Special Presentation: Landscape Photography - Research, Plan, Accomplish

Landscape Photography

Research, Plan, Accomplish

Join Darren Stones at the Essendon Camera Club to be part of an interactive discussion about how you can improve your landscape photography. Darren will guide guests through a process in how to research, plan and accomplish a series of photographs with the purpose of sharing them in various ways.

Darren will discuss how choosing a favourite landscape location can accelerate the learning process and lead to a photographer improving their technique, style and motivation. Guests will be encouraged to share their thoughts and experiences and ask questions. Visitors welcome.

Venue: Essendon Camera Club, Aberfeldie Baptist Church
Address: 3-5 Price Street, Essendon, VIC
Date and Time: Monday 18 February, 2013 at 8:00pm

Event Flier:
Download and print the Event Flier.
Landscape Photography - Research, Plan, Accomplish

Information Sheet:
Download and print the Information Sheet that accompanies this event.
Landscape Photography - Research, Plan, Accomplish - Information Sheet

About Darren Stones:
Darren Stones has been making photographs since 1987 and he assists photographers to improve their photography knowledge and skills. His photographs are purchased for use in travel guide books and maps, educational books, corporate brochures, calendars, and are sold internationally as various print products.

Contact details:
Mobile: 0419 200 469
Email: darrengstones@gmail.com
Internet: www.darrenstones.com.au

How using a tripod will help you to create better landscape photographs

Travel Photography - Advice and Tips

By Darren Stones

So what's a good way to slow down a photographer who madly dashes around with their camera snapping as many subjects as possible? Suggest to them that they use a tripod.

Compose images with a critical eye
Photography is an art form, and for those who are serious about wanting to improve their landscape photography, I highly recommend using a tripod.

One of the key benefits of using a tripod is that it slows the image making process whereby giving us time to analyse the scene and think creatively about it.

We should be mindful of how we compose our images because it is critical in the image making process to producing interesting looking photographs. And that's what we all seek to do.

#1 - Rocky Point at Torquay
Canon 20D, Canon 17-40mm lens @ 17mm
1/640sec, f/11, ISO 200, Tripod, RAW

#2 - Rocky Point at Torquay
Canon 20D, Canon 17-40mm lens @ 30mm
1/250sec, f/13, ISO 200, Tripod, RAW

Experimenting with techniques
The Surf Coast area along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria is one of my favourite locations for photography. I believe the stretch from Point Danger at Torquay through to Jan Juc is perfect for experimenting with landscape photography techniques that require using a tripod.

Exposure settings
During the last few years I have taken a series of images in the same area at Rocky Point, Torquay. In making each image, I have mounted my camera on the tripod and photographed the scene using different exposure settings.

Create a collection
The reason I return to this location and photograph it, is that I can create a collection of photographs that features the same area and produce different looking images. I do this by using various camera and composition techniques, and by using my tripod.

#3 - Rocky Point at Torquay

Canon 20D, Canon 17-40mm lens @ 30mm

1/25sec, f/13, ISO 100
B+W 64x Neutral Density Filter
Photoshop adjustments include:
Levels, Brightness and Contrast selections and masking,
Gradient Fill Layer selection and masking 

#4 - Rocky Point at Torquay

Canon 20D, Canon 10-22mm lens @ 14mm

5sec, f/14, ISO 100, Tripod, RAW

Lee 0.9 (3 stops) Soft Neutral Density Graduated Filter

Photoshop adjustments include:
Levels, Brightness and Contrast selections and masking, Saturation

Freezing and blurring water movement
Freezing and blurring water movement are creative techniques that require different shutter speeds. Longer shutter speeds allow us to produce images that blur the movement of water, whereas faster shutters speeds freeze the water movement.

In image #1 and #2, I have chosen to freeze the movement of the water. My objective in these images was to create leading lines in the wet sand and water, whilst also emphasising the jagged rocks and the fine weather.

Using a neutral density filter
During the day in sunny conditions, it can be difficult to slow the shutter speed and blurring the movement of water. However, with the use of a neutral density filter, it can be achieved.

