Thank you for sharing. It's always a real pleasure to listen and watch your films. For me it's like a fresh glass of highland spring water when you haven't had a drink for days - totally refreshing and thoughtful. You stand out from the crowd of others I watch, long may you continue. I can't help feeling you should have a few million followers. Take care, till next time.
Hey Paul. Lovely to hear from you and these are some nice comments very kind sir! Good to have you along for the jour eh if these blogs, as infrequent as they have been. I will try and be more frequent in the future. Hope you are well. Regards. Ewan.
Hey Simon. Always appreciate your feedback and I tried to make it as close to the other films I put out on the past despite being outta practice ! You in hospital. What on earth is wrong?
Thoroughly enjoyable film Ewan. I really didn’t expect you to get anything on a day like that. Just goes to show that you only need a bit of sky detail to pull out two cracking shots. I’m not sure about the term Hero Piece though. That’s not to say the images are less beautiful, it’s a personal preference on words I think.
Hey Simon. Thanks buddy. It’s a real Interesting discussion about hero piece, or however we term it. It’s something probably which is really prominent in some of the macro stuff you do on your channel actually. As I say an interesting discussion and the challenge of thinking being the point to the vid. Call me ‘alternative’ maybe. lol. Hope you are well. We must catch up soon buddy. Ewan
What a great vlog Ewan! And nice to see you back again. I couldn't agree with you more! Photographers so often get "hung up" on the 'rules of composition' - that they miss the shot in front of them. You make a great point in this video - and I'll keep it in mind on my next outings. Great shots at the end! Thanks. Keep up the good work. Cheers!
Hey Alan, good to hear from you again. Yes, I completely agree. As I read your reply, I was wondering about the medium of street photography, which is completely ‘reportage’ in feel. This medium certainly practices, the art of being more responsive to what’s happening in front of you, less, relying on firstly rules, and secondly, setting up with tripod and checking the screen on the back of your camera, to make sure it’s perfectly, technically, correct. You take care and keep shooting. Ewan
Good to have You back Ewan. One of better lessons for a very long time. Hope to see Your work on RUclips more frequently. Photos are brilliant and inspiring as always. Carry on!
Hello there. Good to hear from you. Many thanks for your feedback, and yes, I fully intend to do more content on here, now that I have a little more time. I don’t think it will ever be frequent, but maybe once per month, keep shooting, and thanks again. Regards, Ewan
I'm totally with you on this. Photography is a subtractive art, like sculpture, you remove everything you don't want until you get the image. Painting however is an additive art, you put daubs of colour on until you get your final image. You've also got to be brave enough to take the shot even though its not going to be perfect. I've got a shot of a fox looking straight at me in the middle of a wintery lane that is totally out of focus with camera shake taken with a small point and shoot at full digital zoom at about -10 degrees Celsius. I knew it wasn't going to be in focus as I could barely get my hands to function. I took the shot, still one of my favourites ... everyone else just goes 'its out of focus'.
I live that and not something I have thought about before. I do understand the way you view your photo of the fox. I was once asked what my favourite photo I had taken, was. I couldn’t actually answer it properly as they all came with stories and a memory. Kind regards from NZ. Ewan
I find your composition philosophy enlightening and somewhat reinforces my style of photography. The photo is about where you are at that point in time, there is always a better photo somewhere else but your vision there and then is the important thing.... Thanks for the video, your views and photos are much appreciated.
Hey there. Many thanks indeed. Having shot commercial work before , which I found very dry and technical - I got into landscapes as they are ( as you say) all about a particular moment in time at a particular location on any given Day, which is never to be repeated. Many thanks is life your feedback and kind regards form NZ. Ewan
Its great to see you out posting on your channel again. It just goes to show that we should first and foremost take an image for ourselves of what attracts our eye, then if someone else likes it, then that's a bonus. Awesome to see you and Sam Bose together. I just started watching Sam's channel a few months ago when I saw his vids on their NZ trip. I've been over here in Northern Ireland nearly threes years now and still miss home esp the South Island. We, my Wife Rosie and I hope to do a trip to Scotland in the next few years so I watch Sam's channel religiously. I love your vids.
Good morning Tony. lovely to hear from you. There is much indeed to mess about the South Island, however, Ireland, too… It’s a beautiful part of the world. Taking photographs for ourselves, it’s the most important part about photography. I think digital photography has changed our approach, in someways to photography, as that nowadays… Everyone with something digital is a ‘photographer’. It’s relatively easy to take a photograph and make something of it, in post processing with a digital file as opposed to taking photographs for yourself, and if that photograph that you have taken for yourself turns out to be spectacular… Then that is a spectacular photograph. The only person who needs to like your photographs is yourself And others like them… Well, that’s a bonus. Hope life is well in Ireland. Kind regards from Aotearoa. Haere ra. Ewan
You might know, my primary passion is bird photography and it's been so exciting over here finding and photographing new species and learning all about them. I'm starting to get a few landscape images of the areas we visit. Im sitting here writing this, its 730am, freezing cold and still dark out. There will be no sunshine today, it will be dark and heavy overcast. So the light will be poor but we are going out anyway lol. Ireland is beautiful and we are enjoying ourselves thanks Ewan, the weather however is another matter lol I love sharing my images because Im chuffed with the the ones I share and if other people enjoy them then that's awesome. I will be posting a link to your tutorial on youtube on how to make panos in my latest blog post which is about the mackenzie country should be out in the next week or so. That area is hard on single frames the vistas are so huge lol. Cheers from the wintery north. @@EwanDunsmuirImages
After a tough day with my dog going in for an x ray and surgery booked what a delight to have one of your videos to finish the day off with. Thanks Ewan 👍🏻👍🏻
Hey there. Sorry to hear about your dog operation. Hope (s)he is doing all good. Glad my tiny little channel and infrequent content came at the right time. Take care and kind regards from NZ
Hi Ewan: This was a wonderful video. Your videos always create a great sense of calm within me. It was great to see Sam Bose within your videos, as I have been following his You Tube channel for a few years. We actually had planned a trip to the highlands of Scotland and spend some time with Sam & Hannah, a few years ago, but Covid-19 prevented us from taking this trip. I really identified with the theme of your video and the concept of 'what made you stop the car and get out' really clarifies the concept of the "HERO" element of your shot. I also found your comments about leaving foreground interest elements out of an image very liberating. Finally, we are travelling to Scotland this spring spending some time in the Shetland Islands so I can't wait to see your homeland in person. Keep well, and I can't wait until you next video. Cheers, Keith Pinn (Barrie, Ontario Canada)
