FRAME ATMOSPHERIC LANDSCAPES
How to convey visual impressions in one shot, with tips from Mik Dogherty, UK Landscape POTY winner
Landscape photography isn’t just about the beautiful surroundings of our environment; it’s a way of documenting time. Natural phenomena, the elements, and how the landscape changes around are fascinating subjects, and due to the easy accessibility as well as the aesthetics, plenty of creatives choose this as a subject.
“I entered my image After the Fire into the UK LPOTY competition because of the way the heath fire had destroyed the character of this local heathland. It went from life to death, and then the regeneration could begin,” Mik says. He passes this spot every time he travels through the New Forest National Park, and when a heath fire destroyed the landscape he saw the photographic potential of the scene. “It needed to be a panorama to give a perspective of the size of the area affected,” he explains.
Since landscapes necessarily cover a large area, it can be difficult to decide what to include and exclude in the frame. There may also be distractions that cannot be easily removed from the scene. Therefore, it’s important to take time to observe and appreciate the natural environment before deciding on how to frame the shot. Alternatively, you could consider returning at different times of the year or in different weather conditions to capture the scene.
“I wanted to hide the view of the large Fawley oil refinery complex in the background, with its towers and chimney stacks,” Mik says. “I had to consider that I would need to wait for a foggy or misty morning before I could get the shot I’d seen.” This decision not only eliminated distractions but also added a layer of atmosphere to the photograph; considering the atmosphere the natural environment gains through the weather is crucial to enhance the image’s mood, and distinguishes this image as a professional shot.
The most important ingredient of a pro landscape shot is the light, but natural light is also the most challenging light source to work with. “When that morning came with the great sunrise there was a low, thick mist,” Mik explains. “Shooting towards the sun could have been an issue, but the mist helped diffuse its brightness, allowing me to increase the exposure slightly to give more detail in the foreground.” Waiting for the ideal weather and sun can be limiting, but it’s advisable not to wait too long. “Now, months later, the lone tree has fallen and most of the burnt skeletal remnants of gorse bushes have gone, mostly devoured by the grazing ponies,” Mik says. “This picture no longer exists, and the gorse is already growing back”.