Capturing the raw beauty of landscapes often means venturing off the beaten path and braving the elements. Understanding how to work in diverse and challenging environments, while also learning to find compositions within these unpredictable settings, is invaluable.
Coming to you from William Patino, this engaging video showcases an adventure deep into Fiordland’s lush forests, following rivers, streams, and eventually stumbling upon hidden waterfalls. He carries a topographic map, GPS, and an emergency beacon, balancing digital aids with practical tools for safety. The emphasis here is on preparation and resilience—knowing your environment, even when technology may fail. For anyone looking to explore remote landscapes, these practical tips on navigation and preparedness are essential.
One of the video’s highlights is Patino’s discovery of a secluded waterfall, which serves as both a subject and a backdrop in his compositions. With trees framing the waterfall naturally, he evaluates the scene, noting how foreground elements, or the lack thereof, can make or break an image. While the waterfall’s backdrop has strong visual impact, the foreground lacks complementary details like ferns or rocks that would add depth. For Patino, finding balance in compositions involves working with natural frames, like branches or rocks, to guide the eye through the scene.
In another scene, he encounters a stunning composition where the peaks rise in the background, framed by a fern curling through the foreground. Patino shares the challenges of balancing depth of field with movement in the frame: while he aims for a smooth flow in the river, the wind stirs the ferns, adding complexity to the shot. Using focus stacking, he layers multiple exposures to capture both the river’s motion and the fern’s detail. This setup requires meticulous planning and patience, balancing the shutter speed for each element. Patino’s approach here is a reminder that technical skills are key, especially when working with large depth of field or intricate foregrounds.
Patino emphasizes that complex shots like this shouldn’t discourage you. He suggests capturing multiple exposures in the field, then testing simpler edits at home first. Only if needed should you turn to advanced techniques, like combining shutter speeds and focus stacks, to refine the final image. This layered approach provides flexibility and reduces frustration in post-processing. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Patino.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