For image #3, I used a B+W brand 64x Neutral Density Filter. This filter reduces the exposure by 6 stops and it allowed me to slow the shutter speed to 1/25sec. As you can see in the image, I have created movement in the water and it's particularly noticeable where the wave hits the rock.

Time, analysis and creativity
So in summary, use a tripod when photographing your landscape scenes and give yourself time to analyse the scene. Develop your creative skills and you will create better landscape photographs.

Paragliding action at Bells Beach Southside

Travel Photography - Advice and Tips

By Darren Stones

Photographing paragliding action is a real challenge, and I believe the best place to do it on the Surf Coast in Victoria is at Bells Beach Southside, Torquay.

Here's a few shots that I think capture the essence of paragliding in this area. Spectators can see the action close up because the paragliders use the thermals across the cliff top where the viewing area is located.

Spectators glued to the action

You need to be patient and continually observant, because composing unique photographs can be a bit hit and miss. With people moving, timing is critical.

Floating on air above the beach

It's a great spectacle to see a paraglider floating on air above the beach. When the backdrop is as brilliant as the Victorian south-west coastline, it makes for awesome photographic opportunities.

Waiting for the wind

There is the opportunity to get close to the paragliders before they lift off, however I suggest you introduce yourself to them and develop a rapport. Chat to them about their experience and interest in the sport. You can gain a good insight by engaging in conversation.

Ready for lift off

Every so often it's wise to step back and take a wide shot. Photographing with a wide angle zoom allows you to take images that include the natural surroundings. Sometimes the sky adds a brilliant background to a scene.

These images were taken using a wide angle zoom lens. By using a wide angle zoom, and getting in close, you can create dramatic images.

View Larger Map

Get comfortable at Cosy Corner and take your time

Travel Photography - Advice and Tips

By Darren Stones

When photographing the landscape, it's worth spending time in a specific location and working the various angles of that landscape at different times of the day. I recommend to closely analyse a small area and investigate the numerous photographic opportunities that an area can provide.

In this article I would like to highlight Cosy Corner at Torquay in Victoria as a place for landscape photographers to practice their craft. Torquay is a great seaside town for a short break and about one-and-a-half hours from Melbourne.

Being patient
Many hobby photographers have a tendency to rush their landscape photography and want to cover large areas during a short time. I believe it's worth investing time and being patient so you can maximise your chances of covering a small area in a more thorough manner. Even just sitting for 15 minutes can give us time to relax and prepare for an hour of quality photography.

Sunrise at Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria

See what is happening
When visiting Cosy Corner, I like to park at the car park at Point Danger because access is easy and you can see the weather changing, especially approaching showers and squalls, which can make for interesting images. When I park the car, I always get out and survey what is happening. I look at what the weather is doing, what people are doing and just let the area wash over me. I never get out of the car straight away with the camera and start snapping away in the hope that a good image will magically find its way onto my memory card.

Sunrise at Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria

Sunrise at Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria

Use a tripod
A tripod slows down our image making process and I believe that is a key aspect to creating better images. When using a tripod, we can better compose our images and begin to better see what it is we are actually viewing. Rushing around with a camera and just snapping away is not the best way to make a series of quality landscape images. Time ... give yourself time to connect with a location and allow yourself to feel what is actually happening around you.

Passing shower during the afternoon at Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria

Passing shower during the afternoon at Cosy Corner, Torquay, Victoria

Lighting and weather
Cosy Corner at Zeally Bay, Torquay in Victoria is a good example of a place where you can return to the same location during a short stay and photograph a variety of subjects and activities within a small area. Different lighting conditions can make a big difference to the scenery around here, and as photographers, this is to our advantage. Changeable weather conditions are great because you can create a series of images where the cloud formations look completely different.

Windsurfing on Zeally Bay during late afternoon sunlight before sunset.
Photographed from Cosy Corner at Torquay, Victoria

Windsurfing on Zeally Bay during late afternoon sunlight before sunset.
Photographed from Cosy Corner at Torquay, Victoria

Summary
Take your time and use the weather conditions to your advantage. Return to the same location and work the angles during different lighting conditions. The rewards will be worthwhile.

