Nice short punchy vid that raises a good question. I tend to revisit time and again, but part of that is the paucity of locations where I live, plus time is short and photos are grabbed whilst walking the dog. With more time and more opportunities, I might phase in more exploration.
Great points Chris. Returning to the same location over and over again really lets you absorb the intricacies of a location and develop an understanding of what would be the best conditions for the scene. Then too, when the conditions look promising, it's easy to know exactly where to go! I also think this is a great technique for determining growth as a photographer. It's a lot of fun to go back to prior images and compare!
vey true. Im the same way. i find the same location over and over also brings a connection to the photographer. while the thrill and motivation for new locations gets me out of a rut, i find returning to the same few locations is where i draw the most inspirstion from because of that connection
Always great to see a Sale video 👍Nice one mate. I’m much like you in that like to scout the location in advance so I have a good idea about what I plan to shoot. Compensates for real fact that I have very little creativity. Cheers
I think you are being a little hard on yourself there mate. If you struggle with creativity I recommend the book by John Cleese (called 'Creativity'). It is very short and gives some excellent practical advice on how we all can learn to be more creative. Hope it helps.
I do return time and again , but for me landscape photography is about exploring and discovering . So i do both but returning to do the same composition under different conditions is definitely a great way of honing your skills .
Hi David, I remember how exciting it was to explore a new location when I first started photography. Even familiar places look different when you look at them through the lens of a camera for the first time. I still get that buzz now when visiting somewhere new, but I really get anything worth getting excited about on the first visit.
Hi Chris. l usually go to a different location every time, mainly because I'm easily bored! But over the past few weeks I've visited the same location a number of times.
@@ChrisSalePhoto Quite well I think. It's amazing what photographing the same or a similar thing each time can teach you. Especially about weather conditions, how the light changes, and even how you feel in yourself on any given day! Very interesting experience actually. I thought it wouldn't be. I'm easily bored but I actually found it quite motivating.
Hey Rafe, I think for me another advantage of returning to a location is that it's relatively quick. I can get out, hike to wherever, grab the shot and still be home again to be in the office for 09:00 and ready for the day. If I go 'exploring' I am usually out for at least 4 hours, if not more.
Great video Chris! I do a little of both. I just returned from Cape Disappointment where I've visited 4-5 times to do exactly what you talked about - taking the same composition under different conditions. I find that being persistent with a location will eventually pay off with better light or dramatic storm clouds and you'll come away with a better photograph. But nothing is more exciting than exploring new locations. :-)
Persistance James! That's the word. I think that it is so important to us landscape photographers to keep going back, time after time until we get the conditions that we need to make the shot.
Thanks Randy - the project that I am working on this year is designed to show how the landsape changes with the season. I am finding it fascinating and learning so much.
I couldn’t agree more Chris. I do the same, usually the scouting photos with my iPhone then return throughout the year and conditions. It’s great advice Chris!
Phones are great these days aren't they Adrian. Personally I use the Canon M50 that I would normally use for filming. Fits easily into my backpack whilst out hiking.
Great video! I would say that I prefer the more opportunist approach. The main reason for this being that I make my best images when I'm completely lost and therefore couldn't return if I wanted to. I value my non existing sense of direction as my super power:)
Thanks Mats, this did make me laugh. I too get lost all the time. In fact, between you and me... ...I was lost on this particular morning. The reason this wasn't filmed at sunrise as I would do normally was because I couldn't find it in the dark. I stumbled upon it was I was making my way back to the car. That's 100% true! :)
Great topic, Chris. I prefer to do both. Some locations change dramatically with the change of seasons. I think the image you produced is terrific. You hit the mood. Thanks for sharing and challenging us to review previous scenes, what we would change, and we want to take the photo. It is essential to plan.
Really interesting video Chris. Circumstance has driven me to the same approach you've adopted and I've found it has been more productive than my previous approach of visiting different locations. Like you I've found it helps me improve my composition but I've also found the familiarity, and the knowledge I can return quickly, has encouraged me to try different things with various levels of success. However I've recently felt that I've been in a rut and your point about doing the location justice and moving on really hit home. Looking back through my portfolio now I can see I have a few shots I'd consider portfolio ready but I've continued to revisit with limited additional return. I think adding this next step of moving on once I've got a portfolio ready shot will really help. Although as you know us photographers always have FOMO and are convinced we may just get that amazing light on this visit!
Hi Darren, so good to hear from you, I hope you are well. My portfolio doesn't remain static for long. When I add a few images I will often remove some as well. Once a location has dropped out then it goes back on the list. When I am in a creative rut I find visiting a new location helps.
I think both ways are worth pursuing. The change in season can completely transform a scene, so it's nice to revisit over a year to see the changes, if you find somewhere you like.
Totally agree mate - for your landscape stuff, how much is exploring new locations? How about for your commercial stuff? Do you have to research all of your (external) locations or do you ever get imput from the client?
@@ChrisSalePhoto For personal landscape photography, exploring new locations is 90% of what I do. For clients, they leave it to me to figure out usually, unless it's a tourism / travel client that requires images at a specific location, then of course weather can play a key role and a few visits are sometimes required.
Chris glad to see another video. I currently do the same location over and over, because work really cuts into my photo time. ;) However I do try to keep an eye open for new locations whenever I'm out and about.
