again. I'm 62 years old and have only just very recently taken up photography. Not as a career change but as a hobby. I bought a second Canon EOS 6D and a couple of EF lenses. In the last week I also bought a second hand Fuji X-E2. Total cost for everything around £700. I live in Wimbledon so Wimbledon Common is a very frequent visit I make at various times of the day. As is Richmond Park. Both very local to me. Additionally if I jump on the train within 15mins I'm at Waterloo Station and within a couple of minutes walk I'm on the South Bank. Other times I'll get in the car and within minutes I'm in open countryside in Surrey and taking landscape pictures from the top of Box Hill near Dorking. So far I've taken well over 5,000 photos. The vast majority are rubbish but that's not the point. I'm learning by teaching myself, getting more experienced, getting more skilled in using my cameras (the button locations, displays and so on) so that my muscle memory starts kicking and when I see a shot I don't have to think too hard or too long. Selecting aperture, exposure or ISO becomes second nature and all I have to concentrate on is the composition. The only way I know to achieve this is to get out there as often as one can and take lots and lots of photos. Like I said right now the majority of my photos are rubbish. Initially overexposed, or underexposed, or out of focus, or badly composed; or all four!! But as each day passes I can see actual improvements in each of those aspects. My goal at the moment is to improve. My ultimate goal is to attend local arts and craft shows and display quality prints that people will look at, like and buy. If the income pays for my hobby I'll be over the moon. If it doesn't or I don't sell any, no problem. I'm still happy.

[@yomotii]

Keep going!

[@RichardBO9]

Knowing your local area is so important. Making notes of compositions that don’t work now, but will work with different light is critical to being successful. Also, print your work. I didn’t do this for a longtime. Since I’ve started printing my work I’ve become more tuned in to detail. You will see things in print you will never notice is you just view on the computer.

[@onemanband3579]

"I had a good day out and I enjoyed my time doing it." Martin Castein's philosophy of life 2023. Cheers mate.

[@MartinCastein]

😉

[@AdamJonesPhoto]

Agree with all you say, especially about only having the time to shoot local when everyone else seems to be going on epic trips! Merry Christmas and Happy 2024.

[@RichardFraser-y9t]

The 24-105 f4 L is a lovely bit of glass.

[@akaimagez]

With living near the coast and two islands in the neighbourhood traveling is short, just day trips. On one of the islands we have the most dynamic landscape change here in The Netherlands. I started landscape photography in the Derbyshire hills in the 70ties of the last century. Only a few people out and about at the time. Things have changed a lot over the years.

[@mondohand71]

Here in Utah that happens quite a bit. I’m out here when the lights the best. Everyone else take off for Happy Hour 😂.

[@thenexthobby]

I like it right after the rain stops but before the sun comes back. All sorts of interesting reflections from otherwise mundane surfaces.

[@yoki9743]

No one says it as it is more than Martin Castein... I just love his approach to how he works.. these tips folks are gold not the b.s that a lot of guys give out as hints and tips on YT...... plus who doesn't love a dude who always wears the same jumper....lol... Thanks martin for all the info and tips... carry on what you are doing... love it... Have a good Christmas... BR.. Yoki...

[@onemanband3579]

It's a little known fact that Martin has several jumpers that look the same.

[@MartinCastein]

hahaha thank you! this became my youtube jumper its hard finding things that are acceptably plain to video with so i just hang this up where i record and put it on for videos. i get to fussy about other stuff, dont know why. Have a great christmas Yoki!

[@jonmorgan-parker4209]

Hi Martin, Im a novice to Landscape work! Everything you said is so true!

[@panthers_gkd]

I use a 28-75 f2.8 for landscape, and that is enough for me. Sometimes, I use a nifty fifty, and even with that, you can make fantastic pictures.

[@DaveMuller]

I like the nice positive messages to just use what you have. Sometimes the GAS comes back so gotta keep it pushed down.

[@bassangler73]

Good points Martin, I mainly shoot bif and the days that are brutally cold and windy are usually my most productive days. Raptors seem to be more active when its brutal weather..Another added bonus to shooting in bad weather is it keeps a lot of photographer's at home.

