Great landscape photographers are distinguished not only by their stunning images but also by their approach to their craft. Mark Denney, a prominent figure in the landscape photography community, advocates for several principles that contribute to greatness in this field.
Firstly, Mark encourages photographers to experiment without fear of failure. Embracing failure as an inevitable part of the journey, he suggests stepping out of comfort zones, whether it's trying new focal lengths, perspectives, or compositions. He challenges photographers to look beyond the conventional frame, considering unconventional angles and viewpoints.
Secondly, Mark emphasizes the importance of relentless post-processing and continuous learning. He urges photographers to find excitement in refining their images through editing and to remain open to new techniques and approaches. This commitment to improvement extends beyond capturing the image to the meticulous process of refining it.
Additionally, Mark stresses the significance of being a student of composition. Recognizing composition as the cornerstone of impactful imagery, he encourages photographers to study the work of others, identifying strengths and weaknesses to inform their own practice. By actively learning and evolving their compositional skills, photographers can elevate their storytelling and create truly compelling images.
Moreover, Mark advocates for celebrating both small and significant achievements along the photographic journey. He highlights the value of sharing knowledge and experiences with fellow photographers, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can thrive and grow together. Through reflection, photographers can track their progress and appreciate the improvements made over time.
In essence, greatness in landscape photography is not solely defined by a single image or a few successes but rather by a commitment to continuous learning, experimentation, and collaboration. Mark's principles serve as a guiding light for aspiring photographers, encouraging them to embrace challenges, refine their skills, and ultimately, capture breathtaking landscapes that resonate with viewers.
Why does "great" landscape photography have to be "breathtaking"? Josef Koudelka's "Chaos" is full of amazing landscape imagery that's dark and foreboding, telling stories others would have us ignore or overlook. Likewise, Sebastiao Salgado makes fantastic use of the environments in which he finds his subjects, often using them to build narratives of difficulty and hardship.
Absolutely ! It doesn’t always have to be the big vista, intimate and abstract can be just as intriguing and even more intriguing for some
For long time I haven't seen a video which is in sync with my way of thinking so much. Thanks for sharing it Darren!
Thanks Pal!! He raised some great points for sure