Hi Chris, I shoot places in London time and time again and have done for years. The conditions change daily but 'Epic' conditions only occasionally and that's a key reason why I keep returning, as I know I can improve images at most locations. Plus it's where I live & work so its easily accessible etc. As for new locations, I certainly enjoy shooting them and look forward to doing so more often in future
Thanks Andrew - can I ask how it is going with your channel? Are you going to be producing more videos? I think that has often been the driving force to visit new locations, so as to keep my content fresh.
Hi @@ChrisSalePhoto - thanks for asking. My channel is yet to get going to be honest and a major challenge is editing as I’m new to it and it takes me a long time. I shot a few Vlogs in Cornwall in June and have shot a few around London but yet to edit or finish editing them. However, I am getting my head around Davinchi resolve so just need to get it done and get content out there. I also need to try and create more short form content just to get use to the process and getting regular content out there to build some consistency. So there should be more videos in future, London, Cornwall & more photography in line with me commercial work as well. How’s your 2021 project going?
Great subject, Chris. When I go to new spots, I tend to make representational, travelogue-style photographs. When I return to a place, I find the details such as reflections, mushrooms, spider webs, etc.
I see Jim... I think that this approach does lend itself a little more to shooting the wider vista. As we get more intimate there is a greater opportunity to be creative and adjust our approach to the conditions, as you do.
Such great advice, thank you. I, too, live around a landscape that is very rocky. So the challenge will always be to make rocks interesting and, of course not overdo rocks just because they're there
Ah yes Gerry, how to make rocks more interesting... now there is a challenge. Personally, I am trying to make a conscious effort to find other things to put in my foregrounds. I may even impose a ban on myself.
Hi Chris! Definitely diggin' the mood in the 3rd image. As far as revisiting locations, I don't mind going back to the same scene in different seasons, especially if a waterfall I've been to in the Spring or Summer has enough foliage to look great with fall colors. BTW - you're looking noticeably healthier these days (not that you looked unhealthy and ashen before - lol) but you seem to be in a much more comfortable, happier 'groove' :) Keep it up!
Thanks very much. Unfortunately I am a little heavier than I really should be at the moment. Struggling to shift the weight I put on during lockdown. It seems to get harder as I get older.
Great advice, Chris. I do both; new locations when possible, and when that isn't possible, just go to familiar places and challenge myself to get a better shot than the previous occasion. I think making notes and/or taking a copy of the previous time is a very good idea!
@@ChrisSalePhoto Hi Chris, We are going to return to a couple of our locations as well as finding some new ones for this month's 12in12photochallenge. Cheers Tim and Wendy.
I will do a combination of both. I will revisit an old spot see if there's something that I have missed or something that I can do better. When I do revisit I take your words of advice I heard about a year ago from you. And those words are what's the one thing you would change if you could do it over again.
Oh Scott, that is so good to hear! When I review my images I always write down 3 things I like and 1 thing I don't. That way I always know what I have to concentrate on when I return. There is method in the madness... :)
A combo for me. I have my "spots" which I visit regularly under different conditions (fog, rain, autumn, winter, etc). I allow nature to play with palette and challenge me to do something with it. There's an obvious advantage to knowing a location well and understanding how different conditions might impact the composition.
Hey Miguel - how is the fall starting to shape up for you? We seem to be having a bit of an Indian summer here at the moment. But the birch trees are on the turn so it won't be long now. :)
Great topic and tips Chris! I also enjoy returning to the same locations under different weather conditions when possible. Different photos, different compositions, different feel/mood to the photo. Also a great tip about referring to past photos on your phone. Really good topic here mate, and as always, great photos... especially the new moody one at the end.
@@ChrisSalePhoto I have three main ones I return to a lot. One is a pier where I do a lot of my practicing to just keep sharp. Another is a rocky sea.cliff about 70 miles north of here where I feel I can get better compositions and weather - but visits are limited because of the distance. The third is a local woodland because it is quite vast and haven't explored it in it's entirety. Oh, there is a 4th one, a lighthouse that I like to shoot in the dark because it presents a whole different level of challenge.
Hi Chris at long last the bungalow is finished so im actually getting out with the camera i like the idea of going to a particular location until you've got the image you want plus the fact i'm not really confident about going out on my own the thought of getting lost in the middle of nowhere rather knocks my wonderlust . At the moment im concentrating on the hills to the righthand side of "Tarn Hows" im trying to get a little of the tarn and the further off fells "Crinkle Crags" and the like i'm also still trying to get that sunrise at "Glencoyne" "Blea Tarn" is also a big favourite of mine. so at the moment i'll stick with these three locations. I've got some great images from all the locations but i'm still waiting to get the money shot. Any way thats enough from this old codger i'll see you in the comments box again soon cheers Mike. Ps the image from your second visit to your location is the money shot for me.
Congratulations Mike, that is good news! I think you've missed the sunrise at Glancoyne for this year. The best time is at the start of May and the middle of August. That is when you get the sun rising slap bang in the middle of the hills.
I just started to follow you. I like to do both. Otherwise it is too poor to photograph. One of best same place is our summer cottage, where every sunset, golden and blue hour, even astrophotography makes it very interesting and different.
Oh yeah I live in Finland and photograph mostly our landscapes and macros in south and Lapland. Waiting to photo auroras and heavy snow trees and landscapes. My dream is also to travel in photograph places, woodland, lake area in uk, plus Mountains in Italy etc
An interesting concept Chris. I tend to revisit locations time and again regardless of whether I've ben able to create a "banger" or not. For me the location will always "look" different dependent on the time of year and weather, and I tend to choose where I go when I get the chance based on weather and tide and fog etc. However, for someone starting out on their journey location familiarity will definately be a help and of use to train the eye and the senses to the possibilites. Stay safe out there.