Hi Keith. Nice to hear from you. Torridon is beautiful part of the world and Sam and I have spoken about doing a workshop there maybe next year 2024/25. Im sure you will enjoy Scotland and i think its cool that you find the foreground exclusion liberating... which is the very reason i wanted that in there. I often dont get the purpose of FG interest phots in that way, particularly when you print them and hang them in a wall. It is then... all about the lower third! Go figure. As i said - lovely to hear form you and thanks for your continued support Keith. Kind regards, Ewan
Great to hear your thoughts Ewan, as someone who rarely uses foreground interest and usually uses a long lens for landscapes/ long lens panoramas. I've spoiled many an image with a foreground for the sake of having one rather than shooting the 'Hero' subject as you put it so well. Love the two images at the end, and look forward to more from you in Scotland. Your vlogs are always thought provoking rather than being just the "this is how I got the shot" type, much more engaging.🙏🙏🙏
Hello there. That two, is exactly how I shoot. I invariably have nothing in the foreground in many of my images, which are panoramas, because often the thing which has caught my eye is in the middle too far distance. It would then seem silly to be placing something in the foreground to pull your eye away from the subject that you want to shoot. I completely agree with you. Some of my images up in the mountains, which can’t help, but have something in the foreground, are often thrown out of focus because of the long focal length of the length that I am using. I keep these out of focus on purpose, so it’s not to pull the eye away from the thing that I want the viewer to be looking at. I think this makes sense!? Kind regards, Ewan
I heard this piece of advice over 50 years ago: "Most good photographs are of one thing. Of course that one thing can sometimes be the relationship between two things. You can go further, but it starts getting complicated and stops being fun."
Thanks man. Yep I agree. The simplicity of photography can get overwhelmed quickly with complexity. I do think that photography is a feeling and not a thing, which often changes how you shoot! Regards. Ewan
Another brilliant & challenging tutorial on the How, Why, When of Landscape photography. Ewan. It's a rainy Sunday afternoon here in Sydney, a great way to spend the time learning from your unique & challenging perspective. The two images are the fruit of your ability to think & photograph outside the the norms. Cheers.
Morning Phil. Many thanks for your continues support and encouragement. As you know - i try ot be a little different, possibly even challenging in this challenge. Glad as always to have you along. Ewan
Thank you for this video. This is an area in composition that I have been struggling with for a long time, but haven’t been able to articulate what was going on. I also appreciate that in addition to explaining your position, you encourage us to relax and enjoy ourselves. It’s also about the experience. I almost feel like I have “permission” to concentrate on the hero in the shot and not worry about the extraneous elements just for the sake of including a foreground.
Hello there, thanks for your feedback. One video, which may come up as a result of this in the future for me, it’s the skill of seeing photographs with your eyes. Too often, I think we rely on the LCD screen on the back of the camera, or the viewfinder to determine what should be, and what should not be in frame. I think there is a trick of visualising the short with your eyes, which will often exclude the need for ground, interest and other things which don’t need to be in there. Remember… Photography is a feeling, not a thing. Best wishes, Ewan
Well worth the wait and I'm in total agreement with the argument you raise. It's what you want to photograph and and how you see the shot that's the key to creating images that speak to you as an individual. Whilst and understanding of the perceived compositional wisdom is important, in my view it's only important to enable individuals to become aware of the the restrictions born from compliance. What you see and respond to has an emotional attachment and that is, I feel, far more important. I really enjoyed this.
Hey Tony, you ahve just summarised the video in a few short sentences. I managed to drag it our for half an hour! LOL I appreciate your comments and i agree. You are bang onvthe money. Its good liaising with people who 'get that'! Regards, Ewan
Nice to see you again on your channel! And again an extraordinary video that stands out among the mass! Basic thoughts which are very useful - if you keep them in mind when it comes to shooting... Thanks for sharing and ...'til next time! 🙂
Excellent video Ewan, and very well put as well. Those comments made about your Queenstown image really highlighted the point nicely as well, that is a beautiful image that just wouldn’t have worked if you’d followed those ‘rules.’ Some really excellent advice from that strange guy at the start of the video too, he clearly knew what he was talking about 😂. It was so nice to have you visit us here, and I really hope we can do it again sometime! S
Hey Sam. Thanks very much mate. Was so nice to see you and be accommodated by you too. Lovely trip. I struggled to get this vid from what I shot though. Once again - not enough b roll and also no story line planning. Not properly at least. I try to get quite ‘deep’ in these vids. Maybe that comes with not shooting enough supporting material as it literally took me 10 days to produce once I started the planning process if the Final Cut Pro component. Little wonder I hardly post! Hope you and Hannah are all good! E PS. I’ll get in touch soon on Skype/ messenger etc.
Für mich sind Sie einer der besten Fotografen, wenn nicht sogar der Beste! Ich kann vieles von ihren Lektionen übernehmen, und es bringt mich weiter. Ich schreibe dies in deutsch, mein englisch ist nicht gut genug 😊 Liebe Grüße aus Bayern, Deutschland
ielen Dank wirklich. Das sind sehr nette Worte. Ich bin mir sicher, dass Ihr Englisch besser ist als mein Deutsch... tatsächlich - ich weiß, dass es das ist! Gott sei Dank für Google Translate. Mit freundlichen Grüßen aus Neuseeland
Many thanks. Good to get another in the bag and I have some content from Orkney to be able to do maybe a couple of more quite quickly. Best wishes. Ewan
It often pains me to see someone grabbing a tripod, working away at the composition and saying how they missed the best light. Leave the tripod alone and take the picture that caught your eye first. You might have to boost your ISO but, good light and mood trumps fine detail anytime in my book. You can then work on "improving" the image safe in knowledge that you didn't miss the light. At least that's how I go about it. Of course it depends on what you are wanting from the photograph but don't miss out on it altogether because you're faffing around trying to include a foreground that doesn't relate to the scene. To quote Robert Capa "If your photos aren't good enough, then you're not close enough". 😊 Great to see you back again. Hope all is well.
