This will change your landscape photography forever.

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READ THIS: If I had been able to talk to myself 20 years ago about my journey as a photographer I could have saved myself a huge amount of stress, anxiety, self-doubt, and been a far happier, far more creative person that I was.
It's taken me years of thinking and analysing to find the answers that have unlocked my true creativity, and also for those who have worked with me on our mentorship program as well.
I truly believe the message I talk about in this video will change your landscape photography forever. 5 simple steps change the way we see, feel, experience and articulate our experience.
In my 2 eBooks: Luminosity & Contrast and The Colour of Meaning I dig into this in such depth and detail. Based on the feedback we have had since we launched them, these books have changed peoples lives. Join the Expressive Photography revolution.
eBooks & Videos: expressive.pho...
15% Discount Code: EXPRESSIVE15
Video edited by Ann Kristin Lindaas
⬇️⬇️⬇️ Feel free to read this ⬇️⬇️⬇️
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[@PeterMcCabePhoto]

Make pictures for yourself, and not for “clicks” very very important message.

[@furbs9999]

I don't care if I never see another photographer walking past the camera pretending it's not there as long as I live. Great content, thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

LOL!! Yeah, it’s a bit old now!

[@TimberGeek]

I recorded a shot like that wearing a ~blue mask and pink sock-monkey hat... Haven't used it yet but the 'commentary' is waiting in case I ever feel the need to vlog a photo shoot. 😜

[@philipculbertson55]

Like others, I care nothing about b-roll in videos. I want the images and the photographer's thoughts on the composition and treatment. The b-roll is just fluff for me. I know that you and many others really depend on social media for your living and to a degree, you have to feed the beast but I am convinced that for me at least, playing to social media is not great for my own mental health and I have scaled that way back. Artists across the centuries have been faced with making work that others would appreciate but making work the artist himself/herself likes, feels, emotes, is much more important. If others like it, wonderful but if not, so be it. Thought provoking video Alister. Well done.

[@Alister_Benn]

Absolutely agree 100%. I value my mental health over my social media fame :-)

[@kevinsink3799]

eBooks are great! Really poignant discussion. Social media can be a monster that eats creativity & self esteem. Way back when I had a real job selling medical equipment, one of my managers said "If you're chasing your competition, you're falling behind." I think of this frequently when comparing myself to other photographers. Some of that comparison is constructive but when it meanders into a mean self criticism it can eat you alive. Comparison can kill the small creative voice trying to emerge, and make it a lot less fun, right? Really enjoyed your comment about just creating something for myself. It's like a bell went off! Such an elegantly simple idea to counteract the constant pressure to produce exceptional work. Lastly, I've developed an 80% rule. :-) I make adjustments in LR & PS, take a break from the computer, then visit the file again and back off the adjustments to 80% of what I'd done (especially with regards to vibrance/saturation). I always ask myself if the picture is "trying too hard", and it frequently is. Thanks for the content, and glad to hear you're backing off a bit. Good for the soul.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Kevin. It means a lot to hear from people that share the same perspective. I’m done shouting into the void.

[@marcvalade94]

Taking pictures is about one recognizing a pleasing scene but also expecting it to be just as interesting for others. I noticed that my desire to take a photo is largely slowed compromised by this second portion of the effort. My expectations of others enthousiasme is then the biggest limitation factor into not only taking shots, but also going out and at every steps oppose the effort all the way... My main interest in nature photography is to expose how wonderful it is, I came out with this reflexion in result of this dilemma. It goes this way... "Men had the Garden, and they hated God." It means that now that we have abuse every square inch of the land a number of times, out of our deep disrespect of it, the remnants are what the photographer is left with to seduce these same haters with!! I think that from this realisation comes four ways to take on photography. Avoiding nature photography, going full architectural, industrial or portrait. Modifying the picture to the extent that it becomes of greater interest for even Adam and Eve in the Garden!! Which feels unachievable or even not desirable at least for me. Extract genuine healthy fragment of nature that are still of resemblance with fragments of the subconscious memory of the Garden, and hope that it would trigger some melancholy!! As for me, I believe in a fourth alternative. That which is to actually frame reality on it's advantageous perspective when it feels to me that it is, without the intent to make it more telling or romantic then it is. Or better, can the present be of higher content then my personal feelings I might want to register in an image? Remains that all the technicality of taking pictures and then processing them remains key also in the development not only reaching the consumer, but also sharpening the vigilance of the image stalker within. Yet I thought that putting the photographer on the context of his historically cruel pool of consumers might assist him or her in the quest.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for taking the time to add this rich context to the discussion.

