Landscape Photography Level 2 February 15th & 16th

This course is divided into two parts:

• Part 1 Contemporary Photography, an examination of: 

1. Creating Emotion

2. Small Landscapes

3. The Uncanny

• Part 2 Winter / Cold Weather Techniques:

1. Understanding Light Dynamics:

Winter light is soft and diffused, yet its interplay with snow can create harsh reflections. We will examine the nuances of morning and afternoon light and harness the golden hours to your advantage.

2. Exposure:

Your camera's metering system may be fooled by the predominantly white scenes, leading to underexposure.  We will utilize the zone exposure system to obtain the correct exposure for your artistic vision.

3. White Balance Calibration:

Accurately calibrating the white balance is paramount to ensure that snow appears white and to retain the natural colours of your scene.

4. Focus Mastery:

Achieving focus can be challenging against a white backdrop. We will demonstrate manual focus and utilize focus peaking features to ensure sharpness.

5. Equipment:

Have the correct equipment and how to shield it from moisture and extreme cold to ensure its functionality and longevity.

6. Capturing Snowfall:

Experiment with shutter speeds to either freeze the snowflakes or create a serene snowfall blur.

7. Incorporating Colour:

Integrate pops of colour to break the monochrome winter scene and direct viewer’s attention.

8. Personal Safety and Ethical Considerations:

Prioritize personal safety while venturing into cold terrains. Adhere to ethical practices, respecting nature, and local regulations.

Venturing into the cold with your camera is both an adventure and a learning curve. These techniques are aimed at equipping you with the requisite knowledge and skills to transcend the adversities of winter and create evocative photographic narratives. Your journey through winter’s stillness will not only refine your technical acumen but also foster a profound appreciation for nature’s austere, yet profound, beauty.