NEW
TRAVEL
Teach Yourself
THIRD EDITION
Digital Edition
P H O T O G R A P H Y
CAPTURE CULTURE
MASTER THE LANDSCAPE
SHOW CHARACTER
TRAVEL
Teach Yourself
P H O T O G R A P H Y We all long for the excitement of travelling the world, exploring new places and soaking up new cultures. Imagine making a living from doing just that while taking incredible imagery to document it forever. A great travel image can capture the tastes, smells and the very essence of a place. It’s the cheapest souvenir around, and when done properly, can keep the memories alive for years to come. Teach Yourself Travel Photography will show you how to turn your holiday snaps into impressive professional standard photos. Discover top tips for sunsets, portraits, wildlife, landscapes and more. Get advice on how to shoot in extreme weather, on safari, and even underwater. Plus, if that wasn’t enough, we’ll tell you how to get the most out of some of the world’s best locations, including London, New York, Delhi, Madagascar, Peru, Shanghai, Morocco and Kenya. This brand new bookazine truly is your indispensable guide to shooting stunning imagery across the globe.
TRAVEL
Teach Yourself
P H O T O G R A P H Y Future PLC Quay House, The Ambury, Bath, BA1 1UA
Editorial Editor Rebecca Greig Designer Laurie Newman Senior Art Editor Andy Downes Head of Art & Design Greg Whitaker Editorial Director Jon White Cover images Shutterstock Photography All copyrights and trademarks are recognised and respected Advertising Media packs are available on request Commercial Director Clare Dove International Head of Print Licensing Rachel Shaw licensing@futurenet.com Circulation Head of Newstrade Tim Mathers Production Head of Production Mark Constance Production Project Manager Clare Scott Advertising Production Manager Joanne Crosby Digital Editions Controller Jason Hudson Production Managers Keely Miller, Nola Cokely, Vivienne Calvert, Fran Twentyman Printed by William Gibbons, 26 Planetary Road, Willenhall, West Midlands, WV13 3XT Distributed by Marketforce, 5 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5HU www.marketforce.co.uk Tel: 0203 787 9001 Teach Yourself Travel Photography Third Edition (PTB3613) © 2021 Future Publishing Limited We are committed to only using magazine paper which is derived from responsibly managed, certified forestry and chlorine-free manufacture. The paper in this magazine was sourced and produced from sustainable managed forests, conforming to strict environmental and socioeconomic standards. The manufacturing paper mill and printer hold full FSC and PEFC certification and accreditation. All contents © 2021 Future Publishing Limited or published under licence. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the publisher. Future Publishing Limited (company number 2008885) is registered in England and Wales. Registered office: Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All information contained in this publication is for information only and is, as far as we are aware, correct at the time of going to press. Future cannot accept any responsibility for errors or inaccuracies in such information. You are advised to contact manufacturers and retailers directly with regard to the price of products/services referred to in this publication. Apps and websites mentioned in this publication are not under our control. We are not responsible for their contents or any other changes or updates to them. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein.
Future plc is a public company quoted on the London Stock Exchange (symbol: FUTR) www.futureplc.com
Chief executive Zillah Byng-Thorne Non-executive chairman Richard Huntingford Chief financial officer Rachel Addison Tel +44 (0)1225 442 244
CONTENTS The Ultimate travel guide
008
Essential advice for shooting the world
104
TECHNIQUES Shoot and explore the outdoors
042
Get more from your landscape shots
Cityscapes skill guide
052
Freeze excitement and emotion of a city
Photographing landmarks
060
Learn to take monumental photographs
Shoot stunning seascapes
070
Discover the secrets of coastal scenery
Faces of the World
076
Capture stunning portraits on location
Adventure in the great outdoors 088 Uncover the excitement behind action shots
Extreme weather
094
Capture imagery in extreme conditions
Shooting on Safari
100
Take a walk on the wild side
Shooting underwater
104
128
Get incredible shots beneath the waves
Go pro with travel photography
110
Start earning a living from your travel
070 6
184
188
152
LOCATIONS London
120
New York
124
Las Vegas
128
Canadian Rockies
132
Peru
136
Scotland
140
South-West France
144
Rome
148
Prague
152
Japan
156
Shanghai
160
Norway
164
Delhi
168
Trans-Siberian Express
172
Krakow
176
Madagascar
180
Kenya
184
Morocco
188
Sydney
192
124 7
ESSENTIALS
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE Iceland
Iceland is a breathtaking landscape that features mountain peaks, volcanoes, icy glaciers and geysers. Between September and March, once darkness has fallen, rural areas are often illuminated by the Northern Lights. Take a trip out of town where there’s less light pollution to capture this natural phenomenon.
TOP TIP You’ll need a sturdy tripod and long exposures to capture the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis.
New York
The city that never sleeps is a perfect place to shoot street photography and architecture. As a bustling metropolitan, you’re always guaranteed to find something exciting to shoot. Capture the real New York by avoiding overpopulated tourist areas; the subways and markets are a great place to start documenting.
TOP TIP Try shooting candid photos from the hip. If you have a flexible LCD, use it to compose from a low angle.
Rome
The historic capital city of Rome offers a diverse mix of photographic subjects. Those interested in architecture will enjoy exploring the ancient sites such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. There are plenty of great places to shoot interiors too, check out one of the city’s 900 churches for elaborate décor and ceiling frescos.
Peru
Peru was once home to many ancient civilisations including, the Incas. Visit their ancient settlement Machu Picchu, above the Urubamba Valley. Between April and October there’s less chance of rain but take an early morning or late afternoon trip to avoid tourists and ensure better light.
TOP TIP Explore the site itself and capture some of the structures up close. Look for unique perspectives to get original results.
