Workshop Advanced Landscape Photography

bbg404

bbg404

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Ben
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Afternoon all ...... I've been thinking about it on and off for a while now but I'm not sure how much I'll get from one.

Anyway basically I'm no professional and without blowing my own trumpet I like to think I understand my way round my camera and basic photography but I'm wanting to take it to the next level. I want to learn some new tips and tricks most importantly I want to improve my Landscape photos first gathering the data and secondly improving some post processing.

I understand that Landscape photography has a hell of a lot to do with natural lighting and the weather which pushes you on to be at the right place at the right time!

So has anyone done any Landscape photography courses lately or are people thinking they wouldn't bother with them?

Thanks
 
Where in the world are you?
 
IMO I personally wouldn't. If you know your way around a camera and understand composition then I don't see why you would require the training. You can find everything else on YouTube etc like the kind of kit you would need and ideas on foreground interest etc. You'd be essentially paying for a scout to show you locations to take good photographs. Sure you'll pick up some useful information but I couldn't imagine it would be enough to match the cash you'd be handing out. For total beginners I'd say they'd be more useful. This is just my opinion on it. Also I like to learn things myself by trying new things out so that's maybe where this comes from.

In terms of PP I would do a course/training on that and am probably going to do one myself. There is stuff you can learn on YouTube etc but I never feel it goes into the best depth, i.e. detailed workflows etc. One to look at is 'Phlearn'. Aaron does all kinds of stuff on all types of scenarios in photography - not 100% if he's done landscapes as he has a lot of videos and I'm just getting into them myself but it can all work towards the bigger goal of being able to use PS (or other tools) yourself without having to look up a video on a certain subject because you've already learned the tools/techniques used.

Just my penny in the pond but this is how I personally would look at it.
 
I did a 2 day course with Simon @ http://www.world-infocus.co.uk/photography-workshops/landscape-photography-workshop/ a few years back. I was a beginner at Landscapes and Photography really at the time and found it very useful so I guess it depends on your current level and what you will get from it. Maybe show a couple of your pictures and what you think would improve them as YoshiK1 said there is a lot of knowledge out there now for free on Youtube etc etc
 
YoshiK1 said:
IMO I personally wouldn't. If you know your way around a camera and understand composition then I don't see why you would require the training. You can find everything else on YouTube etc like the kind of kit you would need and ideas on foreground interest etc. You'd be essentially paying for a scout to show you locations to take good photographs. Sure you'll pick up some useful information but I couldn't imagine it would be enough to match the cash you'd be handing out. For total beginners I'd say they'd be more useful. This is just my opinion on it. Also I like to learn things myself by trying new things out so that's maybe where this comes from.

In terms of PP I would do a course/training on that and am probably going to do one myself. There is stuff you can learn on YouTube etc but I never feel it goes into the best depth, i.e. detailed workflows etc. One to look at is 'Phlearn'. Aaron does all kinds of stuff on all types of scenarios in photography - not 100% if he's done landscapes as he has a lot of videos and I'm just getting into them myself but it can all work towards the bigger goal of being able to use PS (or other tools) yourself without having to look up a video on a certain subject because you've already learned the tools/techniques used.

Just my penny in the pond but this is how I personally would look at it.
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Well I feel like I understand my camera and I understand the basics of composition...... I think ha maybe composition maybe a good thing to YouTube see if I can pick anything up from that!
That’s the last thing I want is a scout, 1 thing I love doing is finding locations either by looking at photos and then researching on line to find where they are or just finding my own and trying to put my stamp on popular locations!
That’s the thing I feel like my PP is the same process for most of my images and I know there’s a whole load more to learn in PS but its knowing what that its and when you’d use all the things I don’t know and understand!
Well I have to be honest your opinion sound pretty much how I feel, but what’s pushed me to ask was I read a post somewhere on line which said the biggest thing someone had learnt was focusing and composition and it made me think maybe those 2 subjects could help me improve!
I think what I’m looking for is for someone to point me in the right direction make sure what I do in the field is correct!

sjc1919 said:
I did a 2 day course with Simon @ http://www.world-infocus.co.uk/photography-workshops/landscape-photography-workshop/ a few years back. I was a beginner at Landscapes and Photography really at the time and found it very useful so I guess it depends on your current level and what you will get from it. Maybe show a couple of your pictures and what you think would improve them as YoshiK1 said there is a lot of knowledge out there now for free on Youtube etc etc
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I think that’s another brilliant idea….. Post more pictures, So over the next few weeks ill look through some of my previous work and try and get some feedback on it…. I used to be quite active and post images but I felt I was posting loads and not getting a lot back just a lot of criticism with no help.
As I say I don’t call myself a pro or the best but I definitely want to improve!
 
Try getting out with a group of fellow togs.. camera clubs are sometimes good for this or the meets they organise on here now and again. It's always interesting to visit a location with other people and see what shots they've taken afterwards, it still surprises me how varied they are.. gives you something to think about and having other people along can help stimulate different ideas.

