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Articles written by Darren Spoonley

The Power of Familiarity in Photography
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In landscape photography, there is a powerful reason why it's important to have a go-to location, which cannot be overstated. While the attraction of venturing into new and potentially uncharted territory may be strong, there also exists meaningful value in revisiting familiar spots time and again. This article will delve deeper into the significance of returning to familiar locations and how it can enhance your photographic skills and artistic expression.

Why It's Important to Challenge Ourselves in Photography
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As a landscape photographer, the chase to capture stunning images of breathtaking scenes is a continuous journey. Yet, in the middle of this mission for the perfect shot, lies a crucial aspect often overlooked—the necessity of challenging ourselves and getting out of our comfort zone. In this article, let’s dive into why pushing our boundaries and embracing discomfort is vital in the journey of landscape photography.

Learning From Mistakes: How They Shaped My Photography Journey
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Throughout my photography journey, I've encountered various mistakes that have served as valuable learning experiences, ultimately shaping my understanding and approach to the craft. In this article, I'll share some of these mistakes, how you can avoid them, and how they've contributed to my growth as a photographer.

We Review: Zhiyun X60 RGB LED Video Light
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Zhiyun is a brand name that is most known for its gimbals, which offer solid build, useful features and reliability, so it’s good news now that they have ventured into the world of studio lighting!

Is Access to Key Photographic Locations a Growing Concern?
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Access to key photographic locations is increasingly becoming a concern among photographers worldwide. As iconic landscapes attract more visitors each year, issues surrounding access, preservation, and management arise. This article delves into the factors contributing to the potential loss of access to these sites and explores perspectives from both landowners and photographers.

Hey DJI, Fix These Issues Please
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When it comes to cameras released in 2023, most would find it hard to argue that the DJI OSMO Pocket 3 was not only the most anticipated but also delivered on almost all of its hype upon release. However, several fixes need to happen to make this the best camera for video content creators.

Why Your Shots Just Aren't Good Enough?
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When it comes to landscape photography or any genre of photography there seems to be nothing more grinding than someone telling you that they are better than you and when they go on to explain why. However, the nuggets contained here are indeed some of the reasons why some are better than others.

Why You're Not a Great Photographer
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Great landscape photographers are distinguished not only by their stunning images but also by their approach to their craft. Mark Denney, a prominent figure in the landscape photography community, advocates for several principles that contribute to greatness in this field.

Is This the Ultimate Photography Accessory?
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When I first started my photography journey, I was full of hope, excitement, and wonder about what adventure the day would bring me. The challenge for me was that it was just a day before I either had to head home again or find a place to stay, so I could spend more time in a certain location.

Is Your Imagination Holding You Back?
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Photography as a genre is full of possibilities. It can not only open us up to seeing and capturing some stunning locations, people, or moments in time but can also allow us to see places that we never even dreamt possible. But what are the restrictions?

Could You Force Yourself to Use Just This One Lens?
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As a landscape photographer who is addicted to the big vista, I have often wondered just how hard or easy it would be to force myself to only use one lens, and that lens being the 70-200mm. The versatility of this lens is fantastic, and many of you will know this already. However, the best thing about having my 70-200mm is that it's always in my bag and ready to be deployed whenever I need it, but what if I were only to have this lens?

Wake Up and Get Out of Your Funk
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Wake up, get out of your funk, and do something new. Those are words that I say to myself quite often, and if we are all being honest, we all say them to ourselves often too, and if not, then we should. Why, you may ask? Because if you don’t, then you will either continue to be stuck in a rut or you will be, unknowingly, damaging our potential for growth and overall satisfaction.

How to Grow as a Photographer
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Becoming a skilled photographer is a journey that requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn and grow. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your photography to the next level, there are several key steps you can take to develop your skills and expand your creative horizons. Let’s explore some of the most effective strategies for growing as a photographer, which have helped my own personal journey.

A New York POV With Surprising Results
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When it comes to landscape photography, there are a few names that will be recognizable to many almost instantly. One of those is Michael Shainblum. His calm, considered, and purposeful approach makes his shots stand out in my opinion. However, what happens when you take him out of the familiar landscape and put him in the middle of one of the busiest locations in the world?

The Weather Is So Unpredictable! Or Is It?
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As a landscape photographer, I have often packed up my bag, jumped in the car, and headed off into the preferable sunset. My bag is packed with high hopes and expectations for an amazing shoot and for the shots I am going to get. The ever-present challenge is whether the weather is going to play ball. Of course, I have checked all of the apps and made my decision based on what they were telling me. However, I often find that while it might be right to some extent, it is rarely right for exactly what I am looking for. High clouds, fog, mist, or even clear skies are needed for those banger shots.

Do You Really Need All That Gear?
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Landscape photography, with its sprawling vistas and majestic scenery, often captivates us with its beauty and challenge. However, delving into this genre requires careful consideration of the equipment you bring along. In this article, let’s explore the essential gear for landscape photography, emphasizing the principle that less is more. Contrary to the notion that a vast array of equipment is necessary for capturing stunning landscapes, we'll discuss how a minimalist approach can lead to more focused and rewarding experiences in the field. Let's look at the essentials.

Exploring Movie Locations for Photography
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Hot off the successes of my local actor Cillian Murphy’s Golden Globe for "Oppenheimer," it reminded me of my trip last year to another iconic location that also swept the boards at the illustrious awards, "The Banshees of Inisherin." Movies have the extraordinary power to transport us to different worlds, allowing us to experience the magic of storytelling through the lens of a camera. But what happens when the magic extends beyond the big screen? What if we could step into the very locations that served as the backdrop for our favorite films? In this exploration, we delve into the enchanting world of movie locations, focusing on the rugged beauty of Achill Island's Keem Beach—the cinematic stage for the film "The Banshees of Inisherin," starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.

Try This The Next Time You Are at a Beach 
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Ever get stuck looking for photographic ideas when the conditions or timing of your shoot aren't right, or perhaps you are at a location for a day and need to find things to do and photograph after sunrise and before sunset? Try this technique to not only challenge your photographic eye, but to also help you learn something new should the situation arise again anytime soon.

You Don't Need To Constantly Change Your Composition
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I begin with a story about a location nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Cork, Ireland, where there lies the ancient friary ruin of a monastic settlement—a scene that, despite its historical roots, breathes life through the ever-changing interplay of light, atmosphere, and clouds. In the pursuit of capturing the feeling of this timeless location, I embarked on a photographic challenge that spanned two hours leading up to sunset. The unique challenge? To take 10 shots from the exact same composition, without altering my camera position or perspective.

Do You Know Earth's Hidden Stories?
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Photography, at its essence, is a pursuit that is more than the mere act of capturing images; it is a journey into the heart of the world's hidden stories. In landscape photography, the scenery before our lenses often serves as a subject for stories written not by pen but by the patient hands of geological forces. This exploration takes us beyond the actual beauty of landscapes, urging us to unravel the details of Earth's geological history.