Vision & Light 27: Joe Cornish: Part One

Well, what can be said about this man that can even come close to summarising the impact he has had on landscape photography? Pure and simply, this is one of the deepest and thought-provoking conversations I have had since starting the Vision & Light series.
Joe opens up about his creativity, expression, relationship with the landscape and much, much more.
A must watch episode.
All Photographs: ©Joe Cornish
Video Production: Ann Kristin Lindaas
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[@501CM]

Joe Cornish is arguably the world’s finest landscape photographer.

[@maolbeatha]

A fascinating interview. The part where you were both talking about music, knowing the chords but there was more to it than that, made me realise I may know how to play a "chord" set the camera up, how to focus etc, but I do not know how to make a "tune", to create a picture. A realisation from listening. Thank you for that.

[@kathystoner8916]

I loved this, and maybe part of it was that Joe reminded me of Fred Astaire-one of my heros. I loved it when he said it was more important to capture reality.

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Very enjoyable, thanks, Joe and Alister.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man. I really enjoyed it. Part 2 is a belter.

[@ianiles6430]

What an utter delight that was.

[@aniketabasu4658]

Such a wealth of knowledge... a fantastic interview. Have to listen to it , again and again. Thanks.

[@Alister_Benn]

Excellent, always very happy to hear that

[@nailsenkal58]

Alister this was such a joy. Hard to go further...

[@davidhatton2321]

Joe is on entirely different plane, both in his finished work and his thought process. There are few artists that can articulate the sense of meaning in photography as he can. What a treat to listen to him, Alister. Thanks for inviting him to speak with you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much, and I could not agree more.

[@toddwarnke7719]

12:00 - "The eyewitness tradition really, really does matter. … I love the fact that one of the inherent limitations or strengths of photography is that you had that encounter … and … for me I’m trying to produce something that is an honest and truthful translation ... of the experience." Says it all for me. Thank you for speaking with Mr. Cornish, and thank you Mr. Cornish for all you have done for the world and for us.

[@seanpmeehan]

I usually watch your channel on a TV and hence don't have access to the comments...but after watching this I had to come here to pen my sincerest thanks. I've had Joe's book 'Light and the Art of Landscape Photography' for years now after picking it up used in a thrift store. I've been a huge fan of his work through that book, but have only known him through images and written words. This was simply the most sophisticated, meaningful and transcendent discussion about photography that I've witnessed in some time. Authentic and inspirational. Joe is a treasure. Thank you both for your tremendous contributions to this artform, and I will eagerly anticipate the next installment. Cheers!

[@Alister_Benn]

That’s really kind, and thanks for making the effort. We really appreciate this feedback. Part 2 is a belter 😃

[@tjsinva]

Don't stop!

[@mariamccormick7879]

Super, thank you both.

[@Alister_Benn]

Welcome

[@lzmorais]

Thank You for bringing Joe Cornish to the show. In the late 80's early 90's, Joe Cornish and Charlie Waite where the names I loved to see when reading UK magazines that I had access in Portugal, it always meant good images.

[@Alister_Benn]

Absolutely, he’s a genius

[@Rielcool]

This may be the new top dog of inspiring and insightful episodes of your Vision and Light series. I really felt that I learned a lot from this one. Thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Ah, happy to hear that. Next month: Rachael Talibart

[@DreamBig]

Very inspiritionnal, thanks Alister !

[@geoffstairmand3747]

Inspirational has become a much used word and maybe cliche. Joe Cornish has been (and I can think of no other word) inspirational in my development as a landscape photographer and your interview with him has excited me to the point where this will be viewed more than once this week, and will become a reference point in the future. Thank you Alister for your hard work - you are rapidly becoming the Michael Parkinson of the photographers interview.

[@williamneill8839]

Excellent discussion, gents!

[@chrisalmerini3284]

Profound and so many great ideas shared... One of your best!

[@MattBishopPhotography]

Brilliant interview with one of the most influential wilderness photographers of all time IMO. Thanks for putting it out to us and as always appreciate the hard work and passion you generate to the community

[@MarkRomine]

Wow!

[@lesforrester5318]

What an insight, you could talk to him for hours, we could listen for hours. Thanks Alistair that was superb

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Alister: Thank you for bringing the message of one of my favourite photographers to your channel. I have been following Joe for years, and I really enjoy the simplicity and authentic nature of his approach to creating images. I am equally pleased to hear that Joe tries to capture images that are real and in the moment, and that he has been able to avoid the temptation of removing distracting elements in his images. To me; Joe Cornish, Art Wolfe and Dewitt Jones are great story tellers about their experiences associated with photography. I could listen to them for hours, and it would be a life-long dream to reach only a small fraction of their talent. I can't wait to hear the remaining segment of this interview. Thanks again. Cheers, Keith

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks. He’s such a master and a very gentle lovely man

[@jarit_1495]

Thank you for this very deep conversation. It taught me a lot - the best way to learn, it seems, is to listen to the giants.

[@jazzvidjazzvid]

An astonishingly good interview with a true master. Joe's wisdom, skill and insight is truly humbling and at the same time inspirational. Thank you so much for your sympathetic interviewing style here which allows Joe to talk at length and from the heart. Just like his photography Joe's answers make an emotional connection and I think that many like myself will be waiting with excitement for next episode. I think Joe's motto could be 'Speak softly and carry a big stick' Thanks once again Alister:)

[@MichaelBlanchette]

Cool to hear from a known master in the field

[@ianmorris2098]

Wow, thank you Alistair and Joe for one of the best interviews it has been my good fortune to take in. Some very insightful responses to good questions still left me feeling we had barely scratched the surface on Joe's experiences and thought processes. Well done.