Kenya
Rio De Janerio in Brazil is a vibrant city that’s full of culture and colour. Visit in February to experience the Rio carnival atmosphere, which is a great opportunity to document the tradition. Use slower shutter speed settings to record dancing motion and capture abstract colour shots.
A once-in-a-lifetime trip to Kenya is on every keen wildlife photographer’s to do list. Visiting during the drier months between January and March or June till October will guarantee more wildlife sightings and subsequently more opportunities to get good shots. Don’t forget your telephoto lenses to shoot from safe distances.
TOP TIP Keep an eye on your kit in crowded areas; putting tape over your camera will age it and help deter thieves.
TOP TIP Always set your shutter speed higher than your lens focal length for steadier, sharper shots.
Rio De Janerio
8
TOP TIP Avoid using your flash when shooting interiors by upping your camera’s ISO.
ESSENTIALS
Travel kit essentials Kit out your camera bag and prepare to hit the road with all the equipment you’ll ever need to get great shots
T
ravel photography is one of the most demanding photo genres, you could be capturing a landscape scene one minute and wildlife the next. To help ensure you’re properly prepared for whatever it is you encounter on the road, we’ve put together our top recommended kit for travel. So regardless of whether you’re planning to trek up mountain
peaks or slide down sand dunes, you’ll have all the essentials you’ll ever need at hand. If space allows, it might be a good idea to bring spares of some of the key items, such as memory cards and lenses. Travelling can yield photographs you’ll cherish for a lifetime so it’s so important to know what to pack and these must-have will ensure your trip is unforgettable.
“Ensure you’re properly prepared for whatever you encounter”
20
Laptop
Recommended: Apple MacBook Air Price: £949/$1,090 Website: www.apple.com
Although it will invariably take up a large amount of space and weight when travelling, it can be a useful accessory in your photography kit. A lightweight laptop can be used as a simple hard drive for storing your photos, a tool for quick editing, or as a way to share your images as you travel. The MacBook Air sports the most slim-line chassis on the market so it’s the ideal travel companion for keeping the load light.
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
Camera
Wide-Angle Lens
Recommended: Nikon D5600
Recommended: Nikon Nikkor 16-35mm f4 G AF-S ED VR
Recommended: Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 EX DG OS HSM
Telephoto Lens
Price: £579/$744
Price: £880/$1160
Price: £1539.99/$2470.00
Website: www.nikon.com
Website: www.nikon.com
Website: www.sigma-imaging-uk.com
The compact Nikon D5600 is an ideal travel companion. The 24.2MP APS-C sensor, EXPEED 4 processor and 39-point phase-detection autofocus system deliver good performance. Image quality is very pleasing, with punchy colour, impressive dynamic range and good retention of detail. Nikon’s SnapBridge lets you sync photos to your smart device as you shoot.
Travel photographers require lightweight and versatile kit. A wide-angle zoom lens like Nikon’s 16-35mm, is ideal for capturing vast landscapes and more general wide-angle scenes. It’s compatible with both FX and DX format DSLRs and comes with in-built image stabilisation technology for sharp shots.
A good quality telephoto zoom lens is an ideal investment, as it’ll enable you to shoot a variety of different subjects without having to change lenses. The Sigma 70-200mm lens is a fantastic example, offering the ability to shoot professional portraits all the way up to wildlife thanks to its far-reaching focal lengths.
Camera bag
Tripod
Filter
Recommended: Lowepro Flipside Sport
Recommended: GorillaPod SLR zoom
Price: £150/$135 Website: www.lowepro.com
Price: £39.95/$49.95
Price: £239.95/$129.95
Website: joby.com/gorillapod
Website: www.tiffen.com
Investing in a good quality camera bag is important, as it’ll keep your equipment dry, safe and accessible on a shoot. A supportive backpack design is best for carrying heavy kit and the Flipside Sport from Lowepro is an ideal buy. It’s also weather protected and has a compartmentalised interior with side access.
The Joby GorillaPod is a great, lightweight alternative to your standard tripod. What it doesn’t offer in height, it makes up for in flexibility. Its ingenious design means that you can bend its legs to wrap around trees, benches, railings and much more. It’s capable of supporting a DSLR and zoom lens up to 3kg in weight too so it’s highly versatile.
To avoid missing out on getting great landscape shots at midday or in challenging conditions, invest in an ND filter. Tiffen’s variable neutral density filter is a fantastic, versatile tool that provides two to eight stops of light control. It’s really as simple as rotating the filter to adjust its strength.
Speedlight
Memory Card
Hard drive
Recommended: Canon Speedlite 600 EX-RT
Recommended: Transcend SDXC 128GB
Recommended: Tiffen 77mm Variable ND filter
Recommended: WD My Passport Essential SE USB 3.0
Price: £680/$630
Price: £65/$80
Price: £130/$160
Website: www.canon.co.uk
Website: transcend-info.com
Website: www.wdc.com
Your heavy studio lighting may have been left at home but that doesn’t mean you can’t use flash to help illuminate your travel subjects. A flashgun like Canon’s 600 EX-RT is a great portable tool that will ensure you get the right exposure results while on the go.
Built to keep up with professional photographers, the Transcend SDXC card offers a super fast 90MB/s read and write rate to keep up with fast shooting so you don’t miss the action. The card is available from 8GB all the way up to 128GB, with the bigger cards being ideal for shooting highquality video.
