Right: Taken from
Valda Bailey’s
critically acclaimed
book, Fragile,
an emotive
interpretation of
the most fragile
elements in
the landscapeBelow: Many of
Valda Bailey’s
landscapes are
layers of multiple
exposures. Creative
decisions are
instinctive, ‘so you
can’t write a recipe
for it’, she saysnew landscapes
W
hat a view! Tripod
out, camera and
lens on. Wide angle.
Frame and compose.
Look for lead-in lines, a focal
point. Rule of thirds. Is the horizon
straight? Focus. Stop down to f/16.
Depth-of-field preview check. Meter
highlights and shadows. Better add
an ND grad. What about a polariser?
Meter again, check focus. Remote
release on. Ready?
Most readers will recognise the
above as the litany of the landscape
photographer, one that has been
astutely observed since a tripod
was first planted into the chalk
cliffs overlooking Durdle Door or
the limestone pavements above
Malham Cove. Iconic viewpoints
such as these have inspired tons ofTraditional landscape photography is being taken over
by more experimental forms. Keith Wilson speaks
to four photographers who are pushing the limits
A changing
landscape
photographers, but despite all
the pretty postcards, comforting
calendars and workshop bookings,
a wind of change is stirring on
the misty dawn horizon of the
traditional landscape photograph.
Along with her business partner
Doug Chinnery, Valda Bailey is
recognised as one of the leading
advocates of a new style of landscape
photography that is gaining a rapid
following for its pursuit of a more
conceptual interpretation of our
surroundings. Multiple exposures,
intentional camera movements
(ICM), and using camera blend
modes to layer a succession of
exposures onto one frame are some
of her favoured techniques. Formerly
a painter, Valda remembers all too
well the frustration of her own© valda bailey