View Larger Map

How to photograph surfing action at Jan Juc, Torquay, Victoria, Australia

By Darren Stones

The Surf Coast in Victoria, Australia provides photographers with excellent surfing photography opportunities. One of the best places to watch the surfing action is from the cliff top at Jan Juc, Torquay. Here you will find easy access to large timber platform viewing areas, which are directly adjacent spacious car parking areas.

Popular times to see surfers in this location are during the afternoon, and locals head here at the end of the day after work or school.

For the surfing image featured here, I used my Canon 20D DSLR camera with my Canon 400mm f/5.6 L USM lens attached. I had that combination securely mounted to my Manfrotto monopod. The monopod allows me to keep the camera and lens combination steady, whilst at the same time taking most of the weight off my arms.

Surfing at Jan Juc, Torquay on Victoria's Surf Coast

I use the continuous mode function when photographing surfers so I can take multiple frames per second. It allows me to photograph the peak of the action as a surfer moves across the water and riding a wave. I use the AI Servo focussing mode on my camera so that the lens is constantly focussing on the surfer. This mode requires me to position the surfer in the middle of the frame so that the focussing capability continually tracks the movement of the surfer.

I like to use a shutter speed of 1/1000th of a second or faster, so this generally means I'm shooting at ISO 400 or 800. Aperture Priority is my preferred shooting mode and I always shoot in RAW format so I can get the best possible data in camera.

Cropping images is usually required because it can be difficult to get a frame filling shot from long distance. If the surfers ride their waves in close to shore, then cropping may not be required or is quite minimal. A fast focussing fixed length telephoto lens can help produce high quality sharp images that look attractive and have that WOW factor.

View Larger Map

How landscape photography affects the psyche

By Darren Stones

In August 2009 I had the pleasure of photographing the mighty Murrumbidgee River near Hay in New South Wales. I left Hay this particular morning and drove 38 kilometres east along the Sturt Highway until I reached the Mulberrygong Reserve. Most would not even see the sign and open gate to the reserve, but for me it was conspicuous because I was looking for an entry point that would allow me to reach a part of the river not often seen and photographed.

Murrumbidge River near Hay NSW
Photo: Darren Stones

It was a beautiful sunny day with a few clouds in the sky. No wind and just me out amongst nature with the birds chirping. The water level was low due to the drought, and because it was I had the opportunity to walk down the riverbank and get close to submerged logs. I looked around, noticed the stunning red riverbank on the bend in the distance and just literally stopped in my tracks. The experience had a profound effect on my psyche this day and it made me realise how much I enjoyed being out with my camera.

Murrumbidgee River near Hay NSW
Photo: Darren Stones

After about half-an-hour, I began to better see the curves of the river, the lines of the submerged logs, and how the cloud was filling in patches of blue sky. I extended the legs of my tripod and began to move my camera around to different positions so I could work on my compositions. I almost slowed down the image-making process to slow motion as I allowed myself time to absorb the landscape. I felt attached to it, and set about making some photographs.

Murrumbidgee River near Hay NSW
Photo: Darren Stones

Upon finishing that shoot, I felt at ease with myself as a photographer. I would suggest to anyone that if you give yourself time to connect with the landscape, you will begin to better see what you are looking at. You will hear things such as the birds, insects, and the movement of leaves in the trees.

Murrumbidgee river near Hay NSW
Photo: Darren Stones

Our hectic lifestyles do impact upon the way we live. We do have to give ourselves permission to better connect with the landscape because I believe it does help with our sense of wellbeing.

Putting myself in the picture

By Darren Stones

Recently I visited the Coburg Lake Reserve in Melbourne's north and had a great time photographing the autumn colours. It was a relaxing time during a pleasant Sunday afternoon and a great opportunity to clear the cobwebs after a solid week of work and study.

Autumn really is a magnificent time of the year to photograph outdoors, and when it's overcast, that is an ideal opportunity to photograph deciduous trees as they change colour.

The even lighting conditions are perfect, because you won't have to battle with harsh shadows and high contrast situations.

I got a little creative with this scene and put myself in the picture. I set up my camera on my tripod, switched on the 10-second self-timer and just wandered over into the scene.

I chose to use this golden tree to create a framing effect by placing it on the right and excluding the top part of it. The fallen leaves have created a carpet of colour that also enhances the composition. I'm standing at a table, which has a chess board design incorporated into it.

