Last nights meeting was a Zoom meeting and Huw Alban talked to us about the emotional landscape. Huw explained that the message of an image should be based on how that scene made the photographer feel. Yes the viewer might get a different message and even the photographer may see things differently on a different day, as so many things influence mood and emotions. But when taking the image we need to let the connection we feel to the place at that moment be a part of the image. He illustrated his talk with beautiful images from the Lake District (seemingly one of his favourite destinations), Dorset, North Yorkshire, Plymouth and Kent. But he said that although his main interest was in landscape images, what he was suggesting was equally applicable to all genres of photography.
He suggested we should photograph what we feel not just what we see. Look for what it is that you are really connecting with and your reaction to the place because the more careful we are when taking our pictures the more reaction they will get from others viewing them. The normal ‘rules’ of photography can be broken and can often lead to a striking image delivering mood and atmosphere. Trial and error are often necessary to achieve the results we seek.
After the break Huw talked about techniques and methods used to produce the image we are after. Mono can often be used to create atmosphere and mood where colour might distract. Using shapes can influence the viewers reaction to the image. Vertical lines can give the effect of strength and permanence whilst horizontal lines can bring peace and stillness. A landscape image is often restful and calming whilst a portrait one may be dynamic and energetic. And a square frame has balance which is good for inanimate or serene subjects.
It was quite a different style of talk from those we normally have but everyone seemed to feel it was thought provoking and interesting and several suggested that even though landscape was not their usual genre his principles and guidelines could be applied to those images they did take.