[@jennifercrouse]

Your words so often speak directly to the way I experience and enjoy photography, as well as my other hobbies. The joy of creativity certainly responds to the emotional impact you give others, but if your own spirit is not first fed by the creating process, your soul and your impact is diminished. It seems natural to want the approval of others, but you nailed it when you said you must first focus on your inner landscapes. Love your videos, I always feel enriched by them! Thank you for blessing us!

[@Alister_Benn]

So delighted to read these words, they mean a great deal. I am pleased that my honesty about what I believe matters resonates with people. Maybe there is hope? ❤️

[@CAYENNEOREZ]

My wife and I really enjoyed this video. Honestly, we don't miss the B-roll; there are a lot of other people doing that. We think the voice-over combined with images and editing demonstration is really your 'style', and if that is a more enjoyable way for you to work, then that is totally what you should do. In fact, our favourite videos of yours are the Vision and Light series of conversations. By the way, nice guitar playing. :)

[@Alister_Benn]

Very happy to hear that, it’s always great to get such positive feedback. Thanks

[@golfergreg636]

"Forget external validation, you are now taking photographs for the right reasons." (My interpretation of the message) Thank you so much my shackles are off,

[@Alister_Benn]

❤️ sounds good to me, delighted to hear it

[@M_Rollins]

This feels like a return to roots. This type of content is why I joined up here in the first place. The messages in this video are ones I don't think can be heard enough. Cheers.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much. Yes, I feel passionate about this again.

[@Trish12303]

Thanks Alister! I appreciate your view on photography as it speaks to each of us! Great content!!

[@LimitlessLivingOver60]

I learn the most from you when you are being yourself. Love this video!

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, 100% - that is my only path moving forward .

[@roddaniels1809]

In one lesson you have given me an exciting new way of looking at my creative content. Great listening to you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Very happy to hear that, many thanks

[@akmickwitz2369]

Your videos are like therapy sessions. Thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much, I’m delighted to hear that ❤️

[@garretttalkington4416]

Alister, I am 45 seconds into this video and I can say it's already speaking to me. I've been a huge fan of your channel for about a year now. I've put so much work into making a website, advertising, selling prints, and using social media, that I've become burned out. I haven't shot in nearly a month. I'm very excited to watch the rest of this video.

[@Alister_Benn]

That's awesome, always happy to hear that. Many thanks for your contribution.

[@wcourson11]

I feel like you are speaking only to me. I’m not creating photos for myself. I intend to change as of now. Thank you!

[@Alister_Benn]

Well, that's step one on the exciting new road of self-actualisation.. Welcome to expressive photography.

[@CosMosArtistry2016]

Very thought provoking and important message. I spent many years trying to create images that had high impact but missed the subtleties that were available. It was a never ending process that challenged my editing skills but limited my creativity. Then 2 years ago a young photographer lost his life in a freak accident, he encouraged and supported many of us. He was my mentor and had my great respect. Since then, I have hardly picked up my camera. It has been a struggle to reignite my passion. This video may have been one of the most important ones for me to take in and think about where I go from here, who am I as a photographer and what do I want to capture or express. Emotions have always been a part of my photography, I think I need to allow them again. Capturing the strength and the vulnerable subtleties of light is the way forward. Thank you Alister

[@Alister_Benn]

Really sorry to read your story, loss is always so tragic. Expressing emotions, even the dark ones always helps. The landscape is the mirror to our soul, allowing our unconscious to vent, or sing, or mourn. Take a walk, be free . Best wishes. ❤️

[@michaelhull1813]

This channel is really "Photography" for me. I don't care about gear as much as ideas, and less about "impact" as opposed to "expression". You've shown me not to shy away from the images I enjoy.