I think that is so important Huw - for many novice photographers the thought to return to a location to try to improve on a shot never crosses their minds. I am always reminded of how shooting something iconic like the Duke of Portland Boathouse over and over again helped me to get an understanding of some of the principles of compositiont that I could apply to other locations.
I used to visit places more often to get a feeling for light and moods there. Some day a friend told me in a subordinate clause that I always do the same shots. Well, I felt guilty in all points. Since then I try to go to new places as well.
Great content! Thank you. My approach is a combination. Just: There is no location dead due to the success of giving a portfolio image. Different days, light, side conditions, ... are worth to be worked at.
Of course not Peter, you are correct of course. But I need to set aside a location once it has made the portfolio to make room for another. Eventually the image will be removed from my portfolio and I can revisit it once more.
@@ChrisSalePhoto I have to say what I have to say. And I do appreciate competence and quality as I do appreciate sharing. Getting notice about different approaches always widens the horizon. Some locations might be "epic" but shot to death (you know the same than I do). Your approach makes you always to discover new places and compositions which brings progress into photography. Please be a little bit proud about your work and go on searching! You are one of those giving relevant input by defining parts of the spectrum of landscape/nature photography. Thank you!
Great video, Chris. Solid advise. I do both. And I don't know that any location is finished or retired. As I improve and grow in my photography I may see something differently in a well know location. Different light, different season. I'm not the same person on the next visit. So, yeah. I like new places but also like the well known ones. It's like hanging with a good friend.
Totally agree regarding locations being 'finished'. I will normally just put a location to one side once I have a shot in my portfolio. This is to make room for finding something new. As my portfolio grows, shots get dropped from it giving me the scope to return once again. Does that make sense?
An interesting topic Chris, and a well presented explanation of your thought processes and motivation. I tend to do both depending upon circumstance. If a seascape demands a high tide and is a sunrise location that pretty much dictates my arrival but sometimes I like to mix it up and just go out on a whim after a little internet research and take a punt. 80% of the time I have to convince myself that I really only intended the visit as a scouting expedition when i walk away with nothing but a poor excuse of a snap shot 😂
Of course Izzy! You have to factor in the tides as well. Another complication. I see your channel is doing very well. Congratulations. How are you finding filming youself?
@@ChrisSalePhoto thanks Chris, I’ve filmed about 12 of them now and still start off with some trepidation. I am learning that it’s about having a structure on what to present as much as how you present. Unfortunately when I hit the record button all that seems to go out the window and the waffle floods out 🤣
I find the best thing to do is to do lots of short pieces to camera and link them all together with b-roll. Every time I do a piece to camera I try to concentrate on a single point that I am trying to make.
@@ChrisSalePhoto sage advice Chris, I’ll try and apply that next time I’m out. If I’m honest I think I am pretty poor when it comes to b-roll. There is a lot of walking up and down, planting the camera, walking out of shot, walk back in with purpose, walk out of shot, return for the camera and repeat! As I often shoot at dawn you don’t get the same effect doing that in the dark 🤣. Thanks for the support, very much appreciated 🙏
I use a combination method Chris. I will have several locations with some I go back to 2-4 times a year, others I go back to yearly and a few that are brand new that I research online to try to get ideas and timings. I think if I returned too frequently to the same location I'd get bored and I want to be 'excited' about shooting.
Great video Chris. For trying to improve I like to revisit locations - but try to find a new composition every time. I’ve yet to get to the point where I feel certain I have the best one, if such a thing exists. The idea of the same composition at different times is interesting. I enjoy new locations but tend to rush around trying anything I can think of before settling down and trying to work out what I like about the scene. Today it was only after driving home I started to understand what the appeal of a location I’d visited was to me. Not text book stuff!
Hi Tim - for my 2021 project I have picked 12 locations near where I live and have been visiting one a week since the start of the year. Come the end of the year I should have visited all of them at least 4 times, giving me the opportunity to fine tune the composition and capture how the scene changes through out the year. It has been a fascinating experience. I will probably do a video about it at the end of the year.
Hi Chris, nice video. I think I’m drawn back to certain places, firstly because i like a particular place and secondly because im trying to better the previous photo either by the conditions or i see something different that i like.
I think a lot of people could relate to that Joy. At the years go by I find myself worrying less and less about the conditions and just try to capture what is in front of me.
Chris, I enjoy both approaches. While I love exploring new locations and finding my take on the epic location. I also have learned the value of returning to locations and learning how the light affects my compositions and choices when making a photograph. Revisiting locations allows for honing our photographic vision of the location and composition. This is one of the reasons that I encourage new photographers to explore locations that are near to them. While the location may not be epic, you will learn so much more about photography and find your photographic voice. Thank you for sharing.
@@ChrisSalePhoto Revisiting locations gives the best results or, at the very least, increases the chances of making the best photograph. There will be those once in a life shoots that give you epic lighting and conditions, but from my experience, you have to not only be in the right place at the right time you also need to know your gear and what your photographic vision is when they reveal themselves.
Love to do both, however must admit that most of my better landscape work is made during holiday’s where I do find the time to shoot but rarely am in the occasion to revisit.
