Where To Focus For Landscape Photography

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Have you ever focused your lens expecting to get a perfectly sharp image but parts of it just come out soft and blurry? This video explains how to fix that.
I give you yet another sneak peak of some of the content in my upcoming 'Mastering Sharpness' course for free. What better way to demonstrate the barely known 'Hardcastle Method' of focusing for landscape photography than to get spuds deep in a raging river at -13 °C?
Behold my angelic falsetto!
Amanda delivers some truly atrocious camera work after I demonstrate the 'Lemon Roll'. Never let it be said that I don't do my own stunts.
Not only does my super simple focusing method turn out exactly as predicted but I manage to bag a spectacular waterfall scene that's straight out of a winter fairy tail. Snow, ice and dangerously cold temperatures... I couldn't be happier.
To top it all off, my pants actually become frozen solid but do you ever get the impression that your cat actually wants to watch you suffer?
Will Amanda be able to carry my frozen body out of the canyon? Will I sing the middle section of Bohemian Rhapsody with my falsetto pipes and how do I get my entire image 'tack sharp'?
There's really only one way to find out.
Thanks for watching
Gavin Hardcastle - Fototripper
VIDEO CHAPTERS:
🔘The Irish Landscape Photographer Interrupts: 0:24
🔘Hiking To A Frozen Waterfall : 2:56
🔘Amanda Gives Me A Scare 4:36
🔘The Heroic 'Lemon Roll' : 5:12
🔘Finding A Composition: 6:33
🔘The 'Hardcastle Method' of Focusing: 8:07
🔘My Tack Sharp Image: 11:13
🔘Eye On The Prize: 20:50
🔘The Full Bucket: 23:01
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#landscapephotography #fototripper #tutorial

[@fototripper]

Pre-Order Mastering Sharpness: www.fototripper.com/store/mastering-sharpness/

[@pal54321]

when's the next hardcastle towers ep coming out, dying to see all the progress.

[@kencawley3121]

Ordered. Looking forward to its release.

[@fototripper]

@@kencawley3121 Thanks Ken :)

[@markh2719]

Hey Gavin, already ordered! I'm hoping that you will also show us your best method to get nice and sharp images in low light conditions. Also hoping you will include some post processing work as part of your course.

[@kencawley3121]

Maybe a bonus video on protecting the family jewels in sub zero water excursions.

[@anthonymara4533]

Can't wait for your next book Gavin... Chasing Hypothermia With Gavin Hardcastle... Sure to be filled to the brim with chilling stories of winter perseverance. Someone once asked me to trudge into a winter river for a photo, I thought about it for a moment... Then the momentary lapse of reason passed and I looked for a different composition, that's how I know I'm not crazy, never you mind that time I tried to take a photo of a rattle snakes tonsils with a macro lens. No, I did not get the shot, impatient buggers.

[@fototripper]

Even I draw the line at kissing rattlers.

[@anthonymara4533]

@@fototripper Wasn't my most cunning of moves, though turns out I'll soon be spending time in a reptile house for a local zoo... Lets hope I don't get too friendly with their less laid back guests, small sacrifice for me though. They have an Eastern Hellbender [Giant Salamander] and I dearly want to get some shots of it.

[@noahdewey8452]

Just received your book in the mail. It’s impressive my friend. Looking forward to reading it!!

[@fototripper]

@@noahdewey8452 Awesome. Thanks and enjoy :)

[@peterfritzphoto]

Thank God I tickled your bell years ago. If I tickled it now, it might shatter.

[@normanlong2191]

Right then, after viewing this silliness its time for you to bow out Gavin and hand the reigns to Amanda .she is more intelligent, speaks better , has a much better screen presence and everyone knows she is the one with the photography knowledge ! face it if her name was on your Book it would be in its tenth reprint so off ya go theres a good chap !

[@jimalbrightjr.9229]

Can't believe you got that deep in there, crazy! Have the marbles descended from their artic plunge?! 🤣 Seriously, great shots, good focus trick and entertaining as always!

[@fototripper]

Eventually.

[@rogerwalton8160]

I used to be a stupid photographer too but I'm too old now! Great video.

[@MhDizzy]

Gavin, massive props to you for getting into the thick of it. Even in the other video, I was like F**King hell that must be cold, mad b****rd....fair play, loved it🤙

[@paulus0109]

I allways thaught it, now i now… you are crazy Gavin!