[@Alister_Benn]

Brilliant, I am seriously very happy to hear that.

[@dwrisdon2487]

I'm still playing catch up on your videos. Watching your work, listening to your narrative is such "mind candy." I truly enjoy every moment.

[@correctaperture]

Hi Alastair, I just wanted to pass on the sheer adulation from our members last night during your talk. Our members are so excited about following your advice. I feel we all took so much from your worldly advice and experience so honestly spoken. You spoke in a truly authentic and liberating manner rarely heard by today's KZbin photographer's I feel it will inspire us all over the coming months towards next season to what we can achieve when unbridled by the thoughts of how our work might be judged or received by others. You identified exactly what stifles creativity, and cleverly taught your five key rules of image taking. Thank you. --- Christopher Davies Holmes Chapel Photographic Society chairman

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for the email and other messages from members. A very enjoyable night.

[@nickshepherd8377]

Another video which completely resonates with me. Usually the best photographs are obtained when you emphasise in your post processing what was already there. If low contrast, emphasise the softness and subtlety. If high contrast, emphasise with dark shadows and bright controlled highlights. As always you demonstrate and articulate this brilliantly.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks mate, really appreciate that and I am so pleased that quiet images are getting the recognition they deserve.

[@ericvaughan11]

You make some great points in this. Because you make a living as photographer, it's what pays the bills is why a lot professional photographers put a lot of pressure on themselves to produce new work, video's etc. One of things I enjoy being a photographer, artist as hobby not profession, I don't have to put those kind of pressures on myself to produce new work. It took me a while to get over producing work that get's most likes and approval from others. If you truly trying to produce art, then create images that make you happy, don't worry about what get's most likes on Facebook, 500Ppx, etc. Find a style you like and develop that naturally and go with it.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, for sure. I often struggle to understand why people who don’t have to do it, do it!! So many people out there ruining their photography by trying to be vloggers! Go shoot, enjoy, create, be free!!

[@KevinNordstrom]

this hits home BIG TIME. i dont want to limit my creativity because when i do im not joyful and happy but feel limited. if we arent happy first, nothing else matters. I do landscape and wildlife. i dont stick to one niche even if it gets a following faster. i also tend to go outside the box when it comes to editing. the thing we need to remember is its art and its subjective and we o it for US first. when im doing it for any other reason first...i get burned out and start to lose the passion. resting and breaking the mold that are the rules in photography is when i get that fire back. cheers brother.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great, happy to hear we’re on the same page ❤️

[@Mike-VR]

Really, really like the defocused image Alister. Very creative.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great, always good to hear thanks.

[@malcolmbenn1051]

Another wow, I'm slowly working my way through your channel Alister and you are consistently blowing me away. Your openness, honesty and unencumbered approach takes me back to the 60's and the way music was approached then (yes I'm older than you). For years I've been fighting my natural inclination to just go with my feel and trying to get more technical and it isn't that much fun. I've repeatedly put the camera gear away for periods of 6 or more months over the past few years because I just feel boxed in but these videos are a revelation. The only good thing about those dry periods is it allowed me to play my guitars and immerse myself in that outlet without the artificial yardstick of what is or isn't proper. Back to find another therapy video :). Thanks so much for these .... nice 7 string by the way.

[@Alister_Benn]

Awesome again Malcolm. I am really delighted to hear that my work may be the catalyst to you finding amore harmonious relationship with your own specific creative life.

[@BrettOssman]

I'm really enjoying your different approach to your content. More and more, I'm working on conveying what I felt, rather than a blowout, technical photo. To me, not as easy as it might sound. What caught my interest and convey that mood.