If you’re expecting to be on the road for a few weeks or months at a time, you’ll need to look into much larger and safer image storage options. WD My Passport Essential is a 1TB portable hard drive that offers a serious amount of space that’s ideal for backing up all your important travel shots. It also frees up space on your memory card. 21
ESSENTIALS
PROTECTION AND FILTERS Keep your kit weatherproof with protective gear Filters and filter accessories
FOCUS ON FILTERS Use filters creatively on the end of your lens to produce atmospheric results
Hoya 72mm SHMC Pro-1D WB PL-Circ Price: £156 Web: www.hoyafilter.com
This circular polarising filter enhances colour and contrast without affecting the overall colour balance of the shot. Colours become more saturated and blue clouds and sky appear particularly sharp. The filter also allows you to remove unwanted reflections from lakes and other water sources.
Cokin – Gradual Grey G2 - ND8
Price: £23 Web: www.cokin.co.uk
Cokin systems are well trusted and offer affordable options. You’ll need a camera-specific adapter to fit the square filters to your lens. The ND8 is a good standard to keep handy on landscape shoots, graduating from grey to clear allowing you to restore balance between the main subject and the foreground or background.
Tiffen Digital HT 72mm UV Haze Filter
Price: £109 Web: www.tiffen.com
Available for wideangle lenses, this UV filter reduces blue tones in your images by absorbing UV light before it hits your lens. A good general-purpose filter, it can be left on your camera at all times and doubles in function as it protects your lens from dust, scratches and other damage.
Cokin Warming and Cooling Filters Price: £17 each Web: www.cokin.co.uk
While manipulation in Photoshop is easy, having these basic colour filters to hand will not be a waste. Either add rich warming tones to an autumnal landscape or highlight the icy blue of a winter scene. If you’re using the Cokin system already, these inexpensive options are easy to add.
THE GRAD
Graduated filters let you to control exposure by darkening portions of your shot 22
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
IN THE WILD
Landscape bags
Safeguard your gear out on location so you needn’t worry about missing a shot
There’s a bag to suit ever budget and need. Here are some of the best on the market
Tamrac Hoodoo 20
Price: £130 Web: www.tamrac.com
The Hoodoo series of backpacks from Tamrac have been designed with adventure in mind, enabling you to take your camera wherever you want to go. The Hoodoo 20 is conveniently three bags in one – a protective camera backpack, a removable camera shoulder bag and a stylish daypack.
Lowepro Pro Trekker 600AW
Price: £250 Web: www.lowepro.com
Available in three sizes, the Pro Trekker assumes you’ll be facing the most gruelling of conditions and offers a host of neat options to oblige any need you might have while you’re there. The ten-point harness system lightens the load and the clever design aims to fit your body perfectly.
Protection Wildlife Watching All-in-One Camera and Lens Cover Price: from £31 Web: www.warehouseexpress.com
This range offers more than just a bit of camouflage, it’s great to protect from dust in windy conditions or sea spray if you’re shooting a coastal scene. The draw cord lets you choose how snug you need your equipment wrapped up.
Spudz 6x6” Microfibre lens cloth Price: £5.99 Web: www.spudz.com
Nothing ruins a shot like an uninvited spec of dust. We love Spudz micro fibre cloths as they cancel out the need for putting harsh chemicals on your lens and gives lasting results with a simple wipe. It’s easy to attach to your bag and it’ll get you into the habit of giving your precious equipment a wipe.
Price: £7.95 Web: www.jessops.com
Think Tank Photo Hydrophobia Rain Cover
Lens hoods are not just to minimise glare and lens flares, they’re a great way to protect your lens surface too, especially in harsh weather conditions. While generic brands do the job, such as this rubber version available in various sizes from Jessops, various camera manufacturers also make their own versions.
With a rain-cover on your equipment list, a downpour no longer has to ruin the fun. Think Tank has created a hard-wearing rain jacket to keep your professional model high and dry. You won’t even need to take it off to change batteries.
Rubber Lens Hood
GPS gadgets If you missed the map-reading session at boy scouts, you’re in luck with the range of GPS gadgets aimed at photographers. While most smartphones can keep you going the right way, in low-signal areas an alternative should be sought out. Companies such as Pentax offer a GPS unit that can be mounted to your hotshoe that not only track your location and distance to the place you’re headed but also Geotag your images while you shoot. If you’re into night-time photography you can also use the unit to track and shoot stars in the night sky.
Price: from £88 Web: www.thinktankphoto.com
NIGHT SHOTS
The landscape pro requires specialist kit and clothing for a night under the stars
Tamrac Aero 70 Photo/Laptop Bag Price: £90 Web: www.tamrac.co.uk
This sleek and lightweight backpack makes a good option for shorter trips where one or two lenses and your personal items will be enough. The internal padding protects the kit and the straps and design keep the weight of your gear evenly distributed across your body.
Crumpler Full Photo Backpack Price: £140 Web: www.crumpler.eu
Crumpler’s usual fare is more cityslick than landscape-savvy but this bag offers great protection and well-thought-out space to house your camera and all the accessories you could possibly need. Best for short adventures it’s quirky, stylish and comfortable to carry.
Kata Owl-272 DL D-Light Backpack
Price: £190 Web: www.katabags.com
This pack offers a lot of space without adding too much bulk to your load. It easily takes a pro DSLR model with lens and an additional six lenses on top of that. With compartments and extra space wherever you look it’s easy to get everything you need into the backpack.
Lowepro DZ200 dryzone backpack Price: £431 Web: www.lowepro.com
Essentially a dry suit for your gear, this heavy-duty soft-sided bag is fully waterproof and the manufacturers claim it floats even when full of your kit. If you’re headed into extreme conditions then make sure you have this on your back.