Next time you're out with your camera and tripod, consider putting yourself in the picture.

Coburg Lake Reserve

Photo: Darren Stones

Improve your travel photography at the 2012 Grenfell Festival Travel Photography Workshop

By Darren Stones

Hi folks, my upcoming 2012 Grenfell Festival Travel Photography Workshop during the 55th Henry Lawson Festival of Arts in Grenfell, New South Wales will inspire photography enthusiasts to create better travel photographs.

It's shaping up as a fun learning experience, so check out the Workshops page and book your place today.

As part of the workshop:

• I will facilitate group interactive learning
• We will photograph various subjects and share thoughts
• We will do some brainstorming in the field
• I will provide one-on-one advice and tips to each participant
• I will display the use of filters and other pieces of photographic equipment

This unique 3-hour workshop experience will be held in the great outdoors and I will guide photography enthusiasts around the historic town of Grenfell.

I will provide friendly instruction in how to photograph:

• Architecture
• Streetscapes
• Landscapes
• People
• And the festival itself

We will also cover:

• Composition
• Lighting
• Technique

As an endorsed event of the Henry Lawson Festival, this workshop is a rare opportunity to learn about travel photography during one of Australia's best arts festivals.

If you have any enquiries, contact me today by email or phone. My contact details are located on the About/Contact page and I am happy to chat with you about this workshop.

listen to ‘2012 Grenfell Festival Travel Photography Workshop’ on Audioboo

Brainstorming and breakouts at festival photography workshop

By Darren Stones

During my 3-hour photography workshop at the Henry Lawson Festival on Saturday June 9, 2012 at 8.30am, I will be facilitating brainstorming and breakouts. This will encourage participants to provide creative input and ideas that can be immediately transformed into creating better photographs.

Goals
The goals of the workshop are:

• To inspire participants to create new photographs of travel photography subjects
• To provide a friendly and relaxed environment for participants to learn
• To provide participants with the opportunity to seek instant feedback
• To provide participants with the opportunity to ask photography related questions

The workshop will be conducted "In The Field", and will be a great opportunity to meet and interact with like-minded people.

The 2012 Grenfell Festival Travel Photography Workshop is specially designed to encourage participants to think critically in a short time frame and then create quality photographs of various subjects at different locations in Grenfell.

Book your place today. Check the Workshops page for details.

Looking, seeing and photographing in Brunswick

Travel Photography - Advice and Tips

By Darren Stones

There's something magical about using the 10-22mm wide-angle lens. I just love how it allows me to get in close to subject matter and pull in other environmental elements.

During my recent photography walk around Brunswick, which is in the city of Moreland in Melbourne, I felt my creative juices flowing during that Labour Day public holiday. I could have been lounging around at home, however I went investigating to see what I could find.

I love to LOOK, SEE and PHOTOGRAPH. When visiting a new location, there's times when I simply have to stop and absorb the environment. This day was one of those days where slowing down provided me with time to connect with the surroundings.

When doing travel photography, it's important to STOP. Yes, STOP. STOP travelling ... STOP driving, STOP walking. STOP in your tracks, close your eyes and listen. Do this at least 3-4 times for at least 10 seconds within a five minute period and you will begin to better connect with the location you are in.

I haven't spent any previous time photographing in Brunswick. This opportunity inspired me to think differently than in the past. I think it comes with maturity, and by that I mean photographic experience, knowledge, and know how.

Nobody is born knowing how to create photographs ... but you can learn how to make better photographs whilst on your feet by giving yourself time. Quality is what it's about. Quality time, quality photography, quality experience. And fun.

How to shoot a paraglider and spectators in one shot

Travel Photography - Advice and Tips

By Darren Stones

One of the fascinating aspects of travel photography is photographing people watching action. It's a good idea to keep looking at the crowd and see how you can work spectators into your action shots.

Paragliding is not the easiest sports to combine the action and spectators, but it can be done with an appropriate selection of lens and vantage point.

Near Bells Beach in Victoria, there is an excellent lookout for spectators to view paragliding. It's a brilliant spectacle to see the paragliders flying over the heads of onlookers on a sunny day, and the use of a wide-angle lens provides the photographer the chance to get up close to the spectators and photograph them and a paraglider.

