Understanding the Power of Luminosity in Landscape Photography

[@robertd.skonbladandersson269]

Alister -- I just recently found your channel, and i love the way you link the emotional and the technical in your videos. It's given me a new way of thinking about photography. The name Expressive Photography really hits the nail on the head!

[@Alister_Benn]

Robert D. Skönblad Andersson thank you so much. Yes, for me photography should be about engagement and expression. I’m really pleased you like the channel and hope it grows sufficiently to reach a broader audience. Thanks again.

[@alangauld6079]

Interesting video, especially the processing part. I'm always amused by how fashions have changed over my time as a photographer. Back in the 60s and 70s if you took a waterfall slower than 1/15s(or faster than 1/125) you'd be shot down in flames by any club judge. Now if we saw one at the then "recommended" speeds of 1/30 or 1/60th we'd think it was poor! I loved the sideways shot with snow on both sides and how you controlled the brightness.

[@abhayrege8509]

The thoughts and inputs in this video are truly at next level. Great work and thanks for this, Alister...

[@steveh1273]

Enjoy your channel Alister. I especially appreciate the thoughtfulness and expressions you relate to your images. I think you are unique in that among all the KZbin photography channels, and I think it is the essence of that which makes it art rather than just a photograph.

[@Alister_Benn]

Steve H thanks again for your comment, and of course I agree very much. We’re committed now to weekly posting and have a lot of content to get out there.

[@howardallen5390]

We're in the middle of storm Ciara (probably the same as you?) and Louis, my dog, needed walking, so we both got absolutely soaked earlier today. It was much too wet for photography especially as my camera is not waterproof. However, inspired by your video, I'm now planning to visit a local waterfall in the morning when hopefully the storm has subsided a little but the waterfall will be in full flow.

[@Alister_Benn]

Howard Allen sounds like a great plan, although no storm for us as we’re exploring Morocco for a new workshop next February 😁 many thanks for your kind words, really appreciated.

[@elliegleason6635]

Alister ~ After just discovering & subscribing to your channel,I'm experiencing the videos as a delightful interruption of my routine tasks. Better yet- very engaging as you pointedly intertwine human emotions with elements of the natural world! Thanks for sharing your expertise on a personal level. I look forward to replays and more of your work.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much for the kind feedback, that means a lot to me and makes my work feel worthwhile ❤️

[@tjmanou6422]

Exceptional channel on landscape photography. All about actual photography and is very educational as well. thank you very much. Really enjoy your teachings. and your photographs are great too. thank you ❤

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much, very much appreciated

[@alangauld6079]

I was saddened to hear that Galen Rowell was now "late" I hadn't heard of his passing. I was lucky enough to meet him at a lecture he gave in Edinburgh in the early 80s about a ski trip to Baffin Island. A lovely man and a great photographer.

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes, 2001 I think it was, tragic accident

[@brucehyman]

Alister, I've been enjoying your tutorials... for one, they remind me of a marvelous visit to Scotland a while ago. I appreciate your willingness to experiment on-the-fly, to talk to us as you talk to yourself, to mix the techincal with the artistic, to know when enough is enough... thank you!

[@Alister_Benn]

Great to hear! many thanks. yes, we live in a beautiful part of the world.

[@TenorScotty]

Having discovered your videos only a few days ago, I have been blown away by your incredible skills as a communicator and as a photographer. As a full time pianist and teacher I can fully relate to the emotional element you so beautifully incorporate in your craft. Until seeing your videos I had no idea how to do this in my own photography but now I am seeing things so much clearer. Thank you so much.

[@Alister_Benn]

It's comments like this that make the job worthwhile. A simple thank you does not convey my true appreciation for your feedback. But, THANK YOU! :-)

[@majamidzor3801]

After watching several of your videos during last 2 days, I can say I find your content highly valuable. Your calmness is relaxing and captivating, the way you simplify things to the essentials reveals your vast knowledge on photography and I suppose on life in general. You are like a mentor I've been searching for since starting in photography many years ago. Thank you for that, keep doing what you're doing because the comunity needs your input. Bye!

[@Alister_Benn]

Wow, thank you! - That's really kind and encouraging, thank you.