[@fabiofonseca_music]

Dear Martin, I am a big fan of your channel and have been following it for while now. I am more of a Nikon DSLR shooter ("advanced" amateur). I own 5 Nikon cameras: D80, D200, D700, D610 AND D7100. I have been really learning a lot from you and I love your portraits as well as your landscape photos and I am vey impressed by the way you edit these (very obvious and clear improvement on the landscape ones). I have quite a number of old Nikon lenses, mostly AF-D series (primes and zooms) and some manual focus primes (135 f3.5, 200 f4 and 300 f4.5). I just watched a video of yours about the 5D MKII and, although I am very, very happy with my Nikon gear, I would be curious to try either a 5D MKI or MKII (the colors on the your portraits using these cameras impresses me a lot!), maybe with an inexpensive nifty fifty. Anyways, sorry for the extensive comment but mostly I would like to thank you for the amazingly useful and pleasant to watch videos. All the best and Happy New Year!!!

[@photom3]

So true, some of my favorite work was done with a compact camera, not because of the camera but because of the scene before me.

[@MarkSweeting_]

Thanks for the advice. Perfectly timed for me

[@davidsaylors]

Well said brother.

[@MartinCastein]

thanks mate, will pop over to your channel today

[@zampination]

Oh yeah.... Landscape photography.... the most difficult genre of photography along with wildlife... The genre one can never conquer and keeps on delivering regardless of anyone's abilities or good luck... The one that justifies the struggle... The one i love

[@Stop-All-War]

Not if you know your gear & are motivated to go outside & investigate 💡 trick is motivation more than most other things

[@zampination]

@@Stop-All-War Not about what? I haven't stated anything

[@jacquesgiard6943]

Thanks!

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you very much!!

[@JesusLopez-un6mw]

Thanks for the tips.

[@bernhardlueckeberlin]

"Go into your local parks..." - will do so. Thank you.

[@janondruska6775]

Díky!

[@MartinCastein]

thank you so much!

[@adriandanby2843]

I got caught out in having the best gear, and you must have this, and you must have that...now I've stripped down some of my gear to what I really just need, it has very much simplified my photography in to what genre I really want to do (Landscape/Seascape) as opposed to Portrait, Food, Jewellery (had a studio) where the mindset was so much more money orientated. Got rid of the D850,got myself a d800e,kept just 4 lenses and invested in some secondhand Lee filters. All the Broncolor/Bowens light modifiers sold (Fleabay) C stands gone, umbrellas etc etc. I'm happier, got a few bob in the bank, me and my German Shepard are on our way to Devon in January for 2 weeks doing landscapes and seascapes in an old camper van, and being honest, cannot wait to go....Just watching this video, has confirmed, what the thought process was, in my decisions in doing what I have done, were correct. Thank you so much Martin, it is about getting out there and doing it, not drooling over the gadgets, debating over mirrorless or not (TBH id go medium format, second hand Pentax 645z) rather than mirrorless anyways...but not going down that path either now. Its all about being happy in what you do, being content within. One lens I wont sell is my Voightlander 58mm F1.4, no chance 🙂... Better get some decent socks and boots,but were gonna wait for the sales.Thank you so much

[@bassangler73]

I am getting more into landscape photography and I did the same thing..I sold some of my glass and bought 1 lens with the sell money..Now i can cover 18- 500mm with 2 lenses...A light lighter load in the backpack

[@Petsclubforu]

Man your videos are amazing Thanks

[@davidpeppert9168]

Some very sound advice. Enjoyed your video.

[@MartinCastein]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@colingerard7863]

Seasons greeting, Martin, to you and Katie. 🌲❄️🌲❄️🌲

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you so much Colin, all the best to you, Happy Christmas and new year!

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Great video and advice 👍🙂

[@donsoley746]

So much to help my understanding in this video - many thanks Martin!

[@MartinCastein]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RiccardoPareschi]

Greats advices Martin, totally agree and what wonderful photos !

[@MartinCastein]

Thanks Riccardo!

[@josephpeppard561]

Thanks so much Martin for the insight and advice.

[@MartinCastein]

Very welcome

[@andyloke126]

After i had my back surgery, I swapped my Canon DSLR to my hp Sony Experia 1iv for all my landscape photography. Raw format. It works just as fine.

[@MartinCastein]

good and why not really, ive thought about doing something like this and took some raw photos on my phone recently im going to check them out soon.