Yeah, that can be frustrating indeed. Brings me to a quick ponder- light v composition. If the light is on… it’s on and so take the shot. I appreciate you watching and getting in touch. Kind regards, Ewan.
Thank you for another masterclass in photography. I love your approach to composition and the thought of keeping it simple. Your content is always worth the wait. 🙏
First thing, let me hope that your year will continue in this way. It's truly wonderful to have a new video from you again, hope the project you were doing was/is a success, in relation to the video, everything that you said is so true, and I thoroughly enjoyed it somewhat I watched it again and I'll more than likely watch it again to make sure that I fully understood what was said... looking forward to the next one ...Blessings to you and the little guy.
Hello there, nice to hear from you. Many thanks for your feedback. The video was merely an attempt at trying to take a different approach to conventional videos on RUclips, which focus on the technical aspects of composition. These guidelines are instructional videos often come at the cost of the Mia premise of photography doing landscapes. I think landscapes to be captured, should be captured with your heart. Sometimes difficult when things are changing so quickly such as light and colour, to think about composition rules when the photograph you need to take is right in front of you. These are the things I notice especially when running workshops. I appreciate all of your views! LOL. Kind regards from New Zealand, Ewan
Lol. I still have the Pentax 645. I was simply doing a review for Fuji with the GFX, hence that shot! Panic over. Time to go to hasselblad it phase one though I think. I’ll keep the Pentax as a back up camera. : )
I have to take issue on ‘Composition isn’t important’! Composition is everything in photography as it is in literature! Next time you read a novel or poetry ….. consider the idea of the author using random words used without a specific language’s (English, French, et al) grammar (composition rules). I come across too many visiting speakers (influenced by RUclipsr Photographers), to clubs or other venues, contradicting themselves with well ‘composed images’ yet they insist on saying - as you do …. “Composition isn’t important’! I sometimes wonder if this is intentional to send the ‘club or enthusiast photographer’ on a false track? Always remember ….. it’s the landscape (prevailing weather conditions etc) that dictates the ‘composition’ technique employed plus your personal response/visualisation or feeling for what you’re seeing! A very difficult lesson to learn or teach - except by practicing over several decades! Otherwise, you sir, are an excellent photographer and thought provoking videos! 👍🏽
We all have different stances on this and when you run photography workshops, watching some clients paralysed back fear of taking an image which doesn't conform to compositional rules - you start to realign photographic values, as the most important part of doing photography... is actually taking photographs. Its a real interesting one though, as I knew this one would challenge some thoughts from which we all learn, and I include myself in that. I think i view the ideological standard of photography around 'what is in 'frame'' rather than compostional elements as i think there is a difference. This changes, albeit only slightly, what you shoot and how you frame up. This forms a part of my International speaking circuit and is it complicated, and as a part of several critical components, takes me two hours to talk through (without B roll) and is hence hard to get across in a short (not so short) video and this video, has really got me thinking as well which can only be a good thing! Really appreciate your input. Kind regards from NZ . Ewan
Hey there - thanks for your commentary. Many thanks for your feedback and good to know, that im not alone with that viewpoint! = ) I have a lot of time for Mads PI, but sometime question what is taken and why amongst some of the better know photographers. Each to theor own though! If they saw my work, they might ask the same question! LOL Kind regrads, Ewan
Another very good video Ewan. Totally agree with everything you said. To often foreground matter is included in an image that not only doesn't add anything but takes away from the hero piece. The perspective is usually lost when doing this as well especially if the hero piece is at a distance. Unless the hero piece is in the foreground like your image with that rock then you have to ask yourself is this foreground going to add anything to my shot, if not leave it out. Sam & Hannah's channel is defiantely worth watching. Well done, until next time take care.
Many thanks and I did this video tentatively as I wasn’t sure I wouldn’t upset people by the very notion of going against the grain. You make a good point though as generally a hero piece, would be in the mid to far distance and so why exaggerate that with a super wide lens. Have a look at the samples I showed. There are some beautiful landscapes in the far distance, but which are ti y in the background with grasses, ice and rocks in the dominant part. Best wishes. Ewan
Another brilliant video and images. As you say in your "F11 Masterclass" video, photography has to be technically right but also artistically right. Unfortunately, many people take photographs just ticking boxes. The photo in the video of the mountain in New Zealand is technically perfect...and artistically even more perfect. Cheers
Good morning. Many thanks for your lovely comments. Thank you for your watch and your interaction here. All of the content that I tried to do, links back to that big F 11 video, and when that one was done… It was done with the intent of following up some messages that tied into that. Well done for noticing. You take care. Ewan
Hi just subscribed !! Mainly because of this video !!! I hate rules 99 per cent of us are never going to win awards shoot for you and only you !! Great points we'll made !!!
Hi there many thanks for your view comments and subscription. I touch on that very point [shooting for yourself] in my f11 masterclass video and I could not agree more! Glad to have you aling for the ride! Regards. Ewan.
I find thinking about visual weight and balance can be useful but like you say keeping it simple and not overthinking things is usually best. I've heard some of the best photographers try to have a completely blank mind when they are shooting so they can be more in tune with their surroundings.
HI there. Yep - weight and balnce are often more important that composition and i think that people get the two mixed up. Take photos for yourself and dont over think it. Landscape Photography is a feeling and not a 'thing'! Kind regards, Ewan
Hey David. Nice to hear from you mate. Yeah, you and me both. Often takes us some time to work out which rules we ignore and why. Most of the time, there are real obvious reasons why. The first… stifles creativity and freestyle expression. Kind regards. Ewan
Hm i dont understand this „ hero peace“ thing. . That is just the same as the main motiv in picture , right. So whats new on that one exept a cooler name? compositional decision will take spit patrs of a second, so no need to miss any shot when thinking about it. you run out of the car and see whats else is there except the motiv, then shot, take two steps next try, and so on.