23
ESSENTIALS
CLOTHING AND SAFETY GEAR
It’s not just your gear that needs keeping safe, pack kit for yourself so you don’t get caught out
K
eep personal safety high on the agenda when planning a photography day, especially if you’re heading into a remote location where help, or access to a warm dry spot, is not an option. Taking the right clothing and protection to fit your location will ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your shooting and you won’t be distracted by your cold chilly bones or sore feet. Being warm and dry will allow you to focus on taking the pictures that you came for. Always be practical and think about the possibilities – even a warm sunny day can turn in an instant. It’s a good idea to put a plastic shopping bag in your coat pocket in case you need to cover your camera quickly in a sudden downpour. If you’re walking far or going over uneven terrain, keeping a first aid kit with your gear is always a wise decision, as is knowing where
you’re going and having maps or a GPS unit to guide you on your way. Always let others know if you’re heading out on a shoot, especially if you’re going alone and be sure to give them a rough idea you’re location.
“Take the right clothing to get the most from your shooting” MONO MAGIC
Don’t write off the dull days – they can prove to be perfect for moody monos
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
Landscape pros are known for pushing themselves to get the shot – ensure you and your kit are insured
PROTECTION
If you splash the cash on pricey kit, ensure it’s safe
Safety is something you should never scrimp on Garmin eTrex 10
Price: £110 Web: www.garmin.com
A GPS unit is essential if you’re heading out into the open, especially if you’re going it alone. This Garmin model offers a long battery life and not only tells you where you are, it also lets you plan your route to avoid long strolls in the wrong direction.
24
Think Tank R U HOT? Belt Pouch Price: £20 Web: www.thinktankphoto.com
Water is one of the most important things you can remember to take on an outdoor shoot. This belt pouch by ThinkTank holds a large water bottle, and it has side pockets so you can keep energy bars handy too.
Lifeventure 1L Vacuum Flask Price: £19
Web: www.lifeventure.co.uk Available in four sizes from a 300ml to a one-litre flask, the clever design keeps drinks cool for 24 hours and hot for eight hours. The screw-in stoppers prevent leaking so you can safely place the flask in your kit bag.
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
Clothing, accessories and comfort items Manfrotto Pro Wind Jacket
Price: £220 Web: www.manfrotto.co.uk
This all-weather jackets folds neatly and compactly which means you can keep it in your bag as a ‘just in case’ option without it adding too much weight to your load. It’s waterproof and wind resistant and comes in sizes from Small right through to XXL.
The North Face Women’s Helicity Down Jacket Price: £250 Web: thenorthface.com
A hefty but feminine jacket, the Helicity Down jacket will keep you warm in freezing conditions and blocks wind while still being breathable. Designed for winter sports, it’s adjustable so it will fit you snugly and give you freedom of movement while carrying your equipment and while taking your photographs.
Therm-a-Rest Chair Kit Lite
Price: £28 Web: www.cascadedesigns.com
If stopping to appreciate the view is part of your landscape day out, consider taking this ultralightweight chair with you. Fast and easy to set up, it can be placed wherever you are.
Hunter Original Adjustable
Price: £85 Web: www.hunter-boot.com
A pair of well-loved Hunters will see you through muddy, wet and soggy landscapes. Match these with a pair of thick socks and they’ll protect your feet (and legs) from the mud and let you stray off the path to get the shot you want.
Nikon 1917 Cap
Price: £8 Web: www.nikon.com
Protect your face from the sun’s rays with this stylish low-profile brown cap with Nikon’s year of establishment on the front. A cap is useful to keep focused in bright conditions.
Manfrotto Pro PH Unisex
Price: £95 Web: www.manfrotto.co.uk
Keep your digits snug while shooting in the open with these waterproof Pro Photo gloves. They keep your hands insulated and you’re still able to control your camera without having to take them off.
British Mountain Maps Series Price: £15
Web: www.harveymaps.co.uk If you’re not one to rely on fancy gadgets, get an old-school map. Harvey Maps is a great site to browse the dozens of UK locations you could possibly photograph. Each map is printed on plastic, making it 100% waterproof and light to carry.
St John Ambulance Outdoor First Aid Kit
Price: £15 Web: www.stjohnsupplies.co.uk
Especially for use outdoors this kit has all you need for any scrapes and bruises you might collect along the way. As the adage dictates, if you take it, you won’t need it.
Toasti Toes Footwarmers Price: £2 each Web: www.heatmaxuk.com
Don’t let your little piggies catch a chill while you shoot. These airactivated toe warmers are designed to keep your feet warm on the move. The adhesive backing will keep them fitted inside your shoe.
25
ESSENTIALS
TRAVEL CASES
Safely and securely transport your kit all over the world
I
f you need to transport a load of expensive photographic gear to the other side of the world in one bulk load, you’ll need to know it’s going to be protected on any type of public transport. You want to know your beloved and expensive camera gear is
stashed into a waterproof, dustproof case that will withstand the hazardous and unrelenting conditions. There are a variety available to suit every budget so to keep the traveller’s peace of mind in tact, here are our top recommendations for the jet-setting photographer.
“You want to know that your beloved and expensive camera gear is stashed into a waterproof, dustproof case” Peli 1510 Case
Case size depends on how much kit you have
Peli Storm im2200 Hard cases feature a soft inner lining
Boblebee Double decker Cargo A soft shell case has thick foam dividers that protect your kit
Alternative hard-wearing travel options Alzo Digital wheeled storage travel case
Price: $144/£93 Web: www.alzodigital.com Transporting heavy photographic equipment around is made a lot easier with the Alzo Digital wheeled storage travel case. This case measures 32 x 16 x 13 inches and comes with two moulded side handles and one side strap. A covering foam cushion rests over the top to stop your gear bashing against the lid.