[@Alister_Benn]

Excellent, happy to hear that. Ultimately expressive photography is about having a meaningful life, which is a lot harder than learning to exposure blend 😃

[@teejaycey]

Brilliant 🙂 very pleased to have found my way to your channel, thanks Grant Swinbourne 😁. I very much enjoyed this style of video and believe I’m right where I should be. I look forward to absorbing your e-books and enjoying listening and watching your video content. So refreshing and freeing. Thank you 😊

[@Alister_Benn]

Welcome. I haven’t posted a video in a while as we are focused on producing content for the Expressive Photography Forum

[@teejaycey]

@@Alister_Benn that’s great, it gives me time to catch up 🙂 looking forward to viewing it 😊

[@rocketmanab]

These headless guitars are freaking me out!! Kidding...great video as always :)

[@Alister_Benn]

Haha!! I love them. I only have one guitar left with a headstock and if it looks at me funny one more time it’ll be a Strandberg 😂😂😂

[@rocketmanab]

@@Alister_Benn hahaha...

[@stevenbudd3725]

You mentioned the magic word 'acceptance' - the root of happiness. Great episode. :-)

[@Alister_Benn]

Absolutely!! It’s taken me 54 years! An old school report would summarise with: “could try harder!!”

[@correctaperture]

Excellent emotionally driven advice about the perils from the wrong pursuit to gaining acceptance for our photography through social channels. I so look forward to your talk Alastair at our society in a week. Chris

[@Alister_Benn]

Ah excellent. Yes, I am really looking forward to that too 😄

[@Paul9]

Really enjoy this format. I’ve changed a lot over the last year in my photography and don’t post on social media any more, if I do again the future it will be something I’ve taken and processed a while ago to avoid that subconscious influence it has on our minds when being creative. I often feel now when watching some channels out in the field that we’re not seeing the true photographer and just a reflection of that person trying to get an image to string a video together, some even generating false enthusiasm for images they clearly don’t have a connection with. I’d much prefer that photographer to go out take images in their own time with no pressure and then review their thought process/images later on camera.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so very much for your comment. I really value your input, and I agree, taking a break can be so helpful in reestablishing a healthier relationship between ourselves and our creativity. Very kind regards,

[@derricksansome236]

Great guidance as ever Alister, I have said it before and I will say it again, thank you for waking me up to enable me to enjoy the creative process that now allows me, as never before, to revel in creating images that bring me joy and satisfaction.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much for the great feedback, hugely appreciated ❤️

[@markfrazee8623]

Beautiful guitar playing that seems to reflect the delicacy of your images (I would like to hear more). I enjoy all of your videos, including this last one that is more stripped down. You always have something thought provoking to say and beautiful images to share.

[@Alister_Benn]

Lol, believe me most of it is not stripped down! 😂 thanks so very much for the kind words.

[@markfrazee8623]

@@Alister_Benn Perhaps a poor choice of words on my part. I meant a video focused directly on the photography rather than the drone shots. Although, those types of videos are enjoyable to watch as well. All of your videos are well made.

[@loricanton7969]

Thank you for this , I really been thinking about this for awhile and might stop doing weddings for this reason , I always try and shoot with my own eye but really haven’t had time to work on my own passions so thank you for this 🤙

[@sarojdhakal6937]

Life changing thoughts. 👏👏👏

[@Alister_Benn]

Excellent, happy to hear that ❤️

[@nicknichols4249]

Another excellent video, lately I have skipped past most B-roll from all photographers, yes they are beautiful and excellently done, but I'm here for the meat not the sizzle.

[@Alister_Benn]

Lol, excellent way of putting it 😀

[@RichardBO9]

This is my first encounter with your channel. You bring up so many great and meaningful points. I have subscribed. Thanks for a thought provoking video.

[@Alister_Benn]

Brilliant, very happy to hear that. A warm welcome, I hope you stick around.

[@Bringisen]

I love this kind of video from you. Thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great, as these are the ones I want to make 😀❤️

[@warrenediger503]

Thank you for being you! More like this, please. Don’t really care if I don’t see another B roll.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, I decided that a while back!! Only A material 😀❤️😂

[@peternickols2687]

Really thought provoking video Alister, it is so refreshing to watch and listen to you, and dare I say that you have given me a fresh outlook as to where I go with my camera next, be that physically and mentally. 👍

[@ChrisSmith-gf3ge]

A thought provoking video, I can't say that I have taken a photograph that reflects the mood I am in at that particular moment in time, I'm normally just happy 'living' ! The other theme I got from this video was to look, properly look, at what is in front of us. The 3rd image (square) most appealed to me, I liked the glimpse of green and darker twigs!