Hello there, I think it is exactly the same thing, just with the name that I give it. There are many people, however, who learn photography, and do get hung up on compositional rules, and consequently miss photographs that they maybe should take if they listened to their gut instinct. This video was mainly an attempt at a reminder to take photographs with your heart, rather than your head, as during workshops… This is one source of concern for clients, sometimes, who gets stuck into the rulebook, rather than the creative art. Appreciate your feedback. Good to hear from you. Regards from New Zealand. Ewan
Aye beuy that works. I think we said on the day and in Sam's vlog the exposure to get a good video really doesn't show how overcast and wet it was! I knew you were talking about composition but I stay away from that stuff but if I had to give my thoughts they were what you said with a smidge of Sam's logic on knowing some basics of composition. Without looking at the rule of thirds, golden ratio, blah blah you just need to look at the fibonacci curve! There are dozens of ways to place it and you can place emphasis on various points, the options are endless so screw that. I cringe when people explain/justify their compositions when the simple fact is it was something they liked and shot, as you say. Like your NZ mountain example and my beloved Stacks, it's an impressive scene nature has given us so just shoot it. I'd even go as far as to say in my opinion many Honey Pot locations that are touted as "teaching" people composition are simply stunning locations! But that gets me laughed at, on the up side I don't really give a F*** 🤣 Rant over, It was great to meet up and a shame it was so short. Considering what you had to work with from the day and your race to the boat in the weather, the ED style and content shines through.
Thanks Andrew. Was good to have you along for the day. Sorry it was t longer. Maybe next tine? It was actually so wet here that day I have had quite a problem with not having enough b roll etc to put a logically sequenced film together. I had to dig deep to get this one to the stage that it is at. Thanks again Andrew. ( I am trying to deal with an on line troll who is lambasting me). I have deleted his comments meantime but he will likely be back as these wasters have little else to do. If he responds again- I’ll let you and your cutting humour deal with him. lol. Take care A. E
@@EwanDunsmuirImages cutting humour, sarcasm, MOI? 🙄🤣 And for clarity there was no humour intended in my composition rant, I'll keep an eye out for the strange idiot (reminder to self, don't look in any mirrors)
LOL, good point. There were however more important things that day shotting live... like keeping gear dry. Half of the names in the highlands, I cant even pronounce additionally. The certainly arent onomatopoeias with all these g's/ b's and d's in them.
Lovely images. But tape over your viewfinder and then tell me composition isn't important. Composition is what we do every time we frame an image and press the shutter button. It's not a slavish adherence to rules. It's choosing what's in and what's out, making sure the horizon is level, checking the edges, putting the splash of light where we want it at an intuitive level. Composition is a part of photography where we have total control.
Hello there. Thank you for your feedback. You make a very good point, with the reliance on either the viewfinder or the LCD screen. I completely agree with you, and do feel that digital photography I made it easier, and more difficult ,to take photographs at the same time. There is a distinct difference between relying on your LCD, which most people with digital do, and seeing a composition with your eyes. I think there is a difference between composition and framing, and I think I frame more than compose quite often. I think the framing approach is more with your heart and the emotion of what your eyes see, and the composition rules is rhe thing which people get stuck on. Sometimes, it’s more taking photographs with the head. Being an oldschool film, medium format shooter, you had to frame and set up with your eyes or with your viewfinder. This is where I think digital has changed the approach to set up a little. Good to hear from you. Kind regards from New Zealand. Ewan
G'day Ewan. It's always a wonderful day when I see you have posted a video, and oh wow, you didn't disappoint (as I knew you wouldn't). Love this philosophy and I agree totally. Photography for me is a feeling, an emotion, when I see something that catches my eye, and therefore want to capture it. I often find I then analyse the scene to death trying to get it to conform to “photography” as opposed to the other way around, and the “hero” piece advice is what I need to remember. Thank You again for a wonderful video and sage advice. I look forward to your next Orkney video.
Morning Andrew. Nice to hear from you. I am glad, that you approach your photography in the same way that I think I do. Just taking the Shortest really important , As 100% of nothing is not very much. What I mean by that is, if you keep fussing over technicals within a photograph and keep fussing and keep fussing… That is a rabbit hole that will cause you to never take a photograph in the first place. Photograph is a feeling, not a thing. Hope life is well in Australia. Kind regards, Ewan
Thank you for sharing. It's always a real pleasure to listen and watch your films. For me it's like a fresh glass of highland spring water when you haven't had a drink for days - totally refreshing and thoughtful. You stand out from the crowd of others I watch, long may you continue. I can't help feeling you should have a few million followers. Take care, till next time.
Hey Paul. Lovely to hear from you and these are some nice comments very kind sir! Good to have you along for the jour eh if these blogs, as infrequent as they have been. I will try and be more frequent in the future. Hope you are well. Regards. Ewan.
I meant to add also, the film has a lovely gentle and natural quality to it. Great to watch from my hospital bed with a cuppa.
Hey Simon. Always appreciate your feedback and I tried to make it as close to the other films I put out on the past despite being outta practice ! You in hospital. What on earth is wrong?
@@EwanDunsmuirImages long story, not suitable for here.
Thoroughly enjoyable film Ewan. I really didn’t expect you to get anything on a day like that. Just goes to show that you only need a bit of sky detail to pull out two cracking shots. I’m not sure about the term Hero Piece though. That’s not to say the images are less beautiful, it’s a personal preference on words I think.