I'm not going to comment on workshops.. I run them so I'm a bit biased ;)

Simon
 
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simonkit said:
Try getting out with a group of fellow togs.. camera clubs are sometimes good for this or the meets they organise on here now and again. It's always interesting to visit a location with other people and see what shots they've taken afterwards, it still surprises me how varied they are.. gives you something to think about and having other people along can help stimulate different ideas.

I'm not going to comment on workshops.. I run them so I'm a bit biased ;)

Simon
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Im not totally againt a workshop it may still happen at some stage but some of the previous comments have swayed me to hold on a little which will give me some time to get some of my recent images posted up here to get some feedback then ill try that out first!

I think with photography theres always things to learn so if i come accross a photographer who runs workshops and i really really like the work they produce i may jump on a workshop!

But yes thats a good idea trying to get on a meet from here as i know there are some fantastic photographers on this group
 
I wasn't saying there was anything wrong with workshops BTW. If you or anyone else wants to do them or feels like they should then by all means do so. My opinion is how I would look at it not how a particular person should and it seems you have the same ideas as me. You could also set yourself a good time limit on it and say "I will research it all myself and ask others etc until October. If my photos haven't improved by that period then I will look to do a workshop".
 
Yeah good idea!

I've got a small issue of a back operation coming early October so that will slow me down and I'm not sure how often I'll get out between now and then to try out my research but will try as much as I can along with posting my images to see what feedback / advice I get then use my post op time off to watch and read as much as possible
 
I went through a phase of going on landscape workshops; very enjoyable.
I'd just bought my 5DII and was looking to understand how to get the best out of it.
I'd recommend a workshop that has plenty of time for reviewing the day's images with discussion/tutoring on what works and what could do with improving. This is the big advantage of a residential workshop as long as it is not the sort that gets you out and about every waking hour and stupid o'clock starts.

Once I'd kinda got the hang of things and was fairly happy with my work, I went up a step and went on a week long workshop in Knoydart with Colin Prior.
Not only did we got to some very special locations and witness a masterclass in action, but Colin expected us all to process our images when we got back and pick a selection for discussion with him. That was a real eye-opener and incredibly valuable.
It was probably the best holiday I've ever been on and I learned a huge amount. The discussions with Colin were fundamental in shaping where I went with my photography.
It may not be for everybody, but it was exactly what I needed at the time.
Even though I've come on a long way since that workshop I'd still consider going back on Colin's Knoydart trip as the locations we visited, the food and the company topped just about everything else I've done with my camera.
 
bbg404 said:
Im not totally againt a workshop it may still happen at some stage but some of the previous comments have swayed me to hold on a little which will give me some time to get some of my recent images posted up here to get some feedback then ill try that out first!

I think with photography theres always things to learn so if i come accross a photographer who runs workshops and i really really like the work they produce i may jump on a workshop!

But yes thats a good idea trying to get on a meet from here as i know there are some fantastic photographers on this group
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No problem if you are against workshops. It's all about finding how YOU prefer to learn, some people use the internet/Youtube and are really comfortable to do that, some people prefer the opportunity to discuss things "face to face" or perhaps just be in the great outdoors when they're learning. We all have different learning styles and the key is to find that one that works best for you as an individual, how someone else learns isn't necessarily relevant.. the key to learning is that you enjoy the process so doesn't matter if that's sat at a PC or wandering around the countryside :)
 
I'm going on a David Ward workshop for a week up in Assynt, northwest Scotland, in February. I've long been an admirer of David - he is a master of composition, creating simple and bold images.

I don't need to know how to take photographs. I want to understand more about David's thinking process, what goes through his brain when he's looking for a composition, what he rules in and out, and why. I'm really looking forward to this week, and will be staying up in Assynt for another week afterwards to put some of my training into practice.
 
Tobers said:
I'm going on a David Ward workshop for a week up in Assynt, northwest Scotland, in February. I've long been an admirer of David - he is a master of composition, creating simple and bold images.

I don't need to know how to take photographs. I want to understand more about David's thinking process, what goes through his brain when he's looking for a composition, what he rules in and out, and why. I'm really looking forward to this week, and will be staying up in Assynt for another week afterwards to put some of my training into practice.
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I hope he's a bit more forthcoming than Joe Cornish then, nice guy and great ethos but he certainly didn't give much away when I tried his workshops a few years ago.. look forward to hearing about it when you get back
 
bbg404 said:
I like to think I understand my way round my camera and basic photography but I'm wanting to take it to the next level. I want to learn some new tips and tricks most importantly I want to improve my Landscape photos first gathering the data and secondly improving some post processing.
Thanks
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I'm in a similar quandary although I know I simply don't get out enough taking photos and I've also been thinking of a landscape workshop. There's a couple of things I would say about your questions

Firstly, you aspire to get to 'the next level' and consider a training course. I would ask if you decide not to do a training course to consider what else you will do to get to the next level.