[@nickshepherd8377]

Fantastic! Articulate, insightful and inspirational discussion. Cant wait for part 2. Love the AV of all the images at the end where you can put into context what was discussed earlier. It is interesting how much you learn from listening to a conversation ...education in another format which outshines the “direct tuition “ which is all too common these days.👍👏👏👏

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks man, we really appreciate. These videos take a lot of putting together and it’s great when that’s recognised

[@jacktaylor6190]

You get a sense from his photography that he has been doing this for a long time, amazing! Great video Alister look forward to part 2!

[@PeterMcCabePhoto]

By far my favourite episode yet Alister. Joe was and is an inspiration to me when I first got into photography. It was wonderful to hear the insights of a master craftsman.

[@dannynash5713]

Fascinating interview/conversation Alister! A great guest choice! Looking forward to part 2! 👏👌

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks, I loved this one

[@gerryd7422]

Tremendous interview; thanks

[@timwootton4649]

Another great interview with one of the greats! I would love to spend a day in the field with Joe and watch him at work, the things you would learn!

[@Alister_Benn]

Me too 😀

[@stephensmith9236]

Great interview - really enjoyed it and learned more. So I just need to keep practising for another 35 years!

[@steveforden]

What a wonderful interview. I admire Joe so much and this was such a fascinating discussion

[@normannichols7863]

wonderful interview!

[@Hirsutechin]

Accessible, absorbing and pithy; I can see me watching this one several times over as well as eagerly awaiting part 2. Much to enjoy and appreciate from Joe, thank you!

[@MaciejMarkiewicz]

Fantastic one :) Always so much pleasure to listen to Joe Cornish!

[@philipculbertson55]

Joe is one of my favorites. This interview was astoundingly valuable. Wonderfully done. I hope at some point you can get Charlie Waite on one of these. He is also a favorite of mine. I already commented on the music but I really enjoy your playing as background music to the videos now.

[@runninblue9415]

Thanks for capturing some of his thoughts for posterity, could listen to him for hours. Distilled wisdom. Intelligent stuff. That's some address book you've got there, superb thank you

[@howardrankin7119]

What a wonderful interview. Profound insights from a thoughtful, masterful artist

[@Alister_Benn]

Absolutely, one of the very best

[@deanludwig1]

What a great interview! Good to see and hear first hand of how a talented artist arrived at where he is today. 👍🏼

[@blivieriphoto]

Excellent!! I get a kick out of your comment "I could talk for hours"... Seems to me this is true of most people you interview; and probably true of just about everyone. You have a way about you that gets people to open up. Love these chats!! Thanks!

[@Alister_Benn]

😎 yes, I was in awe 🥰

[@iaincphotography6051]

Very enjoyable, the only thing there was too much of was trees and hills! I visit his gallery often (not at the moment) and he has on view a fair amount of coastal work. When I look at that I see the real Joe Cornish, it's sublime, exquisite and it seems like he really felt what he was photographing. Too many to mention but one stands out and it is called Curling Kelp. I wonder if it has something to do with him coming from Devon?

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for that. These are the images Joe sent to be included in the presentation, so they were his choice.

[@iaincphotography6051]

@@Alister_Benn He must be holding them back LOL. I almost get the feeling he does them for himself rather than sell. You'll have to ask him next time. As I said it was good listening to both of you. Regarding your work, I love Sanctum, All of me, & Fractured.

[@vlaney21]

Very thoughtful questions that seemed to bring out the very essence of Joe's philosophy about photography. I also always enjoy the end when you give each photo it's own special screen time...the music (yours?) that accompanied the photos was perfect.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks, I very much enjoyed it. Yes, the music is mine.

[@ejpeiker]

Really enjoyed the conversation and the imagery was stunning.

[@aparajito1]

One of the most interesting interview I watched for a long time.Very deep & inspiring.Thank you

[@lynnmiddleton-flynn]

Thank you both, beautiful explanation of photography and the involvement with the land

[@plantherain]

synchronicity 🌳

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks

[@douglasritchie2836]

A lovely insightful interview Alister, I have followed Joe for over 30 years, love his work, he has got many annoyingly good shots from Scotland over the years. Just seeing the images has me champing at the bit to get North again and your recent trip to Glencoe didn't help either! Look forward to the second part.

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoyed it - We're here waiting for you.

[@thenewbrunswicklandscapeph6614]

Wow What a great listen! Lots of great things discussed, its almost like we could have a further in depth discussion of all the things that were talked about here!

[@jhonnybakkenphotography]

Thanks for a wonderful video. Love Your thoughts about how our mind "rework" all the feelings and emotions we meet in our daily live, and how it translate those into our photographic art.

[@MBKinney1]

Excellent

[@josefernandezgarcia9146]

I love this interview Alister

[@Alister_Benn]

🥰 thanks mate

[@lisarobertson7011]

that was so interesting to listen to! thank you Alister

[@JP-cc4ql]

Damn that was good.Very insightful

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks so very much

[@andrewherbert9938]

Fantastic

[@ruudmaas2480]

Wauw !!!

[@andrewsimpson5436]

You know I'm going to say what a load of arty farty bollocks but it didn't last 30 minutes, you played it at 6X speed. You can tell me, you did, didn't you?? I know you and others have said it a thousand times about the interaction with what we see in nature but POW! Kerching! Joe hits full on Batman and I can see the murky mist clear to a whole new world. :-) Great interview on both sides.

[@howardallen5390]

I thought that after a doggy start where you insulted Joe over his age, and I expected the interview to end abruptly with a few choice words, I thought it went very well. Joe is obviously a very thoughtful photographer and he can manipulate the English language as well as he can articulate his camera.

[@Alister_Benn]

Ha, I thought I was super respectful. I’m in awe of Joe