26
ThinkTank Photo Logistics Manager Price: $499/£320 Web: www.thinktankphoto.com The ThinkTank Photo Logistics Manager is a plain and inconspicuous-looking travel case that has been designed to transport lots of photographic gear to your location. A seam-sealed rain cover is also included and a TSA combination lock secures the main compartment.
THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE
Peli 1510 Case Price: $300/£200 Web: www.peliproducts.co.uk Keeping your gear protected against the elements is vital. The Peli 1510 Case does just this. The model comes in a tan, black or yellow finish, and the handy internal Velcro compartments can be moved around. The Peli 1510 also features an easy-release, extendable handle and rugged wheels so it can be wheeled along for transportation.
Boblbee Double Decker Cargo DD 130L Studio Price: $448/£380 Web: www.boblbee.com The Boblbee Double Decker case has been crafted for photographers taking lots of kit over vast distances. The stylish design of the silver outer case teamed with the bright lime green dividers makes this a trendy-looking case that stands out from the crowd. If you don’t require the internal studio panel then the model retails cheaper. The Boblebee Double Decker can be purchased in 40L, 90L and 130L sizes.
Peli Storm iM2200 Price: $159/£143 Web: www.pelistormdirect.co.uk Peli Storm cases are designed for extreme weather conditions and are waterproof and dustproof so the photographer has peace of mind when on the road. The iM2200 model featured here is a medium size and is available with padded dividers to ensure your camera gear is well protected.
Lowepro Pro Roller X200
Price: $450/£450 Web: www.lowepro.com/prorollerx The Lowepro X200 is part of the Pro Roller x-Series. This series of cases has been designed with the travelling photographer in mind. As the name suggests, the wheels on the bottom make it easy to pull along and airport-friendly.
PCi Deluxe Camera Divider Price: $347/£225 Web: portercase.com The PCi Deluxe Camera Divider case can be taken on a plane as hand luggage and has the option to be secured if needed with the TSA combination draw lock. You can be sure your gear is safe as the case comes with padded adjustable dividers to custom fit the interior.
27
TECHNIQUES Shoot and explore the outdoors
42
Adventure in the great outdoors
88
Cityscapes skill guide
52
Extreme weather
94
Photographing landmarks
60
Shooting on safari
100
Shoot stunning seascapes
70
Shooting underwater
104
Faces of the World
76
Go pro with travel photography
110
TECHNIQUES
ALOFT THE QUIRIANG 1
Mountain weather is always unpredictable, but the sheer power that’s felt when great conditions and strong shapes coincide is overwhelming. This scene, an hour after dawn, was the result of low cloud and fog clearing across the mountains. The sun was hidden at first, but then broke through the grey clouds to light up the scene and give great shape textures to the landscape Shot details: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, with Contax 35-70mm lens at 40mm and f11, 1/5 sec, ISO 100 © David Clapp
42
SHOOT AND EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS
SHOOT AND EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS Expert advice and tips on how to get more from your outdoor shoots while travelling the world 43
TECHNIQUES
© David Clapp
“It’s fun, it’s free, and above all it’s healthy – outdoor photography is uplifting to both body and mind”
I
s there any way to introduce the wonder of capturing the great outdoors? It’s surely the reason you’re reading this article, and possibly the very foundation of all your outdoor endeavours. With a world so inexplicably beautiful and our time here so very short, we revel in documenting our journey or defining ourselves creatively. Massive or intimate, the sheer heights to which we can soar and depths we can explore with a camera ignites a spark within us all. More often than not, we sit self-absorbed, gazing from the office window, dreaming of escape and planning compelling adventures – and rightly so. For many, photography is hardly an excuse to embrace the world, but the very reason. So why exactly are we so captivated with shooting the outdoors? Firstly, unlike many other forms of photography, it doesn’t involve a great deal of extra special equipment. No studio, no models and no lighting required… well, not of the electrical kind anyway. Outdoor photography feels far simpler than the complexities of other genres. All that’s required is a bag with a camera, a few lenses, a tripod, a map, a spring in your step and a mind buzzing with possibility. Put yourself
44
in the right place at the right time and let nature roll the dice. It’s fun, it’s free, and above all it’s healthy – no wonder outdoor photography is uplifting and beneficial to both body and mind. It can also be utterly spectacular. The true beauties of the world can be unveiled to those prepared to seek them out. From a winter sunrise to a majestic dawn breaking over a mountain range, witnessing superb conditions becomes very addictive indeed. Once experienced, the mind will reel, conjuring all manner of perfect scenarios while calling us to greater endeavour, all from the busy commuter train window. The weather and its unpredictable nature is the key to this excitement. Never the same twice, the true brilliance behind every stunning image is entirely out of our hands. Often raging and wild, subtle or still, learning to understand what and where to shoot hinges on these conditions. If you haven’t already realised it, outdoor photography is about understanding the many facets of the world around us. The experience is also great fun to share. Visit a buzzing camera club full of motivated members and
FORESTS AND WOODLAND – IVINGHOE WOODS, BUCKS
This simple forest scene in early morning light relies on side lighting, which illuminates the fresh spring greens. Spring and autumn are key times of year for shooting woodlands, which can create wonderful shooting opportunities. The diversity of subject matter, devoid of vistas, makes them ideal to shoot in almost any weather Shot details: Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, with 35-70mm lens at f11, 1/10sec ISO 100
SHOOT AND EXPLORE THE GREAT OUTDOORS
© David Clapp
EXPERT ADVICE
Lee Pengelly Web: www.silverscenephoto.co.uk Email: Leepengelly@aol.com Lee is a professional photographer based in Devon. His main subjects include landscape, travel, architecture and food photography. His work is used by editorial, advertising, commercial and private clients in books, magazines, on cards and calendars and in guidebooks and maps. He also supplies images to five picture agencies while maintaining his own image library too. Lee set up Silverscene Photography Workshops in 2003 and now runs photography workshops throughout the UK and also tutors overseas workshops for Tatra Photography. Although he covers many commercial subjects, Lee’s passion is in the landscape and he’s happiest when in the field: “I have a passion for the landscape and it’s the subject that got me to pick up the camera, I will always love it and always return to it. I love to be out in the great outdoors in all weathers, capturing the changing light. Living in Plymouth means I am fortunate to be close to the stunning scenery of Dartmoor and the south coast of Devon. I love shooting at dawn and dusk when the light is at its best, and just being there soaking up the atmosphere is very special for me – the resulting pictures are my record of those moments.”