[@terryolsen4244]

Alister, I've recently discovered (and subscribed to) your channel. I'm working my way through all your videos. I want to tell you that your information and training is some of (if not the) best that I've found on KZbin! Thanks so much for sharing your experience and knowledge.

[@Alister_Benn]

Terry Olsen that’s awesome to hear, it’s really humbling. I really appreciate your words and support. Thank you

[@johnharrington6357]

Having just discovered your channel I do find these tutorials an absolute find and incredibly beneficial. I now look at waterfalls differently

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so much for that, it's really great to hear.

[@damiensky4259]

wouldn't be easier to use luminosity mask then edit the mask ?

[@Alister_Benn]

I don’t edit masks, but I do often put a group mask on and edit that.

[@pbziegler]

I feel like I have been in a two day workshop with you. Spent most of yesterday going over and over the videos on the history brush and trying out each step. Now starting in on the rest of your videos and there is so much I respond to in your thinking and so much to discover for applying to my own images. Your ideas, your images and your videos are masterful.

[@Alister_Benn]

That’s awesome, so pleased to hear that. I have many more videos lined up, but we are also starting a month of our own workshops today, so lots of people to talk to. Thanks again for your kind words.

[@pbziegler]

@@Alister_Benn Lucky workshop participants.

[@MLC48]

I just found your channel and I love it! You use the same post-processing programs that I use, including TK7 panel. Thank you for showing how you use these programs on a real photo. Thank you for providing the reasons behind why a photo is engaging to the audience; Now I can look for these specific things in the scene. I look forward to watching your previous postings.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you Mary, many more video to come

[@dannynash5713]

Missed this at the time and really glad it popped up! Beautiful work Alister and stunning images! 👏👏👏👊🙋‍♂️

[@juliangreaves7314]

Thanks again Alister. This series has been hugely informative and engaging and I look forward to the next edition. Best, Julian

[@Alister_Benn]

Very big thanks. Another scheduled for Sunday when I cover what I consider to be the best dodge/burn method.

[@heguiluz]

Great video. You are a great teacher :)

[@Alister_Benn]

heguiluz thank you so much

[@Snickers_GLNY]

Awesome video. Thanks.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that

[@simonkipper2657]

Very informative Alister thank you

[@andrewCraven1]

Great video thanks Alister and some fantastic images. Your boldness with those slider bars always catches me by surprise; as does the boldness, uniqueness and strength of your compositions :)

[@Alister_Benn]

Andrew Craven thank you so much, that is a real pleasure to hear.

[@jefftrapp5407]

Wow, lots ot think about and learn here! Thanks, these are great!

[@Alister_Benn]

Brilliant mate, so happy you like them

[@aliciatangotweety4815]

Alister: would you consider doing a series on how to process b&w, please?

[@Alister_Benn]

Yes, for sure. I do cover it in my Luminosity & Contrast book in a lot of detail, but I will do some on here too.

[@aliciatangotweety4815]

@@Alister_Benn I will look at the book!

[@timnevellphotography]

Great channel Alister, liked & followed. Please keep up this type of video, by far the best photography channel for learning that I have found so far. . . Ive been a fan of your work for years, but only just found this, so thanks for giving me a new creative way of thinking about my photography. . . Regards Tim

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Tim very much. I only regret I didn't start this channel sooner!! It's rapidly becoming our work focus when not running workshops.

[@StephenMilner]

Hey, what a fantastic video. Keep up the excellent work! I look forward to your next video.

[@Alister_Benn]

Many thanks, very much appreciated

[@brianaikens7282]

Another excellent and insightful video. Many thanks.

[@Alister_Benn]

Brian Aikens thanks man, We’re really enjoying the process

[@johannesp1422]

Thanks again for sharing your vision and your explanation about editing. Very good and handy! I wish we had waterfalls. :-(

[@Alister_Benn]

Johan Pannekoek thanks again, much appreciated. I’m in the desert of Morocco right now and yes, missing the waterfalls 😀

[@i.moutdoors2596]

I have just found your channel and thoroughly enjoyed the 2 videos i have watched. Very informative and by far the best taught techniques on youtube. It is a thumbs up for me and a subscribe. Many thanks

[@Alister_Benn]

Delighted to hear that, thanks very much.

