Research

So the next step is research. Research can take on a number of things such as; budget, travel, hotels, car rentals, locations, and equipment so perhaps what I'll do is break it down and start with each of the topics listed.

As with anything, each will help contribute to the end result. Without each component in place and planned for, it could make or break you. Or the end result may suffer.

Reasons

A friend asked why I was interested in doing landscapes. Well I guess I have to owe it all to a number factors, plus to a number of very talented photographers. Julianne Kost's work is phenomenal and Scott Bourne, Art Wolfe, and Matt Kloskowski are constantly breaking new ground. So there are a couple of reasons to name a few.

In March 2009, I was at a conference with a friend John W in Vegas. John is a very talented sports shooter. He loves sports, and he loves surfing. He follows and shoots as much as he can. So he'll shoot in the Carolinas, Hawaii, Australia, California, or anywhere there's a board. John understands and respects the sport and photographs the athletes and the lifestyle connected with it. In any event; John suggests that on the last day in Vegas, that we do a road trip to Death Valley. How could I be not be intrigued and agreed. So we both check out of the Wynn and jump into our rental car with all of our equipment. Now we have more equipment than personal luggage. Go figure it's the nature of the beast.

We're on the road at 3:30 a.m. to Death Valley. Now there is sooooo much in Death Valley to photograph, that both of us decide on the way of where, what, and when to stop the car. This was going to be a fast day of shooting. Once we started to leave civilization into the desert I was hooked. No traffic, people, obstructions of any kind. It's just quiet.

We shot like we were hired by National Inquirer. (John in the picture above.) We drove the rental car like we stole it. We were more like the paparazzi. Not the best way to photograph landscape. It was madness we even shot around noon!! Whoa!! But, we enjoyed ourselves nonetheless.

I mentioned to John that I couldn't believe the beauty of the desert and how quiet it is what solitude landscape photographers must have and how methodical in their planning they must be. I really believe that they work with what is presented to them and have a deep understanding of the environment. I know some shooters that would want to light the entire scene, but the challenge is to work with what you have presented to you.

John quite jokingly said, this is like one big construction site. Well we're both from large cities in the Northeast so there you go, but there is something about the Southwest or John Ford country that is admirable and noble and the challenge of photographing it as presented.

So those are the reasons. So what next? What to shoot and how to plan it.

Planning stages.....

You're interested in shooting landscapes? You wanna go where? Do they have a Four Seasons? Those are the questions that I've received from colleagues, associates, and friends.

So are you bringing your lighting kit? Is this a commercial shoot? Let me give you some tips if it's a car shoot, or if you're on location with the agency. These I'm sure are well meaning suggestions that myself and others are getting from those we know.

All I can say is thanks, but no thanks I'm just going to shoot landscapes. Funny enough only a couple of people understand. Others wonder how does one, or anyone transition from doing commercial, fashion, portraiture, food, or sports go into doing 'landscapes'.

So there's the reason to start a blog. Hopefully I can pass on any information or knowledge that I've acquired. If any landscape shooters have any suggestions, or see that I may be going a precipice, just holla! (as my nephew would say).