How do you do it??!!

[tuomo.saarikko]

I have been so depressed after looking through some portfolios in

the Gallery. For example Steve Marcus's color landscapes are SO GOOD

that they almost make me cry.

 

How do you do it? How do you take great photos?

 

Does it depend on your equipment, sites, light, good luck or all of

them together? What's the secret weapon for award-winning photos?

[stephen hazelton]

All of them together, plus perserverance and talent.

[ilkka_nissila]

Hi Tuomo,

 

If you want to know what is behind great landscape photographs, you might want to read the book

 

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/2880465761/002-8608427-2476032?v=glance

 

it has some descriptions of how the images were made. The colours are a bit wild in that book but if you can forgive them, the advice is interesting to read. I also like Ansel Adams's books. There is some advice also in Luonnonvalokuvauksen käsikirja - I particularly like the landscapes made by Jorma Luhta; brilliant work. The book was published in 1981 by Weilin+Göös.

[photomark]

There are a quite a few books out there that can address basic questions regarding color and

composition. One I will suggest (for the purely selfish reason that my photo is on the cover) is

<a href="http://www.avabooks.com.sg/avauk/details.php?id=28">Landscapes by William

Cheung</a>. It's a good start and represents a wide variety of techniques and styles. <p>

Maybe you can tell us why your images are not meeting your expectations or show an

example.

[ilkka_nissila]

Mark, very nice photos on your site!

 

As to luck, if you are a photographer who has only occasional possibility to do landscape photography at desired locations due to being an amateur, what you get out of a site depends a lot of luck and weather etc. If you have all day all week for photography in a single location, you can find the light which works best for different shots, so luck doesn't really affect your results as much.

 

When I'm travelling in photographic areas, I generally can't choose the time of travel according to weather, and what I get at the location does depend a great deal on luck. However, when I'm photographing in familiar places near my home, I can access any type of weather in abundance and this improves the results greatly.

[stephen hazelton]

You hear the idea a lot that great photographers can take great photos with any camera, or at any site, etc., but when it comes right down to it, they generally use the best gear they can lay their hands on, and go where ever they think the best shot is. Ansel Adams didn't get famous shooting photos of "my neighborhood" on 110.

[bobatkins]

Not necessarily the best, but the right gear.

 

Edward Weston was famous for making many of his images using a cheap large format lens he picked up in Mexico for a couple of bucks.

 

These days a thorough knowledge of PhotoShop doesn't hurt either...

[Two23]

I think the secret is simply being out there with a camera, keeping your mind and eyes open. It comes down to your artistic sense and previsualization MUCH more than gear. Many photographers like to think if they only had better gear, their shots would be better. It is far easier to buy gear than to have to really think hard, get out before dawn, and analyze how you want an image to look, after all.

 

 

Kent in SD

[photomark]

Thanks Ilkka,

<p>

You bring up a good point that I would like to elaborate. Being able to spend time in a

place

is paramount to getting good shots, but I think it is more than just being able to wait for

good light. The longer you can be in an area the more you understand how it reacts to

different conditions. Since you almost always need to be ready to shoot <i>before</i>

the light is good you need to be able to predict how an area will look under different

conditions. This only happens when you are familiar with an area. When you know the

area, you are able to take much better advantage of the available light and often give the

impression of getting lucky even when the lighting conditions are not unusual. At the risk

of being a bit presumptuous, I can offer an example of this <a href="http://www.photo-

mark.com/cgi-bin/set.cgi?set_id=32&n=1">photo from Lake Clark National Park</a>.

There is nothing unusual about the light--the mountains often have clouds over them and

at this time of year the shore often catches the last light of the sun coming over the

relatively flat land to the West--but it gives the impression of getting lucky and catching

unusual conditions. I was very fortunate to be able to spend weeks here

watching the light so I was able to figure out where to be. If I had just been passing

through I would have left with a much more ordinary photo or I would have had to depend

on luck to get anything interesting.