[@pc1189]

Kudos on the lemon roll😂 as always your drone footage is fantastic! I hope by the time you get to my age common sense will have a better grip on you Gavin 😂 Honest to goodness am glad you didn’t fall in completely. Take care of yourself and Amanda.

[@marvinspates924]

All I have to say is- l love Amanda!!!! What a trooper she is!😱😳😱🥶🥶🥶

[@huubdegroot]

Love your videos Gavin. Learn a lot and enjoy them, but that humor is fantastic. Your voice changing in the cold water 🤣Thank you very much!

[@kencawley3121]

Always amazed at the lengths you'll go to get the shot.

[@colmranger]

My mum passed away recently been very sad. However your wonderful videos are my tonic, always give me a positive lift long live your channel your a legend

[@fototripper]

Sad to hear that Colm. Glad to have provided a smile.

[@p16rre]

Hilarious, once again, but how you still manage to educate, with your *technicals* dangling in an ice cold raging torrent, is what I find most amazing! 😂 talk about suffering for your art!

[@garyverstick1620]

“Bag of hammered clams” is probably the most eloquent and descriptive of face descriptions yet! 🤣 I plan to use this without accreditation.

[@veivoli]

Ah, but he was as happy as a clam! 😁

[@cgriggsiv]

That was extremely funny 😂 Excellent quote of words ( my face is hammered like a bag of clams ) You have no idea how well that works Because I live on lack of sleep And that is pretty much exactly how I feel twenty-four hours a day 7 days a week

[@MrDeano41]

Fantastic shots Gavin. Gotta admit you getting in that water was making my Crown Jewels go internal 😂😂😂👍

[@keddy6live]

Gavin Hardcastle, proof that humour and instruction do mix

[@NeilArthurs]

Absolutely fantastic video had me in a good laugh 😂 great to see Darren in there plugging his wears! He's an inspiration to all us Irish looking to make the transition into KZbin 😃 cheers to ya both!

[@thomashall3026]

With no dry bag this was a nerve-racking watch.

[@kurts_aviation]

great vlog as always we do love to see you suffer for your art, very entertaining and funny.

[@bubby372]

You are a brave and funny man. Great shots.

[@AcuraTechMan]

I’m so happy to see the ice water dedication again. Fantaguifiquestic

[@johnclarke1319]

yes more photographers out in the freezing cold. lets have something original, a photographer in Bermuda shorts with a pina colada! i want to feel warm watching not have to switch you off.

[@briansorrells8126]

Awesome video and excellent information! Thank you!

[@photosonthebay9341]

Brilliant as usual. Very entertaining and informative 👌🏼

[@JeffWeymier]

Great vlog Gavin. Be safe out there.

[@robbinsdrones]

Beautiful pics - amazing location, great stuff! 🥶

[@geofftonks8960]

You’re a good’n. Always enjoy watching you guys. Brings a smile to the dial every time.

[@mortenandersen6313]

Always a blast to watch your videos. Always remember to stay safe 😊👍

[@ianbell5254]

Brilliant effort in zero conditions and great info in focus cheers 🥶🥶🥶🥶🥶

[@nightspore4850]

Well, Gavin, you’re a hell of a good photographer and a better, tougher man than I am. I’d rather throw the damn camera in the stream and tell it to take its own freaking pictures than stand ass deep in freezing water and then wear wet clothes for half an hour in a Canadian winter. It’s like something out of Dante’s . I salute you. I also question your mental (though not physical) stability, but then what’s art without a little madness?

[@KenJencks]

Thank you! I really enjoy your videos. I am learning from you.

[@chrisburnard5157]

Great content as always. Thank you.

[@alien6551]

Brilliant video

[@Canuck21530]

Good tip for sharp focusing , something new I learned thanks and hats off to your efforts in the cold water .

[@michaelbottari6398]

Gavin, you are a Beast. Your Videos are always my sunday evening routine with a good glass of wine. Great Images as everytime. Chears... 😀😀😀

[@garraestudio6521]

Very nice job! Congratulations!!!!!!!📷📷📷

[@martinpriest5446]

another great video Gavin,It makes me feel freezing just watching, so inspiring to get out in any conditions, but I am glad we don't get temperatures like the here, thanks for some very interesting tips in focusing,

[@westvirginianlivin9871]

Since we never really had a winter this year here in WV i have to be content with the few frozen fall shots i got and sit back and envy these ones you got. Those were definitely worth that trip. That just looked like a fun trip too.

[@steffore1]

Your a star Gavin for going through the pain to get a winning shot 👏👏👏

[@brunoribeiro7095]

05:35, your earned my like there 😂Love your videos and keep going!

