On Landscape – Any Questions

Summary

In this conversation, Colin Prior, a renowned mountain photographer, discusses his background and journey as a photographer, his transition from film to digital photography, and his experiences using the 617 camera in the mountains. He also shares insights into his approach to composition and the challenges and opportunities of photographing in the Scottish Highlands and the Karakoram mountains. The conversation highlights the importance of planning and preparation in landscape photography and the evolution of Colin's artistic vision. In this conversation, Colin Prior discusses his approach to photographing the Karakoram mountains and his book 'Fragile'. He talks about the challenges of working in color in a predominantly blue and white landscape and explains why he chose to focus on monochrome photography. He also discusses the inclusion of portraits in his book to break up the monotony of mountain images. Colin shares his inspirations for mountain photography, including Galen Rowell and Shinzo Maeda. He reflects on the impact of technology on photography and the role of photographers in conservation.

Takeaways

• Colin Prior's journey as a photographer began with a win in an underwater photography competition, which gave him the confidence to pursue photography as a career.
• The 617 camera became a signature tool for Colin, allowing him to capture the grandeur and character of the mountains in a unique panoramic format.
• Transitioning from film to digital photography brought new creative possibilities and flexibility, but also required adapting to new equipment and workflows.
• Colin's approach to composition involves a combination of planning and opportunistic photography, with a focus on capturing the unique character and visual drama of the mountains. Working in color in a predominantly blue and white landscape can be challenging, leading Colin Prior to focus on monochrome photography.
• Including portraits in a book of mountain photography can help break up the monotony of landscape images.
• Galen Rowell and Shinzo Maeda are among the photographers who have inspired Colin Prior's work.
• Technology has had a significant impact on photography, allowing for higher ISOs and better image reproduction.
• Photographers have a role to play in conservation by recording the beauty of the natural world and promoting responsible behavior in nature.

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and Technical Difficulties

01:33
Colin Prior's Background and Beginnings as a Photographer

05:31
The Signature Look of Colin's Photography and the 617 Camera

07:34
Transition from Film to Digital Photography

08:16
The Genesis of the 617 Format and the British Airways Commission

10:59
The Challenges of Using the 617 Camera in the Mountains

13:23
Planning and Opportunistic Photography in the Mountains

16:39
Transitioning from the 617 Format and Film to Digital Photography

26:29
Approach to Composition in the Karakoram

28:29
The Monumental Views of the Karakoram

29:14
Working in Color or Black and White

30:05
Monochrome Approach

31:15
Including Portraits

32:08
The Changing Character of the Mountains

33:29
Different Perspectives on Mountain Photography

34:16
Inspiration for Mountain Photography

36:04
The Fragile Project

40:42
The Influence of Technology on Photography

44:00
Shinzo Maeda's Influence

45:42
The Fragile Project

50:38
The Commercial Success of 'Fragile'

53:23
The Role of Photography in Conservation

56:55
The Impact of Footfall on Fragile Areas

58:24
Photography's Role in Conservation

Summary

In this conversation, Mark Littlejohn discusses the use of tripods in photography and the potential drawbacks they can have. He mentions that tripods can be useful for slowing down and reminding photographers that they are actively photographing. However, he also points out that tripods can limit creativity and awareness of the surroundings if photographers become too fixated on the viewfinder or live view. Mark emphasizes the importance of technique and proper camera handling for achieving sharp handheld shots. He also shares his approach to photography, which is reactive rather than preconceived, and focuses on capturing anything that interests him. Mark believes that failure should not be a concern in photography and that photographers should focus on having fun and being instinctive. In this part of the conversation, Mark discusses his love for the beauty of different locations, such as Prerthshire and Red Point Beach. He also expresses his concerns about the increasing commercialization and gentrification of popular areas like the Lake District. Mark shares his approach to photography, which involves minimal editing and a focus on colour matching. He draws inspiration from artists and paintings rather than other photographers. Mark mentions his plans to upload kelp images and potentially write a book. He emphasizes the importance of preserving the natural beauty of areas and prioritizing the location over personal projects. In this conversation, Mark Littlejohn discusses various topics related to photography and his approach to capturing landscapes. He talks about the calmness and beauty of scenes with reeds and how they differ from other landscapes. He also mentions his love for photography and how it has become an integral part of his life. Mark emphasizes the importance of following one's own artistic vision and not being influenced by others. He also touches on the issue of photography tours and the impact of air travel on the environment.

Takeaways

• Tripods can be useful for slowing down and reminding photographers that they are actively photographing.
• However, tripods can limit creativity and awareness of the surroundings if photographers become too fixated on the viewfinder or live view.
• Proper technique and camera handling can help achieve sharp handheld shots.
• Mark's approach to photography is reactive and focuses on capturing anything that interests him.
• He believes that failure should not be a concern and that photographers should focus on having fun and being instinctive. Mark finds beauty and inspiration in various locations, appreciating the uniqueness and charm of each place.
• He is concerned about the commercialization and gentrification of popular areas, such as the Lake District.
• Mark's photography approach involves minimal editing and a focus on color matching.
• He draws inspiration from artists and paintings rather than other photographers.
• Mark plans to upload kelp images and potentially write a book, but he prefers to let the location guide his photography rather than pursuing specific projects. The quality of scenes with reeds is unique and different from other landscapes.
• Photography has become an essential part of Mark's life, and he can't recall a time when he didn't take photographs.
• One's approach to photography should be driven by personal passion and vision, rather than seeking validation or popularity.
• There is a concern about the environmental impact of photography tours and excessive air travel.

