In this section you will find only the best advice from photographers working at the very top of their game.
Our Masterclasses feature the work of UK masters of photography.
The Pro Zone features international professional photographers that are highly successful in their fields.
02.06.09
Learn to shoot luscious landscapes
Words by Lisa Clatworthy
Idyllic I thought as I headed to Swaledale for a three-day landscape course with Steve Gosling and David Tarn. As I stepped out of the car to admire the pretty little stream, it hit me. Or rather they bit me. The midges, that is, not Steve Gosling and David Tarn, leaders of the Two Heads are Better than One workshops.
Steve and David have been leading workshops, both together and individually, for about eight years. With plenty of professional experience under their belts, they are well placed to pass on the dos, don’ts and maybes of landscape photography.
The benefits of leading workshops together are clear – two heads really are better than one, just as the name of the workshop suggests. Steve and David work seamlessly together, coaching and encouraging the group of eight participants.
Out on location, they spend a few minutes suggesting approaches and explaining how to overcome possible difficulties. As soon as we start shooting, they both begin ‘working the group’, advising, prompting and problem solving as we go along. It’s all hands-on, informal and practical. No lectures, no leading from the front.
Back at the ranch, the learning continues with feedback sessions. They prompt some lively discussion and throw up lots of ideas and reasons to get back out with the cameras. Dinner discussions are equally enthusiastic. I’d definitely recommend booking dinner wherever Steve and David are – both for the informative discussion and the Steve and David comedy act!
Over the three days, David and Steve steered us towards numerous locations – including a nice pub for lunch – with plenty of opportunities to shoot landscapes, as well as close-up details. I took literally hundreds of images, and skipping through them on the computer afterwards, you can almost pinpoint when Steve or David came along with a bit of advice. If I had to distill what I learnt into one sentence, it would probably be: Don’t put the camera to your eye until you’ve had a good look around and worked out where in the landscape your composition might lie.
Not convinced yet that this course is for you? Well check just some of the images and comments from other participants.
Huw Alban
“For me the workshop was an experience in learning how to capture the splendour, colour, vastness and beauty of the Yorkshire Dales in summer in one frame. Not sure whether I succeeded…” huwalban.com
Mark Voce
“Steve and David’s approach to the more creative side of photography helped me create images I feel express the dales in a different light, rather than the textbook postcard view… I always come away with new ideas and techniques.”
markvoce.co.uk
Malcolm Davies
“I really enjoyed the workshop and learned a great deal. I felt privileged to be with so many talented photographers.”
Richard Spurdens
“It was good to meet everyone and work with them. I really enjoyed seeing what other people produce too.”
If you fancy improving your scenic shooting in a weekend, forthcoming dates with Steve and David include:
- 17-19 September, Snowdonia, north Wales
- 5-7 November, The Lake District
Check out the website for the full programme, stevegoslingphotography.co.uk, and see Steve's own work at Joe Cornish's gallery in Northallerton, from 5 September.
- Average Article Rating 2 Stars
-
Your Rating
Login Required!
Sorry - You must be a registered user & logged in to rate this.
Login | Register
Back to Categories