1 Get up early, stay out late
There is no doubting the fact that the best light is at dawn and dusk, getting there in good time will result in better images.
2 Don’t pack up too soon
Once the sun has set don’t pack up, hang on and keep shooting. The light can completely change at this time – normally you will get around a half an hour of afterglow to shoot in.
3 Have a plan
Planning helps to bag the shot – maps, tide tables, recce shoots and forward thinking will all get you in the right place at the right time rather than faffing around when the light is good.
4 Slow down
Be more considered and get the image right in camera – once you have it there is no need to shoot a hundred of the same.
5 Tilt
With wide-angle lenses, try tilting the camera down as this will make the foreground subject ’loom’, creating that ’walk in’ effect.
LIGHTHOUSE, ST MARY’S
This is a shot of St Mary’s Lighthouse at sunrise. It’s situated in Whitely Bay, Northumberland, England, and is an ideal spot to make the most of rocky foregrounds and choppy waters, using the lighthouse as your main point of focus. Don’t forget your wellies! Shot details: Canon EOS 5D with 24-105mm lens at 35mm and f22, 1.3sec, ISO 50
it’s difficult not to become inspired. Learning from others is the way we improve ourselves, but for many the enjoyment doesn’t have to be backed up by a community meeting at all. The online community is all that some need to learn and enjoy each others’ work. With millions of photographers sharing imagery from all over the world, it is easier to feel connected and appreciated than ever before.
The wonders of light and learning to see
Without turning this article into a ponderous philosophy exercise, it is very important to discuss how we see the world around us and how the quality of light affects shooting outdoors. It’s fair to say that the majority of us will have seen an incredible sunset or similarly spectacular conditions, usually when we least expect it. Good lighting shapes our world into a better place and can turn the mundane into something far more appealing, hence the phrase and metaphor ‘to be seen in a better light’. Good light shapes the environment around us by adding dimension to the subject matter. It’s usual for photographers to talk about the ‘golden hours’, and this not only refers to the colour of light, but good periods of shooting. The intensity is lower, the angle is far more flattering and this makes for far more complimentary imagery. It’s not just about these
windows of opportunity, as good conditions can strike at any time. Think about the sun bursting through heavy rain clouds, rainbows, light beams, or the magic of an underlit, foreboding sky. These qualities can be just the ticket to a great image and they could happen at any time of day. Did that last paragraph conjure a spectacular scene in your mind’s eye? Now apply it to somewhere you know – that’s fashionably called previsualising. It’s a wondrous thing and it is the seed of photographic inspiration. Dreaming of spectacular conditions is the driving force of the craziness. All that walking around in the dark, the shivering on windy hilltops and braving the seas at the coast waiting for the light… it all grows from these dreams and the belief that something truly epic will happen. When starting out, remember it takes time to see a good photograph. The biggest problems are subject matter, composition, and what lens to shoot it with. It is very easy to become fascinated by something that doesn’t necessarily make an obvious photograph, but there’s nothing wrong with this whatsoever as it shows integrity and determination. The allure of a strange-looking tree, intricate movement, or a weird coastal feature may never yield a great shot, but it’s the ability to not only identify an image but to learn when to abandon it that leads to strong artistic identity.
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TECHNIQUES
TIME PASSES
This shot displays light trails near Big Ben. Use manual mode, set the exposure time to 4-10 seconds, to ensure more light and keep a small aperture of around f10-f14 as well as a low ISO such as ISO 200 © Getty
C
ities provide amazing shooting opportunities for the enthusiast photographer. The city’s range of subjects is wide: human traffic rallying along a sale-infested high street, a rammed commuter path first thing in the morning, city traffic in full swing during rush hour or seemingly synchronised taxi cabs and buses weaving in and out of lanes like a well-choreographed ballet. Whatever the chosen subject may be, the most important aspect of city photography is the visual translation of energy and movement, and that’s when the photography gets really interesting. Living and working in New York City, professional photographer Navid Baraty (www.navidbaraty.com) has made a name for himself in this pocket of street photography. “Urban movement photography needs to have flow and energy. Whether it’s a rush of pedestrians crossing a street, a wave of taxis
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weaving in and out of traffic or a subway train racing by, the feeling and essence of the city needs to be felt and communicated in the photograph.” Navid has carved a handsome business for himself thanks to his unique take on the genre, which sees the pro claim mesmerising frames of the city in motion from hundreds of feet in the air. “I love being above a city,” he enthuses. “Watching the pace and flow of a city from above is amazing. The constant stream of vehicles moving by, the waves of pedestrians hurriedly crossing with the change of traffic signals, little figures disappearing into and emerging from subway stations underground, the chorus of honking horns and sirens. It’s all so rhythmic and strangely soothing to watch. In this day and age, it’s quite difficult to create something that’s entirely original and that has never been done before. Generally speaking, everything is a reference of
CITYSCAPE SKILLS GUIDE
CITYSCAPES SKILLS GUIDE Discover new techniques to freeze the motion, excitement and energy of a city that never sleeps
