PracticalPhotograPhy.com 551
Beinspired
I lo okat theworkof many
la ndscapephotographersand
th ey inspire me in different ways. It could
be to try a new idea, such as ICM, or
a minimalist approach or certain toning,
but I also look at what kind of shots
haven’t been taken much so I can get
a slightly different viewpoint.2
Visualise your shot
Have an idea of the final
photograph you want before
you take the shot. I guess it’s a little like
painting a picture or writing a story.
The artist or author usually needs to
know where they’re going before they
begin, although it helps to be flexible
along the way.3
make
printsof
yourwork
I’ ve recently gone back to many of my
images to tweak them slightly as I’ve
noticed dust spots, over sharpening or
overexposed areas in my shots once
printed. I have a large screen to view
my images on, but it’s still no substitute
for seeing the final product.4
Join a cluB
I get so much out of being a
member of my local camera club.
Sometimes it’s just a titbit about a feature
on Lightroom, or it may be details of a
new location. It’s a great way to find out
about different styles and ask questions
about new techniques.anyone who knows the area will know that’s a lot
of stairs to climb, but i ran up them all, past many
bemused people, arriving out of breath just in time
for the shot.what have you learned along the way?
i’ve realised that i’m quite meticulous. my study is
full of discarded prints, as each has something that
i’m not quite happy with. i also think i can be a ‘glass
half empty’ type of person. i was standing on a hill
taking a sunset shot with another photographer who
was commenting on how excellent the conditions
were and, in my mind, i was thinking about how the
scene could be even better. i am, however, learning
to appreciate the beauty all around me, and realise
that not having ideal conditions means the appeal to
return is even stronger.any memorable experiences?
Seeing one of my images touring the country and in
a book in the landscape Photographer of the year
competition was a nice experience, as this was the
first time i’d really put any of my images ‘out there’
beyond the eyes of my friends and family. i’d been
inspired by many of the photographers that i’d seen
in the previous books, and never in a million years did
i think i’d have an image worthy of being included.
the same image took me to the British Photography
awards last year, which was a very surreal experience
as i sat in my tuxedo with lots of other amazing
photographers and celebrities. it’s wonderful to be
able to inspire others, just as many photographers
have inspired me.
although there have been times when i’ve got
up in the middle of the night for nothing, or the car
has failed on me, or i’ve ended up soaking wet, or
freezing cold, i wouldn’t say these have been bad
lessons to learn. i try to take something from each
experience, and it’s usually pretty good just being
outside and savouring the fresh air. however, i do
always keep dry clothes and drinks in the car now!whatgearwouldwe findin yourkit bag?
i have a mindShift rotation180° rucksack with a
waist pack that swings around so that i can access
everything i need quickly. inside that, i have my
canon 6D mkii, 24-70mm and 16-35mm lenses as
well as a 70-200mm. i carry a range of lee filters,
including a Big and little Stopper, and a tripod.
one item that i nearly always take is an umbrella.
When using a wider-angle lens, it can be difficult to
keep rain off the glass even with a lens hood, so this
has helped me catch images on a number of occasions
and i’ve become skilled at managing my camera with
one hand and holding an umbrella with the other.what’s the best advice you’ve been given?
the advice that i had from some colleagues at work
a few years ago was to show my work publicly.
Until then, i didn’t think my images were good
enough. i’d immersed myself in looking at other
people’s amazing work, and so thought people would
criticise my pictures, as i didn’t think they were as
good. consequent ly, i set up a website and created
some social media accounts to display my images.
i found a few nice comments spurred me on to go
out every weekend, which then helped me improve.
the twitter community is also amazing for advice.what about the future?
i recently joined a photography club so that i could
learn from others, as up to now i’ve just learnt from
magazines like this one, so it’s been wonderful to
chat with like-minded people. it’s pushed me to get
into printing, which i’ve been
enjoying immensely. i’ve also
st arted trying out other
genres, such as macro.
Ultimately, my aim is
to inspire others to go
out and experience
this beautiful land as
much as possible.Clockwise from
top The ridge
leading from Mam
Tor to Losehill in
the Peak District,
bathed in the
warm light of
the rising sun.
The River Coe
with two of the
Three Sisters in
the background
at Glencoe,
Scotland.
Waves hit the
breakwater at
Porthcawl as
Storm Freya
makes landfall.
Early morning
mist flows
through the ruins
of Corfe Castle
in Dorset.
get
involved!
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bauermedia.co.ukreader showcase Jay Birminghamaim higher Jay’s 4-step guide to better landscapes