With regards workshops I think there a lot to understanding how they work which would benefit you based on what your aspirations are. The things I've read about landscape workshops is that very often it's a combination of knowing an area well, planning for good/ possibly great shots for the time of year and being able to adapt quickly to the actual lighting conditions- imagine going on a landscape workshop to turn up at every location planned and the lightings no use for that area/ anticipated shots with no plan b to walk away with any good shots- not many good reviews and a short lived landscape workshop career.

To do this properly I think you need to know an area pretty well, understand what might work nearby in those lighting conditions and approach it like that. Going on a workshop lets you see how someone else approaches landscapes and lets you take away something to add to your own approach- even if it's as simple as 'that was a waste of time and I wouldn't want to do it that way'- you'll have learned something- maybe not what you thought but take the positive from it.

Wouldn't discount the camera club / other toggers route either but I think the approach to landscapes is where you might be aiming for so try to find someone who's work you think is levels above you and see if they would go out occassionally with you and discuss what you like and don't like about your work
 
If you understand composition. Know how to set your camera up on a tripod, set a small depth of field, low ISO use a mirror lock-up and cable release. Know when to use an ND / polariser filters and If you understand the effect of various focal lengths from ultra wide to telephoto and resulting angle of view then technically that's about all you need to know. The hard part is understanding when the weather and light will combine on your chosen location. It requires an infinite amount of patience to get it right. Learning the locations is the tricky bit. Of course you could learn this on your course. As a landscape photographer one of the most useful things to own is an Ordnance Survey map of the area. If you understand how to read this you'll find some great locations !
 
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I went on a photography course in Birmingham and I did not take anything from it, granted it was classroom based.

I found I learned a lot more from you tube tutorials and a few Landscape books I bought.

Good luck
 
Mani Gill said:
I went on a photography course in Birmingham and I did not take anything from it, granted it was classroom based.

I found I learned a lot more from you tube tutorials and a few Landscape books I bought.

Good luck
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Birmingham isn't exactly known for its landscapes Vietnam - yeah, definitely !
 
Tobers said:
I'm going on a David Ward workshop for a week up in Assynt, northwest Scotland, in February. I've long been an admirer of David - he is a master of composition, creating simple and bold images.

I don't need to know how to take photographs. I want to understand more about David's thinking process, what goes through his brain when he's looking for a composition, what he rules in and out, and why. I'm really looking forward to this week, and will be staying up in Assynt for another week afterwards to put some of my training into practice.
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You'll enjoy it Andy. We did a single day waterfalls workshop with David last weekend at Ingleton. Very inspirational and informative. He's just got back from running a workshop up in Harris and Lewis. I found a great write up here
 
Thanks Peter. I'm so looking forward to it, plus I have all of the following week in the same area to put the lessons into practice!

Back to the original post - something I've found hugely useful has been to focus on one small area, in my case about 1 square mile, and try and create different, unique images every time I go there. This approach really forces you to LOOK at what is around you, and try to see shapes, lines and bold compositions that you'd never otherwise have contemplated exist. The output from this project can be seen here, and you can see the large variation of images to be had in a small area of heathland. Another advantage is that it's lovely to be out and about challenging your brain to create pictures that nobody else has done.
 
Hi all,
It's my New Years resolution to improve my landscape photography, being mostly a wildlife photographer. I have been following this thread with interest. I have found workshops a great way to learn especially the ones that are run 'in the field' so to speak. I am heading up to the Lake District tomorrow for a workshop there and then to South Pembs towards the end of March. I will let you know how I get on and of my experiences of these workshops.
 
Go for it. My workshop in the Lake Distrct was brilliant. I learnt so much of the tricks of the trade from a very successful photographer and came home with one or two decent photos. I went away for a week with my camera and put these into practice. I am really pleased with the improvement in my landscape work after just one workshop. My verdict, bbg404, is a yes. Photography courses are worth bothering with...if they are good ones. M xx
 
Blank_Canvas said:
If you understand composition. Know how to set your camera up on a tripod, set a small depth of field, low ISO use a mirror lock-up and cable release. Know when to use an ND / polariser filters and If you understand the effect of various focal lengths from ultra wide to telephoto and resulting angle of view then technically that's about all you need to know. The hard part is understanding when the weather and light will combine on your chosen location. It requires an infinite amount of patience to get it right. Learning the locations is the tricky bit. Of course you could learn this on your course. As a landscape photographer one of the most useful things to own is an Ordnance Survey map of the area. If you understand how to read this you'll find some great locations !
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Sorry for thread-jumping!

That's really interesting Nick - I'd say I can cover most of that off and as a walker/climber OS maps are my friend. But what do you look for on the map in terms of photography? I know what to look for when navigating or planning a walk/climb but not shooting. This is a fascinating thread! I struggle with landscapes even when the light is getting there... so I must be missing something and suspect it's composition.
 
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