I hear you Patrick, it can be difficult to make the time for photography. For some of us it is limited to vacations and that means we have to get the shot first time.
Hey Chris, great video, most of my stuff is from about six different locations within a pretty small area,It does mean my videos tend to be a bit a like but my images have improved greatly. Probably time to start exploring a little further afield. Thanks for sharing.
Good to hear it John! It's fun to explore new locations and to stretch oneself a little more. I hate filling videos in locations I don't know. I need to concentrate on finding a shot and TH-cam, as you know, is a big distraction.
That last image introduced some interesting effects. The darkened sky was helped by the Grad filter - 6 stop?. And to the right of the major rock, a pool of brightness - via a filter in camera raw? Thanks
That's right Dennis, I used a 0.6 soft edge grad to hold back the sky a little. I then put on a pretty heavy vignette to darken the edges of the frame and then lifted the exposure to brighen the centre. In a nutshell that is my standard workflow for these conditions (+ an bit of a clarity boost to add some contrast to the midtones). All the processing was done in LR.
Great video. I have places that I visit again and again. But there are also places that I only visit now and then. Then there are the places that I photographed 100 times in my head but never with the camera. When the day comes when I finally take the picture, the disappointment on the pc usually comes ... Most of the time, it's because I'm in these places at the wrong time of day, with the wrong weather and tides...
Hey Jörg! I was out with Steve Bennett the other day and when he was saying that he is at his happiest in the period after he has taken the shot and before he has got it on to the computer. I think we can all relate to that sense of optimism and inevitable disappointment. :)
hey chris. i am one of those photographers with a select few locations i always connect to and head out to film and photograph. i want to always learn and master a location in every condition. traveling to new areas can spark that motivation when in a rut, but i always find myself back at the locations that draw inspiration and bring out creativity and conncetion with. generally those are close to home as well. cheers brother
I am generally careful about visiting a new location when I am struggling for motivation. I really get a good shot when visiting a location for the first time and I am always concerned that coming back empty handed will have a negative impact on my motivation. But I like you thinking there, so will give it a try next time my motivation needs a boost.
I also do both some locations/subjects tend to force me to return. On the other side new locations are always a challenge and a source of inspiration and new possibilities. Loved way you covered the subject 👌👏
Chris the true test of an artist is one who is able to capture an image using what they’re dealt… The alternative method which is unfortunately gaining popularity with some photographers is to utilize AI technology. The substitution of a different sky for something thought to be more appealing. The addition or replacement of elements that either weren’t wanted or were never there in the first place… I side more with the former group rather than becoming a manipulator of pixels.
Hi Tommaso, I use Canon cameras (6D and M50) and lenses (L series 16-35, 24-70, 70-200 all f/4), a Benro tripod, Kase filters and a Mindshift backpack. Hope that helps.
I do both approaches, i think it just depends where I'm going etc and make a mental note if I want to return. I don't think luck plays a part in the spontaneous approach to be honest, i think it's about working with what you have at the time. A lot of planning goes in to my trips so knowing where to be at what times isn't luck but planned. All landscape photography is an element of luck though as the most meticulous planning cannot account for rapid changes in weather or conditions.
As you mentioned your images kind of end up being the same theme. I like to take images that I like and are different. Taking many different types of images actually makes you a better photographer because you have to adapt more whereas taking the same image can mean just changing the aperture and shutter speed.
You make a good point. But often when I return I will alter the composition to make the most of the conditions. This is something that I need to get better, so I am constantly working on it.
I think everyone on this planet would love to travel all the time. But reality is that everything must be paid. So we need to shoot locally. And the nice part is this push our limits. Make batter pictures with what we have here, near us. So my vote goes to: take the same location, close, and make the best out of it.
I don't like travelling at all Claudiu - I rarely take photographs anywhere other than the Lake District. But even then, more recently, I have been working much, much closer to home, rarely venturing in the the National Park. Which is no bad thing because it has been so busy this summer!
I'm with you Chris. I have a limited number of locations and I return again and again to try and improve my results.
Hoping to catch some epic light eh Charles? Well we can live in hope, can't we! :)
Nice short punchy vid that raises a good question. I tend to revisit time and again, but part of that is the paucity of locations where I live, plus time is short and photos are grabbed whilst walking the dog. With more time and more opportunities, I might phase in more exploration.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment Tim - I find it fascinating to read how different photographers vary their approach.
Great points Chris. Returning to the same location over and over again really lets you absorb the intricacies of a location and develop an understanding of what would be the best conditions for the scene. Then too, when the conditions look promising, it's easy to know exactly where to go! I also think this is a great technique for determining growth as a photographer. It's a lot of fun to go back to prior images and compare!
vey true. Im the same way. i find the same location over and over also brings a connection to the photographer. while the thrill and motivation for new locations gets me out of a rut, i find returning to the same few locations is where i draw the most inspirstion from because of that connection
Totally agree Brian - I think that it is a deeper connection with a location that helps me to get my best images.
I like same site, same camera, different lens. different time of day and that equals different photos. Thanks!!!
Always a pleasure Bill. I tend to stick to the same time of day, but a scene can vary so much throughout the year as the seasons change.
Always great to see a Sale video 👍Nice one mate. I’m much like you in that like to scout the location in advance so I have a good idea about what I plan to shoot. Compensates for real fact that I have very little creativity. Cheers
I think you are being a little hard on yourself there mate. If you struggle with creativity I recommend the book by John Cleese (called 'Creativity'). It is very short and gives some excellent practical advice on how we all can learn to be more creative. Hope it helps.