Hey Simon. Thanks buddy. It’s a real Interesting discussion about hero piece, or however we term it. It’s something probably which is really prominent in some of the macro stuff you do on your channel actually. As I say an interesting discussion and the challenge of thinking being the point to the vid. Call me ‘alternative’ maybe. lol. Hope you are well. We must catch up soon buddy. Ewan
What a great vlog Ewan! And nice to see you back again. I couldn't agree with you more! Photographers so often get "hung up" on the 'rules of composition' - that they miss the shot in front of them. You make a great point in this video - and I'll keep it in mind on my next outings. Great shots at the end! Thanks. Keep up the good work. Cheers!
Hey Alan, good to hear from you again. Yes, I completely agree. As I read your reply, I was wondering about the medium of street photography, which is completely ‘reportage’ in feel. This medium certainly practices, the art of being more responsive to what’s happening in front of you, less, relying on firstly rules, and secondly, setting up with tripod and checking the screen on the back of your camera, to make sure it’s perfectly, technically, correct. You take care and keep shooting. Ewan
Good to have You back Ewan. One of better lessons for a very long time. Hope to see Your work on RUclips more frequently. Photos are brilliant and inspiring as always. Carry on!
Hello there. Good to hear from you.
Many thanks for your feedback, and yes, I fully intend to do more content on here, now that I have a little more time. I don’t think it will ever be frequent, but maybe once per month, keep shooting, and thanks again. Regards, Ewan
I'm totally with you on this. Photography is a subtractive art, like sculpture, you remove everything you don't want until you get the image. Painting however is an additive art, you put daubs of colour on until you get your final image.
You've also got to be brave enough to take the shot even though its not going to be perfect. I've got a shot of a fox looking straight at me in the middle of a wintery lane that is totally out of focus with camera shake taken with a small point and shoot at full digital zoom at about -10 degrees Celsius. I knew it wasn't going to be in focus as I could barely get my hands to function.
I took the shot, still one of my favourites ... everyone else just goes 'its out of focus'.
I live that and not something I have thought about before. I do understand the way you view your photo of the fox. I was once asked what my favourite photo I had taken, was. I couldn’t actually answer it properly as they all came with stories and a memory. Kind regards from NZ. Ewan
I find your composition philosophy enlightening and somewhat reinforces my style of photography. The photo is about where you are at that point in time, there is always a better photo somewhere else but your vision there and then is the important thing.... Thanks for the video, your views and photos are much appreciated.
Hey there. Many thanks indeed. Having shot commercial work before , which I found very dry and technical - I got into landscapes as they are ( as you say) all about a particular moment in time at a particular location on any given Day, which is never to be repeated. Many thanks is life your feedback and kind regards form NZ. Ewan
Its great to see you out posting on your channel again. It just goes to show that we should first and foremost take an image for ourselves of what attracts our eye, then if someone else likes it, then that's a bonus. Awesome to see you and Sam Bose together. I just started watching Sam's channel a few months ago when I saw his vids on their NZ trip. I've been over here in Northern Ireland nearly threes years now and still miss home esp the South Island. We, my Wife Rosie and I hope to do a trip to Scotland in the next few years so I watch Sam's channel religiously. I love your vids.
Good morning Tony. lovely to hear from you. There is much indeed to mess about the South Island, however, Ireland, too… It’s a beautiful part of the world.
Taking photographs for ourselves, it’s the most important part about photography. I think digital photography has changed our approach, in someways to photography, as that nowadays… Everyone with something digital is a ‘photographer’. It’s relatively easy to take a photograph and make something of it, in post processing with a digital file as opposed to taking photographs for yourself, and if that photograph that you have taken for yourself turns out to be spectacular… Then that is a spectacular photograph. The only person who needs to like your photographs is yourself And others like them… Well, that’s a bonus.
Hope life is well in Ireland. Kind regards from Aotearoa. Haere ra.
Ewan
You might know, my primary passion is bird photography and it's been so exciting over here finding and photographing new species and learning all about them. I'm starting to get a few landscape images of the areas we visit. Im sitting here writing this, its 730am, freezing cold and still dark out. There will be no sunshine today, it will be dark and heavy overcast. So the light will be poor but we are going out anyway lol.
Ireland is beautiful and we are enjoying ourselves thanks Ewan, the weather however is another matter lol
I love sharing my images because Im chuffed with the the ones I share and if other people enjoy them then that's awesome. I will be posting a link to your tutorial on youtube on how to make panos in my latest blog post which is about the mackenzie country should be out in the next week or so. That area is hard on single frames the vistas are so huge lol. Cheers from the wintery north. @@EwanDunsmuirImages
After a tough day with my dog going in for an x ray and surgery booked what a delight to have one of your videos to finish the day off with. Thanks Ewan 👍🏻👍🏻
Hey there. Sorry to hear about your dog operation. Hope (s)he is doing all good. Glad my tiny little channel and infrequent content came at the right time. Take care and kind regards from NZ
Hi Ewan: This was a wonderful video. Your videos always create a great sense of calm within me. It was great to see Sam Bose within your videos, as I have been following his You Tube channel for a few years. We actually had planned a trip to the highlands of Scotland and spend some time with Sam & Hannah, a few years ago, but Covid-19 prevented us from taking this trip. I really identified with the theme of your video and the concept of 'what made you stop the car and get out' really clarifies the concept of the "HERO" element of your shot. I also found your comments about leaving foreground interest elements out of an image very liberating. Finally, we are travelling to Scotland this spring spending some time in the Shetland Islands so I can't wait to see your homeland in person. Keep well, and I can't wait until you next video. Cheers, Keith Pinn (Barrie, Ontario Canada)
Hi Keith. Nice to hear from you. Torridon is beautiful part of the world and Sam and I have spoken about doing a workshop there maybe next year 2024/25. Im sure you will enjoy Scotland and i think its cool that you find the foreground exclusion liberating... which is the very reason i wanted that in there. I often dont get the purpose of FG interest phots in that way, particularly when you print them and hang them in a wall. It is then... all about the lower third! Go figure. As i said - lovely to hear form you and thanks for your continued support Keith. Kind regards, Ewan
Great to hear your thoughts Ewan, as someone who rarely uses foreground interest and usually uses a long lens for landscapes/ long lens panoramas. I've spoiled many an image with a foreground for the sake of having one rather than shooting the 'Hero' subject as you put it so well. Love the two images at the end, and look forward to more from you in Scotland. Your vlogs are always thought provoking rather than being just the "this is how I got the shot" type, much more engaging.🙏🙏🙏
Hello there. That two, is exactly how I shoot. I invariably have nothing in the foreground in many of my images, which are panoramas, because often the thing which has caught my eye is in the middle too far distance. It would then seem silly to be placing something in the foreground to pull your eye away from the subject that you want to shoot. I completely agree with you.