[@angelaandrew3039]

Thanks Gav, this really helped me a lot. I never new about the rear object focus preference rather than the near object focus. Cameras are weird things hey...

[@nickshepherd8377]

Great video and great photos…I admire your dedication to the cause especially when I am warm at home sipping hot chocolate!

[@BoneTime]

Love you Amanda, Gavin... Freakin bizarre but oh yea.

[@joelcleare]

Photo location guides are priceless. Sold.

[@jpprovost64]

so fun !

[@j16m02]

Dude! You are truly crazy! But, then that's why you get amazing images and I get snap shots. Just be safe. Oh, and Amanda is a total saint.

[@Tukkerson]

Holy crap, that's dedication!

[@clivewoolley4492]

You are a very lucky man to have beautiful Amanda with you on these trips, great video focusing at back first I will do from now on lets have more some guys.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

You are beyond nuts!! Great shots however and your point about focus is well-taken.

[@robertnystrom289]

Great shot of that fall... and I didn't feel a thing!

[@bodythetan]

That was truly trezmefiqua waterfall action 😍

[@kennygo8300]

I won't get in the "cold" water in Texas during the winter. You're a trooper for your craft!

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I need to get some hip waders for shots like this. I have wellies but they're not high enough. Cool photos in the end!

[@radeondutch]

Nice jacket Amanda!🎉

[@blaketatar1239]

You are CERTIFIABLE!! I found you through Simon d’Entremont’s videos. Love your stuff. I learned from you and also pulled a muscle from laughing!! Thanks for posting such helpful and entertaining videos.

[@geomatrix5452]

Hey Gavin, I always enjoy your vlog. Great humor imbeded! Super shots and scenes. Not sure if you've got anything with you on these trips to the creek, but would be a great safety idea to carry an "Emergency Dry Pack" juuuusssst in case you unwillingly do take a plunge... Keep it dry! Be Safe! 👍👍

[@playoflightphotographicsllc]

Breathing on the ball head? Does Amanda know?! You are far more graceful on your lemon rolls than I am!

[@dcallan812]

Oh Darrens book looks interesting. More of lemon tart if you ask me. Great video 2x👍

[@basbox]

Getting cold from waching:-)) THx for this heroic action!!

[@mickeystine3100]

Very nice shots 👍👍👍

[@vinstyles]

loved this vid....

[@brianmckeever5280]

Frozen pants, so funny. Thank you for the sacrifice of the nether reaches for some good tips and great images. Hot chocolate sounds wonderful!

[@DavidSwarthout]

Gavin, you are one crazy guy. I would never immerse myself in icy water with my camera and lens in my hands internationally. But KZbinrs must make it interesting and of course, I laugh at your antics all the time. Keep up the good work!

[@dalepowell5368]

Heroic effort! Braver than me. Cracking shot, was worth the suffering.

[@robertbrown5052]

Oh Lawd! That was great. The shrinkage should not be permanent (tell Amanda they will drop again). It’s also good to know that if you every lost your camera you could do opera- beautiful soprano voice there mate! Thanks for showing what a true grit landscape photographer lives (and nearly dies) for!!

[@composedlight6850]

Good show --- i will try your advice with focus towards the back of the sceen Thanks

[@madebyPure]

Digging the new songs in this episode. Nothing against the fototripper classic tunes but variety is the spice of life as they say.

[@ColoradoWolf]

Finally ordered your book!!! I expect it will be money well spent!!😊

[@fototripper]

Thanks Jim.

[@terryambrose6260]

I’ve been waiting and waiting for the ice shot ever since you were there when it was totally green. You did not disappoint. Like Van Gogh himself, suffering for your art yields trez-mendous results

[@dukesc5562]

Hilarious. But worth the shot for sure! Loved the pinky and perky voice 😂😂😂😂

[@billybraithwaite67]

Laughed so hard I couldn’t focus..which misses the point somewhat 😂😂 Brilliant photos & advice as always Mr H 👏

[@merkin22]

You two are adorable (and hilarious) together. I've said this before, but fer gawd's sake man, buy yourself some quality waders! Love your work and videos!

[@richcower]

Nice shots and a great tip. This one made my nads ache…and I’m sitting on my behind in a warm house. No way in hell would I get in that water, not ever.

[@amerphoto1]

There is no doubt about it Gavin, that you do go above and beyond to get your photos. Ever hear of neoprene as in a wet suit or dry suit?