@@ChrisSalePhoto Thanks for the recommendation. I'll look for it. Cheers
One of the best advice. Thanks Chris !
Thanks Riccardo! :)
I do return time and again , but for me landscape photography is about exploring and discovering . So i do both but returning to do the same composition under different conditions is definitely a great way of honing your skills .
Hi David, I remember how exciting it was to explore a new location when I first started photography. Even familiar places look different when you look at them through the lens of a camera for the first time. I still get that buzz now when visiting somewhere new, but I really get anything worth getting excited about on the first visit.
Hi Chris. l usually go to a different location every time, mainly because I'm easily bored! But over the past few weeks I've visited the same location a number of times.
How have you gotten on returing to the same location Ash?
@@ChrisSalePhoto Quite well I think. It's amazing what photographing the same or a similar thing each time can teach you. Especially about weather conditions, how the light changes, and even how you feel in yourself on any given day! Very interesting experience actually. I thought it wouldn't be. I'm easily bored but I actually found it quite motivating.
I'm probably more prone to random exploration but I do have a set local favorites I return to when I think the conditions are right.
Hey Rafe, I think for me another advantage of returning to a location is that it's relatively quick. I can get out, hike to wherever, grab the shot and still be home again to be in the office for 09:00 and ready for the day. If I go 'exploring' I am usually out for at least 4 hours, if not more.
Great video Chris! I do a little of both. I just returned from Cape Disappointment where I've visited 4-5 times to do exactly what you talked about - taking the same composition under different conditions. I find that being persistent with a location will eventually pay off with better light or dramatic storm clouds and you'll come away with a better photograph. But nothing is more exciting than exploring new locations. :-)
Persistance James! That's the word. I think that it is so important to us landscape photographers to keep going back, time after time until we get the conditions that we need to make the shot.
Great advice! I revisit with the change of seasons!
Thanks Randy - the project that I am working on this year is designed to show how the landsape changes with the season. I am finding it fascinating and learning so much.
I couldn’t agree more Chris. I do the same, usually the scouting photos with my iPhone then return throughout the year and conditions. It’s great advice Chris!
Phones are great these days aren't they Adrian. Personally I use the Canon M50 that I would normally use for filming. Fits easily into my backpack whilst out hiking.
Great video! I would say that I prefer the more opportunist approach. The main reason for this being that I make my best images when I'm completely lost and therefore couldn't return if I wanted to. I value my non existing sense of direction as my super power:)
Thanks Mats, this did make me laugh. I too get lost all the time. In fact, between you and me... ...I was lost on this particular morning. The reason this wasn't filmed at sunrise as I would do normally was because I couldn't find it in the dark. I stumbled upon it was I was making my way back to the car. That's 100% true! :)
Im the total opposite i should go back more to places under different conditions.
Give it a try Toby, it made such a difference to my photography.
@@ChrisSalePhoto cheers great vid give me something new to try
Great topic, Chris. I prefer to do both. Some locations change dramatically with the change of seasons. I think the image you produced is terrific. You hit the mood. Thanks for sharing and challenging us to review previous scenes, what we would change, and we want to take the photo. It is essential to plan.
Thanks very much John, I am really excited to see how your 12 Significant Photos project turns out and how the seasons vary there in Pennsylvannia.
@@ChrisSalePhoto Thanks, Chris. I hope we have a rich, colorful autumn and an early but light snow in December.
Really interesting video Chris. Circumstance has driven me to the same approach you've adopted and I've found it has been more productive than my previous approach of visiting different locations. Like you I've found it helps me improve my composition but I've also found the familiarity, and the knowledge I can return quickly, has encouraged me to try different things with various levels of success. However I've recently felt that I've been in a rut and your point about doing the location justice and moving on really hit home. Looking back through my portfolio now I can see I have a few shots I'd consider portfolio ready but I've continued to revisit with limited additional return. I think adding this next step of moving on once I've got a portfolio ready shot will really help. Although as you know us photographers always have FOMO and are convinced we may just get that amazing light on this visit!
Hi Darren, so good to hear from you, I hope you are well. My portfolio doesn't remain static for long. When I add a few images I will often remove some as well. Once a location has dropped out then it goes back on the list. When I am in a creative rut I find visiting a new location helps.
I think both ways are worth pursuing. The change in season can completely transform a scene, so it's nice to revisit over a year to see the changes, if you find somewhere you like.
Totally agree mate - for your landscape stuff, how much is exploring new locations? How about for your commercial stuff? Do you have to research all of your (external) locations or do you ever get imput from the client?
@@ChrisSalePhoto For personal landscape photography, exploring new locations is 90% of what I do. For clients, they leave it to me to figure out usually, unless it's a tourism / travel client that requires images at a specific location, then of course weather can play a key role and a few visits are sometimes required.
Chris glad to see another video. I currently do the same location over and over, because work really cuts into my photo time. ;) However I do try to keep an eye open for new locations whenever I'm out and about.
A great approach Timothy, we've got to make the time as and where we can. I hope you have more time for your photography as we enter into autumn.
Hi Chris,
I shoot places in London time and time again and have done for years. The conditions change daily but 'Epic' conditions only occasionally and that's a key reason why I keep returning, as I know I can improve images at most locations. Plus it's where I live & work so its easily accessible etc.