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Alister: This was a great video for me as it addressed a learning challenge I am having with Luminosity Masks. I have recently purchased the TK7 Panels, and watched the accompanying training videos from Sean Bagshaw. Your explanation of how and when to use the Luminosity Mask techniques was tremendously helpful. I also have been using the Nik Collection since it was first available so it was great to see that you use both within your workflow. Keep safe and thanks again. Cheers, Keith Pinn (Ontario Canada)

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Keith, that’s great to hear. I’ll be making some more creativity focussed TK videos in the coming months. Thanks very much for your comment

[@DreamBig]

Another engaging video. Hope you will get the success that it deserves 👍

[@Alister_Benn]

Delighted to hear that, and yes, the numbers are heading in the right direction, but a long way to go until I can get the message out to a bigger audience. Thanks again for your support.

[@BVRainer]

Very thorough and informative, thank you. (Wonderful images as well.)

[@Alister_Benn]

Bill Rainer that’s great to hear, very much appreciated

[@wirinharwirjawan6422]

Great info and thanks again, Alister!!!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man, glad you like it. Much appreciate your support.

[@melissahall7009]

The images turned out awesome. Thanks again!! Great tips.

[@Alister_Benn]

sincere thanks, Much appreciated.

[@josephcole3187]

Great stuff i will certainly try out these techniques thanks Alister!!

[@Alister_Benn]

Joseph Cole hey man, great, looking forward to seeing the results.

[@miltonpics]

This is a great video, has given me a few ideas to try out. Thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Peter Milton pleased to hear that

[@trevorhughes7399]

Just discovered your channel, thanks to Adam Gibbs. I have your books and enjoy them and your videos don’t disappoint either. Many thanks! Subscribed.

[@Alister_Benn]

Trevor Hughes I’m really delighted to hear that, I owe Adam a pint!! Thanks very much for your support.

[@trevorhughes7399]

Expressive Photography It’s my pleasure Alister. I live in Sutherland and love Skye, at least I did until it became so popular! My last visit was some years ago, out of season (mid October) and I was shocked at just how many thoughtless drivers there were. Campervans were everywhere, pulled up on the verges, blocking the roads for all other traffic. It took an hour to get across the first mile of the road from Staffin to Uig. Such a shame that the few can spoil things for the majority. I feel sorry for locals that need to use the roads to go about their business. Keep up the great work and I look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@Alister_Benn]

Trevor Hughes thanks. Yes, I lived on Skye until a year ago and just could stand it. We’ve moved down to Ardgour and it’s so much quieter and loads of undiscovered landscapes. More vids coming. Thanks again.

[@tomfriend24081959]

Excellent Video!!!

[@Alister_Benn]

thomas freund I appreciate that very much, thanks.

[@jlr3636]

Alister- really enjoying your work, I’m nearing 70 and just starting to explore photography, I use to take snapshots. In the past I thought I had to have a big white lens and capture everything, now I’m learning to slow down and focus on detail and simplicity. Having limited funds to invest in equipment and software I was wondering if using some of the open source software such as Gimp and Raw Therapee is a viable option. Thanks for the videos

[@Alister_Benn]

Jerel Reeves Firstly, many thanks for your comment. Age is certainly no barrier to exploring the world creatively, in fact you undoubtedly have many profound insights. Money has always been an issue with photography and now more than ever there are cheaper options. I know of GIMP and tried it out maybe 15 years ago. I don’t have any recent experience, but it was useful back then. I wish you all the best and hope you enjoy the journey. There is much beauty out there beyond the doorstep.

[@paulhudson5464]

Video number two watched, equally as good and learnt plenty. Do need to get back up to Scotland for some more photography/walking has been a couple of years now.

[@Alister_Benn]

Paul Hudson thanks again, yes Scotland has a special feel about it. We’re in the Sahara just now and it’s gorgeous, but I do miss the atmosphere of a Scottish winter day.

[@hervebais554]

Superbe...merci beaucoup 👏🙏😍

[@Alister_Benn]

Hervé Baïs and thank you too