a reference and because urban and city shots are so common now, I try to find unusual or different ways to shoot them. One way is by trying a different point of view. An unusual angle or perspective can turn an ordinary image into something very interesting and compelling. In my aerial photos, instead of taking a wide shot of the city showing the skyline with all of the buildings, I chose to point my lens straight down to capture the life and flow of the city.” Armed with a Nikon D700, four lenses (Nikkor 14-24mm f2.8, Nikkor 135mm f2, Nikkor 35mm f2, and Nikkor 50mm f1.4), an extra battery, several CF cards, a lenspen, Ziplock bag, rubber band, shutter release and occasionally a tripod, Navid will set about finding the perfect location. “So much can draw me to a location. I look for a scene that has a combination of visually compelling elements combined with a story waiting to be told. It
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TECHNIQUES
TOUCHES OF COLOUR
Remember to look up and around you when exploring a city. If you don’t you’ll definitely miss a great deal of photo opportunities © Getty
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can be anything, really; an unusual character walking on the street, a wave of taxis rushing by, an angle formed between the shadow of a building and a person’s stride. I want to convey an unusual feeling and perspective in the photo. I want to capture out-of-the-ordinary moments within the ordinary.” Navid adopts a tried-and-tested method for narrowing down what is important in the shot and how best to convey the action in front of him. “When I’m behind the lens I tune out everything else in the world and focus only on what I’m shooting. It’s almost a sort of meditation. I see regions of colour, patterns of light, movements and angles of light and shadow. I love the constantly changing dynamics of a city; how you can walk the same street on a different day, or even 10 minutes later and shoot something entirely different than before. There’s always something new and fresh to be photographed.” As with all genres of photography – there are no ‘rules’ when it comes to making a picture work, but there are a handful of techniques that photographers like Navid employ to get creatively energetic frames. “I like to take a variety of shots using my different lenses. Sometimes I like to focus on a subject and use my 135mm prime lens to create a shallow depth of field and have the background blurred out. Other times I use my 14-24mm wide-angle lens to get close to a subject and show them in the context of their setting or to
capture the vastness of a scene. Sometimes a 35mm or 50mm is the perfect lens to use to create just the right amount of framing for the image. I enjoy experimenting with different angles and trying different settings. For instance, creating motion blur in a photo requires much trial and error. It involves a delicate balance of the shutter speed, aperture and ISO to effectively create the blurred motion in the image while keeping stationary objects sharp. To capture the motion, you want a slower shutter speed so that the moving object gets blurred in the shot. However, because you’re using a slower shutter speed, you have to compensate by using a smaller aperture to allow less light to come in. Otherwise, you’ll overexpose the shot. Also be aware not to frame the action too tightly, or show an awkward placement of the subject, or overprocess your edits.” Navid performs most of his editing in Adobe Lightroom with only a slight touch of Photoshop if extra work is needed. He starts by transferring his images from Compact Flash cards to his Drobo storage device and then imports the files into the editing suite. “I begin by singling out the best shots of the bunch and then compare them with each other to narrow down to get the best of the best. I apply any necessary corrections to exposure, colour, contrast, sharpness, etc as minimally as possible.” The pro advises against over-editing
CITYSCAPE SKILLS GUIDE
“I love the constantly changing dynamics of a city; there’s always something new to be photographed”
urban movements and instead endorses simple tweaks to transform what the viewer sees, “If you aren’t happy with the photo in colour, try converting to black and white. Sometimes black-and-white processing can really accentuate line or shadow and give the image a new feel. I personally find monochromatic images of rainy cities to be very effective in portraying mood and feeling. Black and white creates an almost poetic feel to an image, stripping it down to its core elements,” he advises, “If you just can’t get the photo to feel right no matter what you do, step away and come back to it later. I don’t know how many times I’ve spent hours trying to edit a single photo, becoming frustrated and then coming back to it the next morning and finishing it in ten minutes. Sometimes you just need fresh eyes and a clear mindset.” One of the biggest problems amateur photographers can face with this genre of photography is the inability to snap away at people and buildings with a carefree attitude. The fear of being asked to stop can be almost crippling. “Photographing others in public can be intimidating for some,” Navid concurs, “Urban photography is about capturing candid moments of everyday life and existence. It’s a showcase of the human condition and what it means to be alive in a city. Urban photography enables you to
INTERSECTION
Aerial shots of big cities are really affective, especially in places like New York because the streets follow such a grid-like structure. Use a drop or shoot from a tall building. Remember to ensure all of your kit is secure before shooting from such a height. We’d reccomend taking off anything loose like your lens hood for safetly
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© Getty
Navid Baraty
Shares his secrets for securing a successful shooting location
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Get inspired Research places like Google Earth for finding ideal spots to shoot and look at inspirational photos that have been posted on social network sites such as Behance or Flickr to help stir ideas. Much of my inspiration comes from other photographers and their work.
2
Time it right Determine the right time of day that you should go for the shot you want. Maybe you want an image during rush hour with maximum people and traffic, or perhaps you want twilight or sunrise to capture amazing
colours. Scout out a night location in the daytime and become familiar with the setting, and remember to factor in the weather.
3
Explore Most importantly, explore nearby towns and cities as much as you can. Grab your camera and open your senses. Seek out and create stories, don’t wait for them to come to you. I make it a point to walk down streets or alleys that I haven’t been down before. I’m always trying to find new and interesting places to shoot. Just remember – safety first!