As for new locations, I certainly enjoy shooting them and look forward to doing so more often in future
Thanks Andrew - can I ask how it is going with your channel? Are you going to be producing more videos? I think that has often been the driving force to visit new locations, so as to keep my content fresh.
Hi @@ChrisSalePhoto - thanks for asking. My channel is yet to get going to be honest and a major challenge is editing as I’m new to it and it takes me a long time. I shot a few Vlogs in Cornwall in June and have shot a few around London but yet to edit or finish editing them.
However, I am getting my head around Davinchi resolve so just need to get it done and get content out there.
I also need to try and create more short form content just to get use to the process and getting regular content out there to build some consistency.
So there should be more videos in future, London, Cornwall & more photography in line with me commercial work as well.
How’s your 2021 project going?
Great subject, Chris. When I go to new spots, I tend to make representational, travelogue-style photographs. When I return to a place, I find the details such as reflections, mushrooms, spider webs, etc.
I see Jim... I think that this approach does lend itself a little more to shooting the wider vista. As we get more intimate there is a greater opportunity to be creative and adjust our approach to the conditions, as you do.
Such great advice, thank you. I, too, live around a landscape that is very rocky. So the challenge will always be to make rocks interesting and, of course not overdo rocks just because they're there
Ah yes Gerry, how to make rocks more interesting... now there is a challenge. Personally, I am trying to make a conscious effort to find other things to put in my foregrounds. I may even impose a ban on myself.
Hi Chris! Definitely diggin' the mood in the 3rd image. As far as revisiting locations, I don't mind going back to the same scene in different seasons, especially if a waterfall I've been to in the Spring or Summer has enough foliage to look great with fall colors. BTW - you're looking noticeably healthier these days (not that you looked unhealthy and ashen before - lol) but you seem to be in a much more comfortable, happier 'groove' :) Keep it up!
Thanks very much. Unfortunately I am a little heavier than I really should be at the moment. Struggling to shift the weight I put on during lockdown. It seems to get harder as I get older.
Great advice, Chris. I do both; new locations when possible, and when that isn't possible, just go to familiar places and challenge myself to get a better shot than the previous occasion. I think making notes and/or taking a copy of the previous time is a very good idea!
Oh yes mate, I always take a copy with me. Unless I forget. Which happens a lot. :)
Hi Chris,
I prefer to do both.
Great images as usual, but i prefer the sunrise one.
Hi Tim - how have you found returing to locations as part of the "12 Significant Photos" project?
@@ChrisSalePhoto Hi Chris,
We are going to return to a couple of our locations as well as finding some new ones for this month's 12in12photochallenge.
Cheers Tim and Wendy.
I will do a combination of both. I will revisit an old spot see if there's something that I have missed or something that I can do better. When I do revisit I take your words of advice I heard about a year ago from you. And those words are what's the one thing you would change if you could do it over again.
Oh Scott, that is so good to hear! When I review my images I always write down 3 things I like and 1 thing I don't. That way I always know what I have to concentrate on when I return. There is method in the madness... :)
A combo for me. I have my "spots" which I visit regularly under different conditions (fog, rain, autumn, winter, etc). I allow nature to play with palette and challenge me to do something with it. There's an obvious advantage to knowing a location well and understanding how different conditions might impact the composition.
Hey Miguel - how is the fall starting to shape up for you? We seem to be having a bit of an Indian summer here at the moment. But the birch trees are on the turn so it won't be long now. :)
@@ChrisSalePhoto It was a VERY wet Summer Chris. I've noticed a lot of leaf drop though. Hopefully it doesn't mean a short autumn color season : (
Great topic and tips Chris! I also enjoy returning to the same locations under different weather conditions when possible. Different photos, different compositions, different feel/mood to the photo. Also a great tip about referring to past photos on your phone. Really good topic here mate, and as always, great photos... especially the new moody one at the end.
Thanks mate - any idea how many locations you are working at any one time? I have to be honest, I am not sure. I should probably write them down.
@@ChrisSalePhoto I have three main ones I return to a lot. One is a pier where I do a lot of my practicing to just keep sharp. Another is a rocky sea.cliff about 70 miles north of here where I feel I can get better compositions and weather - but visits are limited because of the distance. The third is a local woodland because it is quite vast and haven't explored it in it's entirety. Oh, there is a 4th one, a lighthouse that I like to shoot in the dark because it presents a whole different level of challenge.
Hi Chris at long last the bungalow is finished so im actually getting out with the camera i like the idea of going to a particular location until you've got the image you want plus the fact i'm not really confident about going out on my own the thought of getting lost in the middle of nowhere rather knocks my wonderlust .
At the moment im concentrating on the hills to the righthand side of "Tarn Hows" im trying to get a little of the tarn and the further off fells "Crinkle Crags" and the like i'm also still trying to get that sunrise at "Glencoyne" "Blea Tarn" is also a big favourite of mine.
so at the moment i'll stick with these three locations.
I've got some great images from all the locations but i'm still waiting to get the money shot.
Any way thats enough from this old codger i'll see you in the comments box again soon cheers Mike.
Ps the image from your second visit to your location is the money shot for me.
Congratulations Mike, that is good news! I think you've missed the sunrise at Glancoyne for this year. The best time is at the start of May and the middle of August. That is when you get the sun rising slap bang in the middle of the hills.
I just started to follow you. I like to do both. Otherwise it is too poor to photograph. One of best same place is our summer cottage, where every sunset, golden and blue hour, even astrophotography makes it very interesting and different.