[@lensman5762]

Over 90% of my landscape photography is made just by using my Nikon D810 or 5D MKII and a 24~105 F4 lens. At times I go even lighter and take my EM1 MKII with just two lenses a 12~40 F2.8 and a small G Lumix 45~140. No tripod either, as the IBIS is good down to 1/2 for my hands. I have noticed that recently some ' pundits ' are singing the praises of 100~400 zooms. Mind boggles!!!!

[@exmoorbaydrones]

Well, that's my Xmas Break sorted! Local Maps dug out & Waterproofs ready!. . Let's get out there!

[@peterjohnson1845]

WOW...digital gold listening to this, everyone take note!

[@MartinCastein]

thanks mate hope you are ok

[@ChadHensiak]

Great advice!

[@MartinCastein]

Glad you think so!

[@TonyTony-gj8to]

Hi Martin. Thanks for the tips. Simplifying the process makes sense. On a side note, I need a little advice. I am looking at getting a dslr... back to the old school. Which model would you recommend? NOTE: I was leaning towards the Nikon D850. (Use case is wide ranging and includes; Products (in studio), Portraits, Landscape, etc).

[@MartinCastein]

yes go for the d850, probably the best dslr ever made.

[@TonyTony-gj8to]

@@MartinCastein Thanks Mr C. Much appreciated. All the best for 2024. Looking forward to more of your informative content. 👍

[@Chejov1214]

Martin ,or anyone with experience,. What about crop sensors,, apsc. Cameras .. its better to choose a full frame or an apsc can work too ? , i mean this days. Nikon and canon full frame dslr’s are very affordable ,.. but some. Modern nikon and fuji too .. is there any Any reason to get a full frame aside of high iso, dynamic range , shallow depth of field ? .

[@MartinCastein]

It’s a trade off you get better tonal gradations on larger sensors and the other things you mentioned but it depends what you shoot. I prefer full frame or medium format for portrait but hate medium format for landscape and would go for crop sensor for that most likely due to more depth of field and smaller lenses etc go for what suits what you shoot but really any system will be fine

[@Chejov1214]

thank you Martin ! @@MartinCastein

[@brunodrakenas9575]

I picked up a 5d mark II a while back and tomorrow I’m getting a tripod. I see landscape photographers use filters and what would you recommend to a green fella like me? Should I start without any filters and add that later on? What filters are you using? Cheers!

[@MartinCastein]

I don’t personally think you should start with any filters just add any as you feel you need them. I don’t use any personally.

[@brunodrakenas9575]

@@MartinCastein Thanks! I love your humble personality and I tend to listen to people of your kind. You are my go to guy if I’m wondering about something! So the only thing I really need is a L bracket and I’m good to go? ☝️And a good mid range zoom I guess like the 24-70 or 24-105 since I’ve only got a 50mm 1.8 and the 70-200 f4? 🤔

[@MartinCastein]

Yes any of those would be good although can start with what you have now and see what you get 🙂

[@MartinCastein]

@@brunodrakenas9575 yeah you dont need more, just get what you can afford, any of that list is fine and get started. You will know what you want/need as you shoot more. All of those lenses are good.

[@Twobarpsi]

I'm really liking the landscape images my 5d2 took this fall. Such incredible earth tones. Quick question...I learned how to take and edit bracketed photos. I might have become addicted! Should every picture be bracketed? I miss the old days, where I would just take one picture. Thanks, and Merry Christmas Martin!

[@MartinCastein]

You only really need to bracket if you want to control your hihglights, if it looks like you can do it in one shot go for it. sometimes two is enough. its more likley if you are shooting directly into the sun but if the sun is out of the shot one frame is usually enough thanks again and merry xmas to you too!

[@hywel3143]

This is great advice, Martin. Would you consider creating an online landscape photography workshop?

[@MartinCastein]

im making it right now actually, its coming soon now buddy.

[@hywel3143]

Excellent news!

[@JjackVideo]

Ironically, deleting Instagram helped me a lot with my photography. The constant 10/10 pictures from the most amazing places on Earth killed my motivation to make my slightly above average local shots. Now that I don't see those incredible images anymore, I just do me.

[@colintraveller]

Each to there own ......

[@gregmartin1615]

🙏

[@dangilmore9724]

If ypu don't make things happen, nothing happens.

[@curtsuneson6161]

I'm considering calling the police

[@MartinCastein]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 i love this so much hahahaha