[enlightened-images]

Gear is the least of the issues; Good photographers can make great photos using simple cameras; but it is a myth that buying better gear will automatically make you or your photos better. Buy the best gear you can afford, but in many cases, money is better spent on photo workshops. <br>

<br>

As for places; it shouldn't matter. Sure, Great places like Yosemite or the Grand Canyon make getting "Ohh - Ahh" pictures easier, but it's not a guarentee. Wherever you are, ask yourself "What do I see here that I like?" When you answer that question, fill the frame with your answer. Most beginners include TOO MUCH STUFF in their photos, be it sky, sticks, or muddy foregrounds.<br>

<br>

Think about learning to see & Shoot the light, and don't get brain stuck on shooting a subject. Classic example; I was at Mesa Arch on a grey morning. Everyone else there was drinking coffee, sharing stories, and waiting for the light to show up on the arch (which never happened, Btw). Not a single other person bothered to look at where the good light was happening, and they all missed <a href="http://www.enlightphoto.com/webpages/new/0308a_14.htm"> This Shot.</a> In otherwords, if your waiting to take a picture in front of you, and great light is happening behind you, for gosh sakes - Turn Around!!<br>

<br>

As for Luck: Galen Rowell always used to remind people "Chance favors the prepared." By learning what works, be it camera, light, location, or weather systems, you can get lucky more often. (If only it was that easy in a bar!)<br>

<br>

The secret; Passion, Vision, knowledge, technique, equipment - in that order. Seriously: Take workshops; offer to intern for other preofessional photographers in your area; read; shoot; study; repeat.<br>

<br>

<br>

Gary Crabbe<br>

<a href="http://www.enlightphoto.com">Enlightened Images</a>

[chip_cohen]

Study composition. Learn to see what the camera sees. Avoid wasting time on bad shots. Use DOF. Look for unusual lighting. Use unusual lighting. Use a polarizer. Go after higher saturation. Discard crappy shots and analyze why they didn't work. Use a tripod. Use a cable release. Analyze the others' best shots and ask yourself what makes them exceptional. Understand that the best shots become best in the darkroom (digital or otherwise). B-R-E-A-T-H. Be patient. Visit exceptional places. Demand more from yourself. Be solitary in a shoot--think; experience; sample; capture. Seize the moment. Define your vision.

 

Quiz next week to see if you get it:-)<div></div>

[lee hamiel]

Simply keep shooting & learn with what you have - trial & error - many a great photographer only uses a lens or two most often & learn how to use it well.

 

As others have said understanding lighting is important - mess up enough negs/exposures & you will learn quickly. Learn to see the right lighting & be patient - I have gone out many times & after a few hours not taken a single shot - other times I can shoot 5 rolls easily in no time.

 

So - put no pressure on yourself - think of nobody else - nothing else & wait for what looks like a good opportunity - if not - try again the next time.

 

Patience is key.

[mbb]

Never underestimate the talent of great photographers but take a look at the list of the equipment they use. With a few exceptions of very special genres you will find that most are using the best glass money can buy. There are many reasons for that. If you have doubts, rent one, and compare the results with cheap, crappy one. And you will have your own opinion. Asking others question like this one will always bring you many different opinions and those only will add more to your confusion.

[mbb]

Tuomo, I do not have much interest in landscapes so cannot illustrate my point as others. Choices of glass made on optical quality are usually choices of the best, as I stated above. Most of photographers I met believe that they work is one of the best (if not the best) so they are sure that the equipment they used is not important and they can produce 'great' photos using anything.

 

 

Example I will show, will only illustrate glass quality. One of many shots I took yesterday observing least grebes. It was taken with Canon 500mm f4.0 IS plus 1.4X handheld (so tripod can even add more chances for quality). This is a 100% crop showing native pixels. If you do not want make large, sharp prints this example is not for you. But if you do it should give you something to think about it.

 

 

 

Composition is something you will have to work on it yourself but getting the best image to work with is something what best glass can deliver and make your life easier.

 

<p style="text-align:center"><img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/3853659-lg.jpg" /></p>

[colin carron]

Tuomo,

 

A good antidote to depression is action so here are some things to try:

 

1) Study some landscape photos you admire (eg Steve Marcus) and analyse them. Look at composition, viewpoint, foreground, background, weather conditions, light, time of day, equipment etc.

 

2) Try to copy these landscapes (your name suggests you might live in Finland so there should be some nice landscapes around).

 

3) Compare your attempts with the originals and see where the differences are. Be your own worst critic.

