Gareth Kirkland's Blog

Bend your knees and go for it!

Isn't it funny, I've been a professional photographer for quite a few years now, but sometimes, I still get shy and a bit inhibited when taking photographs.

It depends on the situation. If I’m clearly in a professional capacity, I have no problem. I will switch into professional work mode and become absolutely single minded about getting the shot or shots that I want. If however, like the other day, things were not so clear-cut, I can find myself strangely reticent and therefore unfocused.

The Photoshop Question

I have had so many people ask me about Photoshop. Probably as many as ask me about my photographs, how I took them, aperture, shutter speed, what time of day it was taken, what camera etc. I have become aware especially during my workshops that a lot of people get themselves into a real pickle about the whole subject, to the point that it is a positive discouragement to their photography because they feel inadequate that they are not some Photoshop expert.

What equipment should you take on a photographic adventure?

Well clearly there's not one answer, as it will depend on what and where you’re going to shoot and what type of person you are. I know some photographers who hate being weighed down by lots of gear and take only one body and a couple of zoom lenses out with them, or just one, if they can get away with it. They know that if they are weighed down with too much stuff it will stifle them and they won’t be able to function and get the shots they want. Whilst others will carry an absolute armoury of equipment, anything they need to get the shot at optimum quality.

June 2009 - Chateau Montfort

So here we are again. Another 4 am alarm and on location by just before 5 am. It’s spring and the days are at their longest. I love the long, sunshine filled days, but it does mean very early starts for the dawn photographer.

I’m at Chateau Montfort. It really is a splendid place. Your first sight of the Chateau would probably be from a purpose made, roadside viewing point. It’s a very impressive site and you will normally see the pavement three deep in tourists, jostling for position, for that obligatory holiday snap. Mum and kids, with an out of focus Chateau somewhere in the distance as dad risks life and limb in front of speeding coaches, full to the brim with Japanese tourists.

May 2009 - Beynac

Ah. What a life, as a landscape photographer. Peace, tranquillity, practising your art in solitude amidst the beauty of nature.

Sometimes it’s like that, and sometimes, like today for example, it’s not!

After my 5.00am rise, I was out by 5.20am, wishing I’d set the alarm for 4.30am, when driving to my location, I could already see the glow of the suns arrival from the east. I felt a churning of excitement and anxiety in my stomach; the excitement of being at a great location and maybe getting ‘the shot‘ and anxiety at being a bit late. Nothings worse than being in the right place but just too late, as the sun becomes stronger.