Some of my images up in the mountains, which can’t help, but have something in the foreground, are often thrown out of focus because of the long focal length of the length that I am using. I keep these out of focus on purpose, so it’s not to pull the eye away from the thing that I want the viewer to be looking at. I think this makes sense!? Kind regards, Ewan
I heard this piece of advice over 50 years ago: "Most good photographs are of one thing. Of course that one thing can sometimes be the relationship between two things. You can go further, but it starts getting complicated and stops being fun."
Thanks man. Yep I agree. The simplicity of photography can get overwhelmed quickly with complexity. I do think that photography is a feeling and not a thing, which often changes how you shoot! Regards. Ewan
Good to see you back Ewan
Thanks David. Good to be back and have you along as well. Ewan
Another brilliant & challenging tutorial on the How, Why, When of Landscape photography. Ewan. It's a rainy Sunday afternoon here in Sydney, a great way to spend the time learning from your unique & challenging perspective. The two images are the fruit of your ability to think & photograph outside the the norms. Cheers.
Morning Phil. Many thanks for your continues support and encouragement. As you know - i try ot be a little different, possibly even challenging in this challenge. Glad as always to have you along. Ewan
Thank you for this video. This is an area in composition that I have been struggling with for a long time, but haven’t been able to articulate what was going on. I also appreciate that in addition to explaining your position, you encourage us to relax and enjoy ourselves. It’s also about the experience. I almost feel like I have “permission” to concentrate on the hero in the shot and not worry about the extraneous elements just for the sake of including a foreground.
Hello there, thanks for your feedback.
One video, which may come up as a result of this in the future for me, it’s the skill of seeing photographs with your eyes. Too often, I think we rely on the LCD screen on the back of the camera, or the viewfinder to determine what should be, and what should not be in frame.
I think there is a trick of visualising the short with your eyes, which will often exclude the need for ground, interest and other things which don’t need to be in there. Remember… Photography is a feeling, not a thing.
Best wishes, Ewan
Well worth the wait and I'm in total agreement with the argument you raise. It's what you want to photograph and and how you see the shot that's the key to creating images that speak to you as an individual. Whilst and understanding of the perceived compositional wisdom is important, in my view it's only important to enable individuals to become aware of the the restrictions born from compliance. What you see and respond to has an emotional attachment and that is, I feel, far more important. I really enjoyed this.
Hey Tony, you ahve just summarised the video in a few short sentences. I managed to drag it our for half an hour! LOL I appreciate your comments and i agree. You are bang onvthe money. Its good liaising with people who 'get that'! Regards, Ewan
welcome back , thank you ! what a calm and nice Video
Many thanks. Really appreciate your kind words. Regards. Ewan
Nice to see you again on your channel! And again an extraordinary video that stands out among the mass!
Basic thoughts which are very useful - if you keep them in mind when it comes to shooting...
Thanks for sharing and ...'til next time! 🙂
Thanks Thomas. Much obliged for your support and feedback. More fairly soon. Promise! Regards, Ewan
Excellent video Ewan, and very well put as well. Those comments made about your Queenstown image really highlighted the point nicely as well, that is a beautiful image that just wouldn’t have worked if you’d followed those ‘rules.’ Some really excellent advice from that strange guy at the start of the video too, he clearly knew what he was talking about 😂. It was so nice to have you visit us here, and I really hope we can do it again sometime! S
Hey Sam. Thanks very much mate. Was so nice to see you and be accommodated by you too. Lovely trip.
I struggled to get this vid from what I shot though. Once again - not enough b roll and also no story line planning. Not properly at least. I try to get quite ‘deep’ in these vids. Maybe that comes with not shooting enough supporting material as it literally took me 10 days to produce once I started the planning process if the Final Cut Pro component. Little wonder I hardly post! Hope you and Hannah are all good! E PS. I’ll get in touch soon on Skype/ messenger etc.
Für mich sind Sie einer der besten Fotografen, wenn nicht sogar der Beste! Ich kann vieles von ihren Lektionen übernehmen, und es bringt mich weiter. Ich schreibe dies in deutsch, mein englisch ist nicht gut genug 😊 Liebe Grüße aus Bayern, Deutschland
ielen Dank wirklich. Das sind sehr nette Worte. Ich bin mir sicher, dass Ihr Englisch besser ist als mein Deutsch... tatsächlich - ich weiß, dass es das ist! Gott sei Dank für Google Translate. Mit freundlichen Grüßen aus Neuseeland
Great to hear your calming voice again Ewan. Looking forward to more video's.
Many thanks. Good to get another in the bag and I have some content from Orkney to be able to do maybe a couple of more quite quickly. Best wishes. Ewan
So good to see you back. Have missed your vids.
Many thanks. More to come in the near future. Thanks for your patience Stuart. Ewan
It often pains me to see someone grabbing a tripod, working away at the composition and saying how they missed the best light. Leave the tripod alone and take the picture that caught your eye first. You might have to boost your ISO but, good light and mood trumps fine detail anytime in my book. You can then work on "improving" the image safe in knowledge that you didn't miss the light. At least that's how I go about it. Of course it depends on what you are wanting from the photograph but don't miss out on it altogether because you're faffing around trying to include a foreground that doesn't relate to the scene. To quote Robert Capa "If your photos aren't good enough, then you're not close enough". 😊 Great to see you back again. Hope all is well.
Yeah, that can be frustrating indeed. Brings me to a quick ponder- light v composition. If the light is on… it’s on and so take the shot. I appreciate you watching and getting in touch. Kind regards, Ewan.