[@davebryer6133]

Gavin the last time you got in the river in the super cold weather I suggested you did not let Amanda know about it, and this time you brought her along. So much for heeding my advice, lol. But maybe it is time to invest in a set of waders that people use for fly fishing.

[@nevillewatkins4997]

I hear that trendsetter Adam Gibbs has a nice pair of waders. Although, I'm thinking a frogman's suit might be more appropriate. 😄

[@user-jd1sm1vw2x]

You're completely mad! I was in panic mode throughout the entire video. I've never seen Thomas Heaton wade into a fast flowing winter stream. 😂

[@user-jd1sm1vw2x]

I forgot to add... For what it's worth, the results of freezing your rocks off is a totally amazing photograph.

[@crowtheri]

Bonkers, Gav! Only you would take it to this level 🤣🤣 Not sure sharpness would be my first thought as water reached the cojones - when you’d rather be resting on biffins bridge! Still, original shots are what this game is all about! Cheers and keep ‘em coming 👌

[@annvarley9204]

Well done! You madman!! I was right frightened for you AND your rig in that water. Have you ever been dunked and taken the camera with ya? Don't tell me. Thank you for the effort and the focus lesson. 👍

[@fototripper]

Not fully dunked.

[@richardpesce5325]

Gavin, you are so very fortunate to have Amanda! She deserves her own book! I did pre-order in the description below😁

[@fototripper]

Thanks Richard.

[@pattymattes7124]

I did go back and watch that completely hypothermic video. First time I watched it I felt frigid and I felt frigid watching that again. I really think you should go back to that one and edit a warning message saying, DON'T DO THIS! Well at least for this one getting your pants frozen was worth the shot. Good thing you had Amanda with you. Looks like she was more successful doing the lemon roll, LOL. I love your videos!!!

[@Trish12303]

Ummmmm…. Just a little too cold for this wussy! lol Great video Gavin, you are one brave soul!!

[@snoozinglion8596]

Lemon roll.... ha ha... too funny... thanks for the chuckles (and advice) Cheers!

[@stevebanks484]

You see Gavin, that’s the joy of being an amateur photographer - I don’t have to sacrifice my testes for the money-shot. Mind you, we don’t tend to get much snow, I’ve and minus 13 temperatures here in Australia 🤔. Hope you’ve thawed out mate 🥶

[@nevillewatkins4997]

You're mad Gavin! 😃

[@birds2bears]

May I be bold and recommend chest waiters and non slip boots. I use them for fly fishing as well as playing in the water with camera gear. Patagonia makes a men’s Swiftcurrent that might work for you. The fishing world likes to branch out, you could get a complimentary set to show off in you videos. Please don’t freeze to death, I enjoy your work and watching your videos.

[@ian-robinson]

You must have anti-freeze running through your veins. Respect big man

[@fototripper]

I'm wrapped in blubber so that helps.

[@syednadal9142]

Thanks boss

[@JasonLorette]

"The testicles are in the water"! You are braver than I dude...bravo!😂

[@barclayjb]

That was a great shot with you standing in the water. You should do that more often. Given any thought to "cliff photography"?

[@hybboul7377]

Amanda, you are a saint !! I wouldn’t blame you if you had “ So…Cold “ on repeat, you know, just to watch Gavin suffer ! 😂 Take care, great channel !

[@ookiemand]

This guy has balls of steel, umm.. ice! Nice focusing tip!

[@MrSimonj1970]

Did you mention the secret formula? DOF falls 1/3 in front and 2/3 behind the point of focus! Maybe I missed it.

[@michaelwhiles5282]

Any update on the church ? Love your videos, Darrens book sounds really interesting....

[@fototripper]

Soon...

[@brianbeattyphotography]

love some good frozen waterfalls. but man.. what a painful way to get down there hahaha

[@Donmoyers71]

Haha! If you ever come to Colorado again, i'd love to go out and shoot with you. Im in the Denver area. Cheers

[@zayitloud]

I don't know how I manage to laugh at another man's suffering🤣, Was it worth the effort? Nonetheless this is proof that you're willing to go the distance just to get the shot. I've been in similar situations but I haven't had the courage to get into the water for the shot. Hats off to you! The Gavin focusing method I will give it a try, thanks for the tip and for another entertaining video!

[@yoann1631]

Je découvre la chaîne, j'adore. Mais il faut acheter des waders ! 😅

[@jeffklpo]

Awesome work Gavin, thanks for the tips, might make a decent photographer outta me yet, if you ever come to NB. I'd love to collaborate