Travel Photography Tip: Put a wide-angle lens on your camera, get in close to the spectators, and capture them watching the action. It makes for interesting people shots.

Paragliding at Torquay by Darren Stones

Photograph details:
Camera: Canon EOS 20D
Lens: Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens @ 10mm
Filter: Polariser
Exposure: f/8, 1/640sec, ISO-400, RAW

Gloomy weather photography at Port Campbell National Park

Travel Photography - Advice and Tips

By Darren Stones

Gloomy weather provides landscape photographers the opportunity to get creative. With a wide-angle lens, you can create drama in your landscape scenes by including plenty of foreground interest and a threatening sky.

This image taken in the Port Campbell National Park in Victoria was made using those exact principles.

Travel Photography Tip: Shoot wide when it's gloomy. Use a wide-angle lens.

Port Campbell National Park by Darren Stones

Photograph details:
Camera: Canon EOS 20D Body
Lens: Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens @ 10mm
Filter: Lee Graduated Neutral Density .9ND G S
Exposure: f/14, 1/15sec, ISO-100, RAW
Other: Manfrotto 190PROB Tripod, Canon Remote Switch RS-80N3

A travel photography workshop can improve your photography

Travel Photography - Advice and Tips

By Darren Stones

Are you a photographer who wants to learn new skills? With a little research and planning, and new knowledge and skills, you can produce better travel photographs.

Photography is a healthy activity and it provides the opportunity to discover new places. A travel photography workshop in a friendly environment with like-minded people inspires creativity and the sharing of ideas.

The 2012 Grenfell Festival Travel Photography Workshop will be held on Saturday June 9, 2012 at 8.30-11.30am. I am hosting the workshop, which will be a 3-hour guided walking tour workshop of historic Grenfell in New South Wales during the 55th Henry Lawson Festival of Arts.

Topics covered in the workshop include:

• Architecture
• Landscape
• People
• Streetscape
• Festivals
• Composition
• Lighting
• Technique

Each participant will receive an information pack containing gifts, travel photography advice articles and tips, and photographer's guide.

Further information:
Check the 'Workshops' page where you can download the Information Sheet and Booking Form, and a workshop flier, which you can print and distribute.
Phone: 0419 200 469 Email: darrengstones@gmail.com

Australian travel photography features prominently at Redbubble

Travel Photography - Advice and Tips

By Darren Stones

Since March 2007, I have displayed my large portfolio of Australian travel photography and writing at Redbubble. One of the things I really enjoy about Redbubble is the opportunity to participate in the mini communities such as themed groups, which are managed by volunteer group hosts.

Themed groups
Australian themed groups are of particular interest to me given my passion for Australian travel photography and writing. Since joining the site, I have had hundreds of travel photographs featured in various groups and have been fortunate to win numerous group competitions.

Develop your skills
If you are interested in further developing your photography skills by viewing high quality images and interacting with like-minded people, check my Redbubble profile for the links to each group I am a member of.

http://www.redbubble.com/people/dgstones

Featured travel photography
Here's a selection of my Australian travel photographs that have been featured in groups at Redbubble between November 15-December 9, 2011.

Point Lonsdale Lighthouse

Jimmy Barnes

Bermagui

Beechworth Post Office

Hay Bale - Cobram

Lightning Ridge

Point Lonsdale

Kite Surfing at Merimbula

Bad weather can make for good travel photography

By Darren Stones

When travelling to photograph those picture perfect locations like you see in the guidebooks, you need Mother Nature on your side to help you get the shots that you want. Everyone loves seeing images with blue skies and a few clouds, but what happens when you arrive, your time is limited, and the weather is overcast?

Research
Travel photographers usually research their chosen locations before heading off and try their best to arrive in locations when the weather conditions are suitable for attractive photography. But things do not always go according to plan.

Recently I spent some time on the Surf Coast in Victoria, and was scouting around the base of the cliff face at Rocky Point at Torquay. It is a great looking area adjacent to the Torquay Surf Club when the sun is shining – particularly in the morning.