[@Alister_Benn]

Happy living is perfect! No worries at all 😀

[@bergis65]

Haven’t seen this before - I really really love it!

[@AndyK986]

Another thought provoking video and definitely comes from the heart. This is the type of content I have been searching for and I truly believe is of significant value to anyone that picks up a camera but especially for myself. Keep doing what makes you happy and fulfilled, as we will all be more enriched as a result.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much for that - I really appreciate it...

[@cmeluzzi]

I fully recommend the eBooks. They have the contents explained here on the channel but on a format that you can read, enjoy, reflect and assimilate at your own pace. Nice guitar play, Alister, I'm looking forward to hearing more music on the channel too!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man, I appreciate the endorsement. I pour my heart into the books and videos, and I am always happy when it has a positive impact on others.

[@simonstevens1631]

Hello again Alistair. Well as on Instagram I said I didn't care for the image you showed. After watching your video I still feel the same but! There's always a but. I understand more what you are conveying through your technique. In your other images I feel more attuned to them. They have more of a presence. Adjusting the contrast slider can completely change the image and ultimately its feel or vibe. I preferred the dark moody woods. Lol. But I get now more of your stance of your love of the image. Social media is really driven by high contrast and punchy images. You need to stand out online. Yes its a crowd of people shouting and only the loudest get listened to and all the rest follow. I regularly post images that I feel are ok or different and not that popular but I post them coz I see the image for me. For a test I posted a black and white picture of the back of my hand. Nothing special but it got a lot of likes. Art is what it is. Love it or hate it it is your view your feeling from it. The funny thing I saw in your video was the blurry shot. I took the same kind of shot the day before. Mine is a reflection of trees in a stream. It's blurred by water movement and it looks upside down but I feel it's spring like energy. Yet many will look and say nope don't like that. Our art has to be for us. First and foremost. To hell with nae sayers. If we listen to them art dies. So the moral in this is. In a crowd of shouting people listen for the one that whispers. That's where you will find your inner peace. Oh and your seven string guitar? Is that a homage to spinal tapp? The amps all went 11 remember. Lol. That's a flashback. You always find ways to bite at my mind. Keep it up. I want to be mauled lol

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for the great input Simon, I really appreciate it, and I very much enjoy our back and forth on Insta as well. I always take great pleasure from your comments. Images are snapshots in time, and for me they can very much reflect my inner landscape, so if an image is light, airy, atmospheric and joyful, sometimes that is enough. Equally, I am no stranger to making dark and scary images, I love them too. In short, every aspect of who I am is valid, as are the images those facets produce. I know the ones that will have more impact, and I know the ones that will work well in an essay, or an eBook. Thanks as always.

[@adamcoughtrey5851]

Loved this video Alistair...I have so many shots I liked at the time in the field as I felt a certain way when I took it, then when I started to edit it I found myself doing exactly what you mentioned editing it for the masses forgetting why I took it I the first place

[@Alister_Benn]

Brilliant, happy you feel that way. I really want people to make images that resonate with themselves. The masses have no taste anyway!! 🤪

[@michellewesson4409]

You have a wonderful voice for teaching. Calm, reflective, peaceful….like your photography. 😉

[@Alister_Benn]

Ah, finally being Scottish pays off 😂😂😂🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@MattBishopPhotography]

For me contrast is about being loud, especially when it is intentional in post production (what social media asks from us). I find being true to a scene and working with the RAW file to utilize those contasts to give depth and atmosphere to what was recorded in that moment, in turn we are giving far more value to our work and nature for what it subjectively is telling us. Something I have always stuck by and you'll see that in my work (plus the lack of followers in turn hahahhaha).

