Whenever I take a moment and look at landscape photography it's like a tiny escape. An escape from the busy commotion of the cities that we live in and the chaos of the people in those cities. Most landscape photography is calm and serene with a beautiful array of colors acting as a canvas. Photographer, Benjamin Edelstein known for his stunning work sits down with us to talk about what it is to be a landscape photographer.
"It's nice to know that even in a city as busy and hectic as Miami, you can still find solitude and tranquility. This location overlooks the magnificent ocean and seems to go on for eternity. I waited for a storm the previous evening to roll by to assure I would have nice formations with the clouds. In the particular photo the sunrise brings a sense of warmth and life to the scene while enhancing the blue hue in the water. "
FS: Can you give us a little bit of insight on your background how you got started with photography?
Ben: My name is Benjamin Edelstein, and I am a landscape and commercial photographer. I am currently 28 years old and live and work out of Miami, FL. Photography began for me some 11 years ago as nothing more than a hobby. It was my means of transportation to escape the complexities of everyday life growing up. Photography allowed me to express my creative side; while cameras, lenses, and accessories satisfied my tech side. I wouldn’t say I turned professional until I was about 22 years old and graduated from college. I was standing at a crossroads between attending law school or pursuing my passion. In the end I just couldn’t turn my back to the camera.
FS: What made you decide that landscape photography was what you wanted to pursue professionally?
Ben: I’ve always been drawn to landscape photography due to the bright and vivid scenes normally associated with it. I love the feeling of isolation associated when shooting landscapes. Something about being away from the daily grind, city lights, and deadlines that I really appreciate. Shooting landscape also allows me to travel to some of the most remote areas that few people ever get the chance to see or experience. The message I try to convey through my images is of appreciation. Sometimes we get so caught up with our lives and our work that we forget to take a minute to sit back and admire the details of our world. Photographing landscapes brings me new perspectives on life, and I try to portray that through my work.
The Florida Keys is a great weekend escape from constant deadline and the daily grind. I had visited this location earlier in the day, and knew that I wanted to photograph this perspective as sunset. The calming waters led to a beautiful reflection, and the vibrant skies filled the frame. The pier brings the viewer into the scene, and combined with the vivid colors helps creates a serene scene.
FS: Can you tell us a little bit about the project that you're working on at the moment?
Ben: I am continuously working on projects for my landscape photographs. Right now I am currently reviewing photographs from a trip to New Mexico that I just returned from two days ago. I am also in the process of talking to some galleries to see if I can find some wall space for Art Basel.
FS: Do you have any tips or advice to those who may be looking into shooting landscapes?
Ben: Do no be afraid to take a leap of faith. Be patient. Do not be afraid to come home with a couple of great pictures as opposed to hundreds of mediocre ones. Do not get lazy with your compositions, your techniques, or your understanding of filters. Focus on your goals and not all of the people telling you how difficult it is to make a living with photography. Most importantly have fun with it, not everybody gets to say they do what they are passionate about everyday.
This rock preserve in Florida is a splendid location, and only an hour north from my hometown of Miami. Timing for this photograph was everything as I had to wait for sunset as well as the low tide. What used to be covered with water no glistens with radiant colors and textures. This is a perfect example of finding an escape in your own backyard.
FS: What equipment do you typically use on a shoot?
Ben: I use both medium format and 35mm cameras. The two main kits that I am currently using is either my Phase One IQ system or my Canon 5D MarkII. Both of these setups are very versatile, keep up with my demanding workflow, and provide me with the resolution that I require for my large prints.
FS: Do you have any future plans for upcoming projects?
Ben: I am always looking to add more diverse photographs to my collection. As of now I am in the process of sorting out a trip to Canada for the summer, or maybe back to the west coast. If all goes according to plan, my year might end with a photography expedition through Australia.
You can find more of Ben's work at the following sites:
hello graded ND filters
du-te-n pula mea
Chiar trebuia sa-ti deschizi gura fraiere?
du-te si tu
what you need today as landscape photographer seems to be the saturation slider and unbelievable skies....
And an "eye" for great composition. The post process is the easy part. Getting the shot right in camera is what takes talent.
It's unfortunate that most websites today centered around photography have become breeding grounds for trolls and their bitter, negative commentary. There seems to be no shortage of people looking to rip-apart another photographer's work from the comfort of their anonymity.
I agree Michael....aren't we all just trying to do the best we can at any given moment!
Purple ND grad for ultra unrealistic sky...yikes! Way to master the saturation and vibrance sliders!
Stunning! One thing I havent shot enough of, thanks for the push to get out and shoot more! Great interview Rebecca!
The shot of the blue light against the desert is lovely.
Yes good use of filters, those photographers who don't use filters need to take a closer look at how much they save you editing if you use them correctly in the field. <a href="http://www.lawsonphoto.us/tips-to-improve-pictures/" rel="nofollow">More Photography Tips</a>