Summary

In this episode, Tim Parkin, Joe Cornish, and Lizzie Shepherd discuss various topics related to photography, including exhibiting and printing, the creative evolution of photographers, the responsibility of photographers to be aware of environmental and ethical considerations, and the fascination with snowy landscapes. They also touch on gender differences in photography and the impact of cultural values on photographic practices. The conversation provides insights into the challenges and joys of being a landscape photographer and the importance of staying true to one's creative vision. In this conversation, Lizzie Shepherd and Joe Cornish discuss photography gear for ski tours and the importance of composition and mood in landscape photography.

Takeaways

• Exhibiting photographs can be a mixed experience, with varying levels of success and challenges.
• Photographers should focus on doing what they love and continuously pushing themselves creatively.
• Photographers have a responsibility to be aware of and react to the environmental and ethical considerations of the places they photograph.
• Snowy landscapes have a unique appeal to photographers due to the transformative nature of snow and the simplification it brings to compositions. When going on multi-day ski tours, Lizzie Shepherd prefers to use her Sony full-frame camera with a lightweight lens to minimize weight and maximize convenience.
• Joe Cornish, on the other hand, tends to carry more gear and doesn't mind the weight, believing that the load gets lighter as he moves through the landscape.
• Lizzie emphasizes the importance of instinct and developing an eye for composition over time, while also acknowledging the need for deliberation in certain situations.
• Both Lizzie and Joe agree that mood is a crucial aspect of landscape photography, and that imperfections can add depth and interest to an image.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:27 Discussion on Skiing and Polar Bears

03:16 Exhibiting and Printing

04:39 Success and Challenges of Exhibitions

06:30 Photographic Agenda and Creative Evolution

08:57 Mounting Pictures and Peter Dombrovskis

09:41 Peter Dombrovskis and Digital Photography

12:47 Getting Started in Photography

15:29 Photography as a Way of Seeing

20:37 Staying on the Creative Bus

23:51 Gender Differences in Photography

29:56 Ethical Considerations in Photography

38:16 Fascination with Snowy Landscapes

43:46 Photography Gear for Ski Tours

50:10 Composition and Mood

Summary

The conversation explores various themes related to photography, including the evolution of photography styles, the role of the audience in book publishing, the challenges of mountain photography, the pursuit of beauty, the influence of drones, the importance of color accuracy in printing, and the philosophy of photography in revealing reality. In this conversation, Joe Cornish discusses the process of creating landscape photographs with depth and meaning. He emphasizes the importance of using a large format camera and spending time observing the world from a different perspective. Joe also highlights the significance of knowing where to stand and how to frame a shot, as well as the role of post-production in serving the original concept. Additionally, Alex expresses his appreciation for the podcast series and encourages Joe to self-publish another book.

Takeaways

• Photography styles have evolved over time, with a shift towards more intimate and subdued images.
• Considering the audience is important in book publishing, as it helps differentiate the work and find a market.
• Mountain photography presents unique challenges in capturing the scale and depth of mountains.
• The pursuit of beauty is a common goal in photography, and representation can be a powerful form of art.
• Being yourself as a photographer and revealing the reality of the world are important aspects of the creative process. Creating pictures with depth requires using a large format camera and observing the world from a different perspective.
• Knowing where to stand and how to frame a shot is fundamental to landscape photography.
• Post-production should serve the original concept and vision of the photograph.
• Podcasts provide valuable discussions and insights that are not readily available elsewhere.
• Self-publishing books can be a way to share knowledge and inspire others in the photography community.
• There is a need for further conversations and exploration of the questions raised by the community.

00:00 The Round Table Format
01:05 Evolution of Photography Styles
04:18 The Influence of Technology and Audience
06:12 The Importance of Witnessing and Being Present
08:03 Considering the Audience in Book Publishing
10:10 The Role of Design in Photography Books
12:49 The Challenges of Mountain Photography
14:54 The Influence of Time and Experience
17:54 The Role of Creativity and Originality
19:36 Capturing the Scale and Depth of Mountains
20:51 The Shift Towards Intimate Photography
23:14 The Pursuit of Beauty in Photography
26:24 The Evolution of Photography Styles
30:43 The Influence of Drones on Mountain Photography
33:39 The Challenges of Printing and Color Accuracy
41:00 The Role of Representation in Photography
44:24 The Importance of Being Yourself as a Photographer
49:04 The Role of Color in Photography Books
50:49 The Philosophy of Photography and Revealing Reality
01:00:54 Creating Pictures with Depth
01:03:55 The Importance of Podcasts and Books
01:04:38 Continuing the Conversation