Hi Erkki and welcome to the channel. Where in the world are you based? Based on your name, if I had to guess, I'd say Finland. Am I close?
Oh yeah I live in Finland and photograph mostly our landscapes and macros in south and Lapland. Waiting to photo auroras and heavy snow trees and landscapes. My dream is also to travel in photograph places, woodland, lake area in uk, plus Mountains in Italy etc
An interesting concept Chris. I tend to revisit locations time and again regardless of whether I've ben able to create a "banger" or not. For me the location will always "look" different dependent on the time of year and weather, and I tend to choose where I go when I get the chance based on weather and tide and fog etc. However, for someone starting out on their journey location familiarity will definately be a help and of use to train the eye and the senses to the possibilites. Stay safe out there.
I think that is so important Huw - for many novice photographers the thought to return to a location to try to improve on a shot never crosses their minds. I am always reminded of how shooting something iconic like the Duke of Portland Boathouse over and over again helped me to get an understanding of some of the principles of compositiont that I could apply to other locations.
I used to visit places more often to get a feeling for light and moods there. Some day a friend told me in a subordinate clause that I always do the same shots. Well, I felt guilty in all points. Since then I try to go to new places as well.
Great content! Thank you.
My approach is a combination.
Just: There is no location dead due to the success of giving a portfolio image. Different days, light, side conditions, ... are worth to be worked at.
Of course not Peter, you are correct of course. But I need to set aside a location once it has made the portfolio to make room for another. Eventually the image will be removed from my portfolio and I can revisit it once more.
@@ChrisSalePhoto This concept is OK, never more than on image of any location in the portfolio.
Great work, you do and share!
Thank you Peter, that is very kind.
@@ChrisSalePhoto I have to say what I have to say. And I do appreciate competence and quality as I do appreciate sharing.
Getting notice about different approaches always widens the horizon.
Some locations might be "epic" but shot to death (you know the same than I do). Your approach makes you always to discover new places and compositions which brings progress into photography.
Please be a little bit proud about your work and go on searching! You are one of those giving relevant input by defining parts of the spectrum of landscape/nature photography.
Thank you!
Great video, Chris. Solid advise. I do both. And I don't know that any location is finished or retired. As I improve and grow in my photography I may see something differently in a well know location. Different light, different season. I'm not the same person on the next visit. So, yeah. I like new places but also like the well known ones. It's like hanging with a good friend.
Totally agree regarding locations being 'finished'. I will normally just put a location to one side once I have a shot in my portfolio. This is to make room for finding something new. As my portfolio grows, shots get dropped from it giving me the scope to return once again. Does that make sense?
@@ChrisSalePhoto totally makes sense. My portfolio is constantly changing. You wouldn't want for the portfolio to be done. Love your channel.
@@BirdsandMore2376 - thank you, that is very kind.
An interesting topic Chris, and a well presented explanation of your thought processes and motivation. I tend to do both depending upon circumstance. If a seascape demands a high tide and is a sunrise location that pretty much dictates my arrival but sometimes I like to mix it up and just go out on a whim after a little internet research and take a punt. 80% of the time I have to convince myself that I really only intended the visit as a scouting expedition when i walk away with nothing but a poor excuse of a snap shot 😂
Of course Izzy! You have to factor in the tides as well. Another complication. I see your channel is doing very well. Congratulations. How are you finding filming youself?
@@ChrisSalePhoto thanks Chris, I’ve filmed about 12 of them now and still start off with some trepidation. I am learning that it’s about having a structure on what to present as much as how you present. Unfortunately when I hit the record button all that seems to go out the window and the waffle floods out 🤣
I find the best thing to do is to do lots of short pieces to camera and link them all together with b-roll. Every time I do a piece to camera I try to concentrate on a single point that I am trying to make.
@@ChrisSalePhoto sage advice Chris, I’ll try and apply that next time I’m out. If I’m honest I think I am pretty poor when it comes to b-roll. There is a lot of walking up and down, planting the camera, walking out of shot, walk back in with purpose, walk out of shot, return for the camera and repeat! As I often shoot at dawn you don’t get the same effect doing that in the dark 🤣. Thanks for the support, very much appreciated 🙏
I use a combination method Chris. I will have several locations with some I go back to 2-4 times a year, others I go back to yearly and a few that are brand new that I research online to try to get ideas and timings. I think if I returned too frequently to the same location I'd get bored and I want to be 'excited' about shooting.
Great video Chris. For trying to improve I like to revisit locations - but try to find a new composition every time. I’ve yet to get to the point where I feel certain I have the best one, if such a thing exists. The idea of the same composition at different times is interesting. I enjoy new locations but tend to rush around trying anything I can think of before settling down and trying to work out what I like about the scene. Today it was only after driving home I started to understand what the appeal of a location I’d visited was to me. Not text book stuff!
Hi Tim - for my 2021 project I have picked 12 locations near where I live and have been visiting one a week since the start of the year. Come the end of the year I should have visited all of them at least 4 times, giving me the opportunity to fine tune the composition and capture how the scene changes through out the year. It has been a fascinating experience. I will probably do a video about it at the end of the year.
@@ChrisSalePhoto I look forward to seeing the results!
Hi Chris, nice video. I think I’m drawn back to certain places, firstly because i like a particular place and secondly because im trying to better the previous photo either by the conditions or i see something different that i like.