[@Alister_Benn]

Lol, for sure. I get emails from people telling me they prefer my old stuff and that I peaked 5 years ago 😀 you can tell I’m hurting 😂

[@MattBishopPhotography]

@@Alister_Benn sometimes you loose sight of why your out there in the first place. Being in your current "social media position" certainly gives a narrow opening to staying true to who you are creatively. A path that many go down at some point. Thats what I love about Landscape Photography. Its a life journey and its a channging one. We always learn

[@joleon8]

Always gold in every video. Just started to read the Luminosity and contrast e-book a few day ago, and I feel in the best place for my learning process. Regards from Costa Rica

[@Alister_Benn]

Really happy to hear that, enjoy the process

[@alanclark9691]

Good to see you again Alister - and looking rather more relaxed. I found the video very thought-provoking, as usual. You cause me to ponder the issue of creativity and personal creative satisfaction. After watching that video (and indeed previous ones) I find myself asking what is the goal of creativity? Is it exclusively an exercise in delivering internal satisfaction or is external validation a necessary component? Is this equation entirely a personal one, differing from person to person? I don't know the answers. I occasionally post images on Fb but my photography is certainly not social media driven. However, a few 'likes' does provide some social validation for your perceived creativity. I'm very much into competitive club photography that I find immensely challenging, and frequently immensely frustrating. I believe I have a personal photographic style, developed over many years, and while this does not necessarily conform with the current trends that produce good rates of success, I find it incredibly difficult to bend and adapt my natural style. Based somewhat on listening to you, I try to convince myself that producing images that I like and find satisfying is what is really important, the frequent inability to convince a competition judge of the merit of my best work can be deeply frustrating. Does that make sense?

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for the great input Alan. Firstly, internal, external, either, or, or both! All are fine. I'd be lying if I said external validation isn't appreciated, but it's our relationship between praise and criticism that is important. Master, or victim to neither would be my advice. I may well do a video on this. Regarding camera club competitions. Sorry, but there is no win there! Stick to your style would be my advice, otherwise you are actually harming your creativity by trying to bend it to someone else's taste. I love jazz, but I will play rap at the party as that may be more popular with my guests! :-)

[@alanclark9691]

@@Alister_Benn Thanks Alister - a video sounds like a great idea.

[@BruceMcGrath1954]

Mate, that was excellent insight into going your own way in photography…. Kind of Robert the Bruce meets Padre Sean Tucker. Bit philosophy, a bit of music, a dash of LR 👍🏻 love it ❤️. Well off to shop then. Cheers from down under 👍🏻❤️🍷🇦🇺📷

[@Alister_Benn]

G’day! I’m more Wallace than Bruce 🤣

[@howardrankin7119]

Such a powerful video, your approach is inspirational. Beautiful images, particularly the defocussed shot, and the proud sunkissed tree

[@Alister_Benn]

Excellent, very happy to hear that

[@Sir_Grumpalot]

An excellent and thought provoking video Alister. Your decision to reduce the number of videos and concentrate on fewer and more meaningful conversations is a brave but refreshing and fruitful one. Apart from reinforcing the idea of making images based on your own feeling and ideas this video also highlights that identifying the mood of the scene in front of you and accepting that is key to an "expressive" image. Work with whatever nature provides, amplify if you wish, and the result will be all the better and more meaningful. I have both of your ebooks but I feel that I need to revisit them and try and translate the ideas into something that works for me but retains that core idea. Thank you for ongoing efforts and I only wish I could join you in either Spain or Morocco.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Martin, hugely appreciated.

[@dannydivilly6146]

I really dig this style of video. I learn a lot from them. Really great work and photos. Keep it up man.

[@Alister_Benn]

Very pleased to hear that. Thanks very much

[@canuckdon]

Exceptional!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man ❤️

[@philpetrie]

Once again , excellent content , love your thought process , never disappointed with your video's , but I would love to hear more of your guitar playing , I loved those chord progression's that we heard in that small snippet of you playing your guitar

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man, open A#m tuning.

[@markpimlott6056]

Found this very interesting and like the focus on emotions and not on the gear. Refreshing change

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Mark, happy about that...