Thank you for another masterclass in photography. I love your approach to composition and the thought of keeping it simple. Your content is always worth the wait. 🙏
Thank you evry much indeed. Just a half an hour inside my head! LOL Ewan
First thing, let me hope that your year will continue in this way. It's truly wonderful to have a new video from you again, hope the project you were doing was/is a success, in relation to the video, everything that you said is so true, and I thoroughly enjoyed it somewhat I watched it again and I'll more than likely watch it again to make sure that I fully understood what was said... looking forward to the next one ...Blessings to you and the little guy.
Hello there, nice to hear from you. Many thanks for your feedback.
The video was merely an attempt at trying to take a different approach to conventional videos on RUclips, which focus on the technical aspects of composition. These guidelines are instructional videos often come at the cost of the Mia premise of photography doing landscapes. I think landscapes to be captured, should be captured with your heart. Sometimes difficult when things are changing so quickly such as light and colour, to think about composition rules when the photograph you need to take is right in front of you. These are the things I notice especially when running workshops. I appreciate all of your views! LOL.
Kind regards from New Zealand, Ewan
Please tell me that I'm wrong l no more pentax 6x4.5.. was that a gfx100s, I just love the shutter on the pentax..
Lol. I still have the Pentax 645. I was simply doing a review for Fuji with the GFX, hence that shot! Panic over. Time to go to hasselblad it phase one though I think. I’ll keep the Pentax as a back up camera. : )
love your work amazing photography thnx so much for sharing
Hey Bryan. Many thanks and you are welcome. Best wishes. Ewan.
Always a delight to watch your videos Ewan; they have a unique style. Kind regards - Robin
Many thanks Robin. Thanks for your patience. Regards, Ewan
Loved watching this on my home theater. Good advice from you on "take the shot".
Hey there. Thanks very much indeed. Bets wishes from NZ
I have to take issue on ‘Composition isn’t important’! Composition is everything in photography as it is in literature!
Next time you read a novel or poetry ….. consider the idea of the author using random words used without a specific language’s (English, French, et al) grammar (composition rules).
I come across too many visiting speakers (influenced by RUclipsr Photographers), to clubs or other venues, contradicting themselves with well ‘composed images’ yet they insist on saying - as you do …. “Composition isn’t important’! I sometimes wonder if this is intentional to send the ‘club or enthusiast photographer’ on a false track?
Always remember ….. it’s the landscape (prevailing weather conditions etc) that dictates the ‘composition’ technique employed plus your personal response/visualisation or feeling for what you’re seeing! A very difficult lesson to learn or teach - except by practicing over several decades!
Otherwise, you sir, are an excellent photographer and thought provoking videos! 👍🏽
We all have different stances on this and when you run photography workshops, watching some clients paralysed back fear of taking an image which doesn't conform to compositional rules - you start to realign photographic values, as the most important part of doing photography... is actually taking photographs. Its a real interesting one though, as I knew this one would challenge some thoughts from which we all learn, and I include myself in that. I think i view the ideological standard of photography around 'what is in 'frame'' rather than compostional elements as i think there is a difference. This changes, albeit only slightly, what you shoot and how you frame up. This forms a part of my International speaking circuit and is it complicated, and as a part of several critical components, takes me two hours to talk through (without B roll) and is hence hard to get across in a short (not so short) video and this video, has really got me thinking as well which can only be a good thing! Really appreciate your input.
Kind regards from NZ . Ewan
Really agree at 10min mark. Some photographers like Mads say "It's just a mountain" yet take hundreds of pictures of lone trees :D
Hey there - thanks for your commentary. Many thanks for your feedback and good to know, that im not alone with that viewpoint! = )
I have a lot of time for Mads PI, but sometime question what is taken and why amongst some of the better know photographers. Each to theor own though! If they saw my work, they might ask the same question! LOL Kind regrads, Ewan
It's a wonderful view to Liathach, I must get up there again.
It is indeed. I dont know the area very well to be honest. I must make it back there. maybe a formal workshop in 2024?... Regards
Ewan
Another very good video Ewan. Totally agree with everything you said. To often foreground matter is included in an image that not only doesn't add anything but takes away from the hero piece. The perspective is usually lost when doing this as well especially if the hero piece is at a distance. Unless the hero piece is in the foreground like your image with that rock then you have to ask yourself is this foreground going to add anything to my shot, if not leave it out. Sam & Hannah's channel is defiantely worth watching. Well done, until next time take care.
Many thanks and I did this video tentatively as I wasn’t sure I wouldn’t upset people by the very notion of going against the grain.
You make a good point though as generally a hero piece, would be in the mid to far distance and so why exaggerate that with a super wide lens. Have a look at the samples I showed. There are some beautiful landscapes in the far distance, but which are ti y in the background with grasses, ice and rocks in the dominant part. Best wishes. Ewan
Superb video and great to see you again. Absolutely love Torridon
Many thanks! First time there for me and won be the last. Might run a workshop form in and around there in the next 12 months! Regards - Ewan
Another brilliant video and images. As you say in your "F11 Masterclass" video, photography has to be technically right but also artistically right. Unfortunately, many people take photographs just ticking boxes. The photo in the video of the mountain in New Zealand is technically perfect...and artistically even more perfect. Cheers
Good morning. Many thanks for your lovely comments. Thank you for your watch and your interaction here. All of the content that I tried to do, links back to that big F 11 video, and when that one was done… It was done with the intent of following up some messages that tied into that. Well done for noticing.
You take care. Ewan
Hi just subscribed !! Mainly because of this video !!! I hate rules 99 per cent of us are never going to win awards shoot for you and only you !! Great points we'll made !!!
Hi there many thanks for your view comments and subscription. I touch on that very point [shooting for yourself] in my f11 masterclass video and I could not agree more! Glad to have you aling for the ride! Regards. Ewan.
I find thinking about visual weight and balance can be useful but like you say keeping it simple and not overthinking things is usually best. I've heard some of the best photographers try to have a completely blank mind when they are shooting so they can be more in tune with their surroundings.
