I’ve been shooting landscape photos for 20 years, and I’ve been happy doing it. But, on my recent trip to Northumberland I really liked the photos I took that were more of a documentary/street style. I felt that had more life in them, and more interest (for me) than just a landscape. It was this photo that did it for me.
Bamburgh Castle is probably one of the most photographed castles on the planet. Most of the photos will be at sunrise/sunset, from the beach or the sand dunes and will be amazing and look like something from a movie. But, they’re not reality. Most people won’t see that view. Most people will see view from the road, and there’s a challenge in making that view interesting, but also keeping it based in reality as most people see it. I really liked that, and that’s what I tried to do above. The path, the fence and the road create great leading lines to the castle, as well as a foreground. The houses are there, no point pretending and trying to hide them. There’s life in it, and real life is interesting.
So, I’m changing things up. I want more ‘real life’ photos. Every day things, but making them technically good photos. It opens up a lot more possibilities than looking for landscapes at sunlight and sunset. I’m excited about it.
A New Lens
This week I bought myself a new lens. I was feeling a bit miserable after having eye injections last Friday, and decided to treat myself to a Leica 15mm f1.7. It had £150 off as the lens cap was missing (how much are lens caps worth!) and was a return. So, an absolute bargain. It goes great on my GM1 and GX80. A perfect take anywhere lens, and I love that the f/stop is controlled on the lens (freeing up the one dial on my GM1 for shutter speed). I can’t wait to get out and use it now my eye is back to normal.
I also got myself a smaller Peak Design Sling. I love my 10l one, but it’s too big for taking everywhere – so I got the 3l version too. Again, perfect for taking my GM1 and GX80 out.
Shaun Madill Photography 