I think a lot of people could relate to that Joy. At the years go by I find myself worrying less and less about the conditions and just try to capture what is in front of me.
@@ChrisSalePhoto well if you decide you want to go out, You go out . it doesn’t really matter what the weather does 😃
Absolutely Joy!
Chris, I enjoy both approaches. While I love exploring new locations and finding my take on the epic location. I also have learned the value of returning to locations and learning how the light affects my compositions and choices when making a photograph. Revisiting locations allows for honing our photographic vision of the location and composition. This is one of the reasons that I encourage new photographers to explore locations that are near to them. While the location may not be epic, you will learn so much more about photography and find your photographic voice. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Craig - can I ask mate... which approach do you think yields the best results?
@@ChrisSalePhoto Revisiting locations gives the best results or, at the very least, increases the chances of making the best photograph. There will be those once in a life shoots that give you epic lighting and conditions, but from my experience, you have to not only be in the right place at the right time you also need to know your gear and what your photographic vision is when they reveal themselves.
Love to do both, however must admit that most of my better landscape work is made during holiday’s where I do find the time to shoot but rarely am in the occasion to revisit.
I hear you Patrick, it can be difficult to make the time for photography. For some of us it is limited to vacations and that means we have to get the shot first time.
Hey Chris, great video, most of my stuff is from about six different locations within a pretty small area,It does mean my videos tend to be a bit a like but my images have improved greatly. Probably time to start exploring a little further afield. Thanks for sharing.
Good to hear it John! It's fun to explore new locations and to stretch oneself a little more. I hate filling videos in locations I don't know. I need to concentrate on finding a shot and TH-cam, as you know, is a big distraction.
That last image introduced some interesting effects. The darkened sky was helped by the Grad filter - 6 stop?. And to the right of the major rock, a pool of brightness - via a filter in camera raw? Thanks
That's right Dennis, I used a 0.6 soft edge grad to hold back the sky a little. I then put on a pretty heavy vignette to darken the edges of the frame and then lifted the exposure to brighen the centre. In a nutshell that is my standard workflow for these conditions (+ an bit of a clarity boost to add some contrast to the midtones). All the processing was done in LR.
Great video. I have places that I visit again and again. But there are also places that I only visit now and then. Then there are the places that I photographed 100 times in my head but never with the camera. When the day comes when I finally take the picture, the disappointment on the pc usually comes ... Most of the time, it's because I'm in these places at the wrong time of day, with the wrong weather and tides...
Hey Jörg! I was out with Steve Bennett the other day and when he was saying that he is at his happiest in the period after he has taken the shot and before he has got it on to the computer. I think we can all relate to that sense of optimism and inevitable disappointment. :)
hey chris. i am one of those photographers with a select few locations i always connect to and head out to film and photograph. i want to always learn and master a location in every condition. traveling to new areas can spark that motivation when in a rut, but i always find myself back at the locations that draw inspiration and bring out creativity and conncetion with. generally those are close to home as well. cheers brother
I am generally careful about visiting a new location when I am struggling for motivation. I really get a good shot when visiting a location for the first time and I am always concerned that coming back empty handed will have a negative impact on my motivation. But I like you thinking there, so will give it a try next time my motivation needs a boost.
I also do both some locations/subjects tend to force me to return. On the other side new locations are always a challenge and a source of inspiration and new possibilities. Loved way you covered the subject 👌👏
Thanks Johan. We missed you on the call last week. Hope you are well.
Chris the true test of an artist is one who is able to capture an image using what they’re dealt…
The alternative method which is unfortunately gaining popularity with some photographers is to utilize AI technology. The substitution of a different sky for something thought to be more appealing. The addition or replacement of elements that either weren’t wanted or were never there in the first place…
I side more with the former group rather than becoming a manipulator of pixels.
Which gear do you use for landscape photography
Hi Tommaso, I use Canon cameras (6D and M50) and lenses (L series 16-35, 24-70, 70-200 all f/4), a Benro tripod, Kase filters and a Mindshift backpack. Hope that helps.
@@ChrisSalePhoto perfect
I do both approaches, i think it just depends where I'm going etc and make a mental note if I want to return.
I don't think luck plays a part in the spontaneous approach to be honest, i think it's about working with what you have at the time. A lot of planning goes in to my trips so knowing where to be at what times isn't luck but planned.
All landscape photography is an element of luck though as the most meticulous planning cannot account for rapid changes in weather or conditions.
As you mentioned your images kind of end up being the same theme. I like to take images that I like and are different. Taking many different types of images actually makes you a better photographer because you have to adapt more whereas taking the same image can mean just changing the aperture and shutter speed.
You make a good point. But often when I return I will alter the composition to make the most of the conditions. This is something that I need to get better, so I am constantly working on it.
I think everyone on this planet would love to travel all the time. But reality is that everything must be paid. So we need to shoot locally. And the nice part is this push our limits. Make batter pictures with what we have here, near us.
So my vote goes to: take the same location, close, and make the best out of it.
I don't like travelling at all Claudiu - I rarely take photographs anywhere other than the Lake District. But even then, more recently, I have been working much, much closer to home, rarely venturing in the the National Park. Which is no bad thing because it has been so busy this summer!
"Where's Chris"? Of course, "He's out playing with his favorite rocks again"! Humor aside, good points on getting the most out of a location near by.
A quote from tonight's video JIm... "I am getting a bit bored with rocks" See you then! :)
Go somewhere where there are landscapes to photograph.