[@MadeleineLenagh]

What I'm getting from this is that, although we tend to go for maximizing luminosity and contrast to make an impression upon others, what we really need to do is listen carefully to what we want to express as far as emotions go. Which might mean a very quiet landscape instead of a 'wow' landscape.

[@Alister_Benn]

All are valid as long as we are serving our own aesthetic intention. I fear there is a risk that focussing on external validation ultimately does not deliver personal growth.

[@markbargen510]

I was so glad when I saw this new vid pop up!

[@Alister_Benn]

Excellent!! Happy about that. 😃

[@stewartlogie]

It’s not just the popularity of a loud style on social media, part of the issue is that the viewer is looking at the image using a phone over highly compressed channel. Subtly goes out the window. What looked so pleasing on a large screen in Lightroom, or even better in print, gets transformed into mud. I do photograph for myself and post to let others know what I’ve been up to, rather than to demonstrate any imagined artistry. But then I’m not trying to make a living from it.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great point. How images are consumed forces us into this catch 22 all the time. Let’s break the wheel and take back the soul of creativity for ourselves.

[@thomaspopple2291]

Nothing like breaking out the old film camera to help get the creative juices going again. Try it. I guarantee it will help. Also, it is important to let your thoughts flow. The key is not to latch onto any of them.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, we’re taking a vacation in June and I plan on airing the Hasselblad then ❤️

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

Very good video again, and love to hear more of your guitar play too! :D

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man, happy to hear that. I’ll certainly be adding more music as we move forward

[@billdoucet8209]

Really enjoyed this, thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great, thanks 🙏

[@fernandosantos8573]

Hi Alister. Found your channel through Adam Gibbs, and became a fan instantly. Great content, you talk about photography like no other, it feels like poetry. Just purchase your 2 ebooks Luminosity & Contrast and The Colour of Meaning and I wonder which the order to read them, which one to read first? Thank you

[@Alister_Benn]

Sincere thanks, I really appreciate it. Definitely read Luminosity & Contrast first.

[@nostaticatall]

Love the video, the photos and the nice guitar chords and tone. The music suited the image and video footage beautifully. Do you do the music for some of your other videos? Cheers. PS. Just picked up "The Colour of Meaning" and I'm looking forward to reading it.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you. I’ve dropped in the odd music from time to time. Need to do more 😀. Thanks for buying the book, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

[@joelfloyd6328]

Thank you

[@Alister_Benn]

You are very welcome

[@HairJohnnie]

Hello Alister! I would like to see an interview with Neil Burnell. Thanks for your creativity!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks, I’ll bear that in mind

[@HairJohnnie]

@@Alister_Benn I'm looking forward to! I regularly follow your creativity and learn. Along with Adam Gibss and Neil Burnell, you are my teacher. From Russia with love. Good luck!

[@IanSmithFotografi]

Great video mate.. it’s struck a chord with me... and I don’t even play ..

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man, the new 7 string is a dream

[@IanSmithFotografi]

@@Alister_Benn Away from the guitar, I’m feeling my way around landscapes with the Oly 300mm f4 (600mm on ff) .. with your KZbin guidance it produces very interesting pleasing results for me

[@Alister_Benn]

@@IanSmithFotografi excellent. That's a good focal length to explore with. I often wish I had more than just 400!

[@CamillaI]

Great video subscribed only just found you !

[@Alister_Benn]

A warm welcome, I hope you enjoy it here, it’s a bit different 😀

[@ThyWorshipMetal]

I haven’t been out to do photography in almost a month, been playing too much guitar as well 😂

[@Alister_Benn]

Excellent. I realised it’s not about making photographs, it’s about creating a life that contains opportunities to be creative.

[@gruagach1]

oh

[@kevins8575]

That point at which artists discover that they have a job. As I recall, you've faced this before. I suppose we all have or will.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, I’m determined to find that balance that doesn’t mean sellout. 😄

[@andrewherbert9938]

Enjoyed this video just as much without the b roll Alister, although I do love to see your beautiful surroundings as well sometimes

[@Alister_Benn]

Yeah, we’ll see how things develop. I needed to reconnect first and then see how I can build on that without it affecting the experience.