 

4) Try again.

 

5) When you have managed a decent copy then start to develop your own vision and style.

 

good luck

[ilkka_nissila]

Colin, there are no mountains in Finland so copying most of Steve's pictures is not easy.

 

However, I do agree with your advice 1.

[markplawchan]

Preparation + opportunity = Luck

[colin carron]

Ilkka, I admit I was a little hazy about whether you have mountains in Finland. OK so not many mountains. But you have a few lakes, rivers, forests and coastline? I agree spectacular scenery does help a lot but it not essential to creating good landscape shots. Maybe Tuomo may have to pick another photographer to copy - one who photographs flat landscapes. :-)

[bennyboy]

Someone above said be to be prepared for physical discomfort.<br><br>

 

I can testify to that, I was out shooting on the Yorkshire Pennines today and it was bloody freezing!<br><br>

 

I had to walk up a very steep hill, that was wet, muddy and covered in sheep droppings - my clothing was innapropriate because I actually set off out to shoot some canal lock gates in a local village, but looked up to the hills and just had to go there.<br><br>

 

So, with my heart thudding, my ears about to fall off, my face bright red and stinging, my numb hands not being able to press the shutter release without putting the cable in my fleece pocket I managed to get a couple of nice images - not technically excellent but nice.<br><br>

 

The wind was shaking my camera, even when mounted on a solid manfrotto tripod which had my overloaded large backpack hanging from it.

 

<a href=http://www.photo.net/photo/3860111&size=lg>See what you think</a><br><br>

 

<a href=http://www.photo.net/photo/3860117&size=lg>This one really needed a scale cue but I like it</a><br><br>

 

Not too bad considering I went out to shoot something <a href=http://www.photo.net/photo/3860125&size=lg>totally different</a>, flexibility is a powerful ally.<br><br>

 

Someone also mentioned that good photogrpahers stick to one or two lenses and learn them well, I'm not even gonna suggest that I'm good, I'm way too new to this for that, but knowing your equipment is vital, I almost always shoot landscapes with a 24mm prime, I know what to expect of it, and it delivers the goods - maybe with time and experience I'll choose a wider lens, but for now I love this little gem.

[daniel_smith6]

You do not need a lot of equipment to do excellent nature work. Just the basics for the type of work you want to do. Bill Ratcliffe used one old 4x5 Burke & James camera, 10 inch commercial Ektar & processed his Ektachromes in his basement after dark. 13 Audubon magazine covers. 52 page full color portfolio in Audubon. Utah II, a large format coffee table book. 10 or so other books.

 

A lot of it is spending quality time in the field. Learn from your mistakes & hone your craft close by. Then when you travel you have the technical end down and creative vision is what you work on.

 

It isn't easy but it "is" simple. Learn the basics & practice a lot until it is all second nature & all your concentration is put into excellent results.

[john_wallace2]

If you are just starting out do yourself a favour and take a couple of photo courses. You will not only learn about photography you will meet people who all have the same love of photography. All the answers are good but it's really not the equipment, sites, lighting or good luck. It's all about seeing and then having the ability to capture what you see. That's why you have to find out for yourself HOW TO TAKE GREAT PHOTOS Have fun and take lots of photographs. Good luck

[Mary Doo]

I am surprised no one has yet suggested joining a camera club to accelerate the learning process. I find camera club activities immensely helpful -- I have learned so much since I joined several years ago. I was fortunate enough to befriend, and be mentored by, some of the best photographers in the club. Now I am in the capacity to mentor others. Yes, awards do come as one's skills begin to excel.

 

By the way, Mark, that's an exceptional shot!

[tuomo.saarikko]

Thank you for your many good and wise answers! You have given me something to do for the next 20 years. Maybe then you can see how have I succeeded in this task!

 

Thank you all!

[disneyry]

There have been several suggestions to take workshops/classes, who specifically do you recommend?

[john_wallace2]

If you are looking for classes or workshops try your local community college. They sometimes offer courses at night or on weekends. If they do offer photography course they will usually have some nice equipment such as studio lights or dark room equipment. Most colleges will also offer digital courses like photoshop as well. If you stick at it long enough you just may end up with a degree..Don't forget to review the learning forum on this web site...