Rocky Point at Torquay by Darren Stones

On my first day in the area, I decided to go out during the afternoon to check out some potential spots for making landscape photographs. With the clouds looking ominous, a few spots of rain began to fall. Lots of people were around on the beach to that point, and then they decided to scatter. Suited me fine, as the clouds were beginning to look more interesting and I thought I could use them to my advantage.

Filters
With the use of my polariser and graduated neutral density filters, I was able to even out the lighting and use a slow shutter speed. This allowed me to use my creativity and create an image where I could blur the water. My shoes got absolutely soaked whilst taking this shot, as I had my camera set up on my tripod on a small rock shelf and some waves were still coming over the rocks. However, I thought it was worth the effort to photograph the scene, so continued on regardless. It was safe to do so as the tide was going out.

Creativity
So my advice to photographers is that when the weather begins to turn sour, don't run for cover so quickly. Stay behind and work the area with your creative hat on. By using a tripod you will be giving yourself time to slow down and analyse the scene, plus use those slower shutter speeds to create the sense of movement in the water.

If the rain is just a few spots, like it was for me during this shoot, protect your camera with a small cover such as a handkerchief. It worked fine for me and I left satisfied at having created a new photograph.

Photograph details:
Camera: Canon EOS 20D Body
Lens: Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Lens
Filters: Polariser, Lee Graduated Neutral Density .9ND G S
Exposure: f/16, 0.8sec, ISO-100, RAW
Other: Manfrotto 190PROB Tripod, Canon Remote Switch RS-80N3

5 tips for taking better travel photographs

By Darren Stones

When travelling, photography can be an integral part of your journey. Sure, we all enjoy savouring the sights, tastes and tourist hot spots, however travel photography provides opportunity to create and enjoy a memorable experience.

Here's 5 tips to assist you to take better travel photographs:

No. 1 – Use the golden hour for better landscape scenes

Serious landscape photographers utilise the golden hour to their advantage. Inspect the best landscape photographs, and you’ll notice that the sun is generally low in the sky. The first and last sunlit hour of the day produces a softer light for quality landscapes.

Even though photographing during these times can be difficult due to a busy travel schedule, make the effort and you’ll be rewarded with better quality images.

No. 2 – Photograph people

Taking photos of people is a vital part of travel photography. People like to know about people and they like to know what they look like. So, take people photos and expand your portfolio.

A city or town is about its people and culture – not just its buildings and scenery. Walk around with a smile, greet people as you pass them, and become part of the surroundings.

If you see someone engaged in an activity, approach them in a friendly manner. Introduce yourself and tell them you’re a visitor to the region. Tell them you’re a travel photographer who likes to take photos of people. Ask if you can take their photograph as they’re engaged in an activity. Go in close with a wide-angle zoom to create a dynamic portrait.

No. 3 – Stick around for sunset, and linger a little longer

When travelling, most people don’t take photographs at sunset, preferring to dine and savour a region’s tastes. Take a look behind you when the sun is setting as it may be highlighting buildings or trees.

Sometimes the best photographs are taken during sunset. Stay for the afterglow, because this can assist in producing unique architectural shots. With fading light, and street lights aglow, it’s an ideal time to photograph buildings.

No. 4 – Image format

Some subjects look better in portrait format compared to landscape. If in doubt, shoot both formats. When you’re home analysing your photos on the computer decide which looks best. For instance: lighthouses can be framed tightly in portrait format, or, framed in landscape with interesting surroundings.

No. 5 – Less is more

I believe the best travel photos are uncluttered and simple in composition. There’s a tendency amongst less experienced photographers to try and fit everything in, with the eventual image becoming a lot of tiny objects.

I’ll share a method I use. At times, I’ll slowly walk around with the camera to my eye searching for a strong composition. Of course when doing this, take care of where you walk, otherwise you could end up on your backside or over a cliff.

Commence planning your next journey with the intention to create attractive travel photographs. Research the places you intend to visit via the internet, newspapers, magazines and travel guidebooks.

Sharpen your photographic eye before you leave by photographing in your local area or nearby region. Increase your chances of producing quality travel images by researching, preparing and skilfully executing.

Happy travels.

View the Darren Stones Australian Travel Photography video on YouTube.