Water for wellness

Emily Lovell finds harmony within photography

When I was about 10 years old, I was given a Polaroid camera. Its ability to capture a moment forever sparked a passion that I’ve carried within me ever since. For me, photography is an escape. I love nothing more than to be on the side of a river bank alone, out in the woods, or on a cliff edge with a brilliant sunset. Using photography as a way to channel my busy and chaotic mind into a form of art is very important to me. I love to express myself in the form of a photograph, for people to interpret as they please.

I particularly enjoy shooting water, as it’s where I feel most at ease. I love how light and water work together in images, and how you never know what outcome you may get. I like to break the mould and I use a lens that is primarily used for portraiture for shooting my landscape work, as it creates vibrant and quirky images. Instagram: @evl_94

Lens choice

My Canon 85mm f/1.2 L is my go-to lens for most of my photography, even landscapes. It allows for a sharpness and a depth of field that I wouldn’t be able to obtain with standard wider landscape lenses. Although the f/1.2 is quite expensive, you can achieve a similar aesthetic with the f/1.8 version. It’s definitely worth experimenting.

Use the foreground

I typically like to use grass, overhanging branches or bushes, but you can use anything, really. Practise focusing on the subject in the foreground, then focus on the background and decide which image you prefer. Experiment with different objects and layers that work well in adding depth to the photograph.

Shoot vertically

A tripod is a must for a landscape photographer’s kit bag. If you’re shooting vertical images, you can get extra stability by manoeuvring where your camera sits, placing it directly over one of the tripod legs, rather than in the gap. Do this when you’re shooting at slower shutter speeds, and you’ll prevent any camera shake.