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TECHNIQUES
Your photo rights The issue of what a roaming photographer can and cannot shoot has been a hot topic in recent years and the legal wrangling in terms of changing the law are still ongoing. In the UK, photographers on a public right of way can photograph for personal and commercial use as long as the shooter is not causing any obstruction. However, those wanting to photograph certain landmarks or buildings for commercial use will often need to seek permission from the relevant authorities. Generally speaking, you can photograph anyone in a public space, providing you do not cause alarm or distress amounting to harassment, which is a criminal offence. Former Home Office minister Tony McNulty has previously commented on where the law stands: “There is no legal restriction on photography in public places, and there is no presumption of privacy for individuals in a public place.” There are a few grey areas within the status quo that can affect photographers’ conduct in public. In particular photographers should be aware of the law in regards to: child protection legislation, invasion of privacy, harassment, trespassing, prevention of terrorism and national security protection.
tell so many stories with your photographs. So my advice is to just relax, act natural and be quick. The more you try to hide the fact that you’re taking a photo of someone, the more attention you’ll draw to yourself. That will just make the situation all the more awkward.” Like Navid, fellow city enthusiast Fernando Matoso’s images (www.blurreal.com) have struck a creative chord, displaying original scenes of the city in motion in a unique fashion, “I recognise that I have developed a ‘Blurreal’ personal style,” Admits Fernando. “I think it has become my trademark. I realised that life does not always stand still, it goes on frantically, peacefully or systematically; I became aware that visual perception is limited by the human eye, and that there is motion in between the still frames of life that we cannot acknowledge. So I then started to see myself as an expressive part of the scene.” The ‘Blurreal’ series of images taken by the Angola-born, England-residing photographer show a central figure or vehicle in focus surrounded by a zoom or pan burst, which creatively displays movement with a long exposure. “The technique I call Blurreal, uses slow shutter speed, combined with creative zooms and induced displaces,” he
explains. “The settings I opt for differ depending on the situation, time of the day, location, velocity of the moving thing and so on. Generally speaking though I work with: a focal length of 105mm, a small aperture between f11 to f22, an exposure time between 1/25 and 1/60, and ISO 200. I like to vary not only the technical settings, but also the viewpoint or perspective.” The technique of zoom bursting is perfect for generating a creative energy to infuse movement and action through urban shots. Ideally enthusiasts use a camera with a manual zoom and some method of support such as a tripod or GorrillaPod, but a ledge or park bench often suffices when one isn’t available. Metering should be set to spot and focus centralised, with a low ISO and a small aperture of around f16 dialled in. Shooters zoom in as close as possible to the subject which will usually be framed in the centre of the shot. The shutter button is activated and enthusiasts simultaneously unwind the lens so it is zoomed out as far as possible. Photographers can experiment with the speed at which the zoom is conducted and different effects can be achieved by tilting the camera at an angle or by rotating the lens inwards as well outwards.
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“Look for places of contrast... with both light and shade or motion and tranquillity” 56
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shots that incorporate a range of subjects using slow-shutter For this unique strand of urban photography Fernando techniques. “I love shooting on the street, be it street portrait urges enthusiasts to take time getting to know the surroundings and to study the characteristics of the backdrop, or cityscape; candid or long exposure shot, I just want to show the city in different ways. The one thing that remains in addition to spotting interesting moving subjects to focus the same is my desire to have my photos look like cinematic on. “Look for places of contrast, whether it be light and stills, allowing the viewer to explore the story behind each shade or places with both motion and tranquillity. I focus photo. I am lucky enough to live in Hong Kong, which on people’s behaviour and the flux of crowds in contrast provides me with a lot of urban themes.” with the forces of the surrounding architecture and urban Some may think that having a dazzling metropolis that landscapes. I suggest walking around the scene and look at harmoniously blends Chinese and western cultures on your the structures, textures and colours, in a location with both doorstep as an advantage, yet Bryan adamantly doesn’t static and moving subjects, then stop in different spots so subscribe to that. “Any street will do and you can photograph you can understand the flux of both transport and people. the same place over and over again as you will always get a Pay attention to the flow, its different directions, its cycles different experience every time. A great city photograph isn’t or any recurrences. I personally like to experiment with different perspectives, angles and a variation of slow-shutter about the location, it’s about making the viewer feel like they have experienced the crowds, transport or rush of energy in combinations with zoom bursts and long exposure pans. I that place.” don’t use much equipment when doing my photography; Sourcing a suitable location can seem like half the instead I like to walk light, carrying my Nikon D90 camera challenge to getting a good shot but Bryan insists that and 18-105mm lens around my neck and a backpack photographers should just look for somewhere where there containing a note book, a pen, maybe a snack and some is a rush of traffic; whether it’s human or vehicular. “I water to keep me going. At home I’ll perform five simple personally like shooting the street from footbridges, but actions: crop, resize, adjust levels, convert to ICC profiles crossroads, traffic lights, zebra crossings and undergrounds and save. People often look at my Blurreal photography and think it is Photoshopped and actually, it has been a challenge all work well too. I’d say that the views from above lend themselves for shooting with greater scope, which allows convincing them that there’s no post-production or any sort me to incorporate my three essential elements for urban of manipulation, it’s just reality as we can’t see.” movement photography: people, transportation and buildings Hong Kong born-and-bred photographer, Bryan Leung – making a crowded street with heavy human and traffic flow (bryaniceman.500px.com), has gained quite a fan base for the perfect subjects.” his accomplished, almost cinematic-styled city-in-motion
CROSSING
Look for patterns in the environment that you can mix with movement and the people around you
PARIS
You may detest traffic on a normal day, but busy roads full of lights and packed with cars can create interesting shots
LEADING LINES
Look for lines that will draw a viewer into your image, whether you create them with a long exposure or they are naturally occurring, they will ground your image
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