HI there. Yep - weight and balnce are often more important that composition and i think that people get the two mixed up. Take photos for yourself and dont over think it. Landscape Photography is a feeling and not a 'thing'! Kind regards, Ewan
As always great shots . Fortunately I abandoned rules a very long time ago, I’ve always been a rebel 😊
Hey David. Nice to hear from you mate. Yeah, you and me both. Often takes us some time to work out which rules we ignore and why. Most of the time, there are real obvious reasons why. The first… stifles creativity and freestyle expression. Kind regards. Ewan
Hm i dont understand this „ hero peace“ thing. . That is just the same as the main motiv in picture , right. So whats new on that one exept a cooler name? compositional decision will take spit patrs of a second, so no need to miss any shot when thinking about it. you run out of the car and see whats else is there except the motiv, then shot, take two steps next try, and so on.
Hello there, I think it is exactly the same thing, just with the name that I give it.
There are many people, however, who learn photography, and do get hung up on compositional rules, and consequently miss photographs that they maybe should take if they listened to their gut instinct. This video was mainly an attempt at a reminder to take photographs with your heart, rather than your head, as during workshops… This is one source of concern for clients, sometimes, who gets stuck into the rulebook, rather than the creative art. Appreciate your feedback. Good to hear from you. Regards from New Zealand. Ewan
Good to see you again thank you 👍
Thanks David. Good to be back too. Regards. Ewan
Loved the message here! Cheer!!!
Hey there. Thanks very much indeed. Appreciate your support.
Greetings from NZ.
Ewan
Love from Assam India 🇮🇳
Many thanks. You are welcome! Ewan
Love your videos Ewan.
Many thanks indeed. There will be more in the very near future. Ewan
Great one, as always!
Many thanks indeed. Kind regards, Ewan
Great video. Very interesting!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Kind regards from NZ Ewan
@@EwanDunsmuirImages 👍
Aye beuy that works. I think we said on the day and in Sam's vlog the exposure to get a good video really doesn't show how overcast and wet it was!
I knew you were talking about composition but I stay away from that stuff but if I had to give my thoughts they were what you said with a smidge of Sam's logic on knowing some basics of composition.
Without looking at the rule of thirds, golden ratio, blah blah you just need to look at the fibonacci curve! There are dozens of ways to place it and you can place emphasis on various points, the options are endless so screw that. I cringe when people explain/justify their compositions when the simple fact is it was something they liked and shot, as you say.
Like your NZ mountain example and my beloved Stacks, it's an impressive scene nature has given us so just shoot it. I'd even go as far as to say in my opinion many Honey Pot locations that are touted as "teaching" people composition are simply stunning locations!
But that gets me laughed at, on the up side I don't really give a F*** 🤣
Rant over, It was great to meet up and a shame it was so short. Considering what you had to work with from the day and your race to the boat in the weather, the ED style and content shines through.
Thanks Andrew. Was good to have you along for the day. Sorry it was t longer. Maybe next tine?
It was actually so wet here that day I have had quite a problem with not having enough b roll etc to put a logically sequenced film together. I had to dig deep to get this one to the stage that it is at. Thanks again Andrew. ( I am trying to deal with an on line troll who is lambasting me). I have deleted his comments meantime but he will likely be back as these wasters have little else to do. If he responds again- I’ll let you and your cutting humour deal with him. lol. Take care A. E
@@EwanDunsmuirImages cutting humour, sarcasm, MOI? 🙄🤣
And for clarity there was no humour intended in my composition rant, I'll keep an eye out for the strange idiot (reminder to self, don't look in any mirrors)
Beautiful and well said.
Many thanks indeed. Thanks for your support. Kind regards and best wishes. Ewan
Stunning images
Thanks indeed. Content on her without feedback is nothing. Much appreciated! Ewan
it be nice if the photographer new the names of the mountains he's about to capture
LOL, good point. There were however more important things that day shotting live... like keeping gear dry. Half of the names in the highlands, I cant even pronounce additionally. The certainly arent onomatopoeias with all these g's/ b's and d's in them.
Lovely images. But tape over your viewfinder and then tell me composition isn't important. Composition is what we do every time we frame an image and press the shutter button. It's not a slavish adherence to rules. It's choosing what's in and what's out, making sure the horizon is level, checking the edges, putting the splash of light where we want it at an intuitive level. Composition is a part of photography where we have total control.
Hello there. Thank you for your feedback. You make a very good point, with the reliance on either the viewfinder or the LCD screen. I completely agree with you, and do feel that digital photography I made it easier, and more difficult ,to take photographs at the same time. There is a distinct difference between relying on your LCD, which most people with digital do, and seeing a composition with your eyes. I think there is a difference between composition and framing, and I think I frame more than compose quite often. I think the framing approach is more with your heart and the emotion of what your eyes see, and the composition rules is rhe thing which people get stuck on. Sometimes, it’s more taking photographs with the head. Being an oldschool film, medium format shooter, you had to frame and set up with your eyes or with your viewfinder. This is where I think digital has changed the approach to set up a little.
Good to hear from you. Kind regards from New Zealand. Ewan
G'day Ewan. It's always a wonderful day when I see you have posted a video, and oh wow, you didn't disappoint (as I knew you wouldn't). Love this philosophy and I agree totally. Photography for me is a feeling, an emotion, when I see something that catches my eye, and therefore want to capture it. I often find I then analyse the scene to death trying to get it to conform to “photography” as opposed to the other way around, and the “hero” piece advice is what I need to remember. Thank You again for a wonderful video and sage advice. I look forward to your next Orkney video.
Morning Andrew. Nice to hear from you.
I am glad, that you approach your photography in the same way that I think I do. Just taking the Shortest really important , As 100% of nothing is not very much. What I mean by that is, if you keep fussing over technicals within a photograph and keep fussing and keep fussing… That is a rabbit hole that will cause you to never take a photograph in the first place. Photograph is a feeling, not a thing. Hope life is well in Australia. Kind regards, Ewan