PH - Britain's Best Landscape Photographer
Paul Saunders
I'm interested to hear who the contenders are in the opinions of this
group.
I'd prefer opinions to be based on their photographs of British scenery,
not of other parts of the world.
Paul
--
http://www.wilderness-wales.co.uk
http://www.wildwales.fsnet.co.uk
SteveO
<pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
>Given the Colin Prior discussion, if CP isn't the best, then who is?
I'm confused, I thought you were suggesting PH is/was, who on earth is
it anyway?
SteveO
--
NE Climbers & walkers chat forum;
http://www.thenmc.org.uk/phpBB2/index.php
NMC website: http://www.thenmc.org.uk
Tony Simpkins
"Paul Saunders" <pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> wrote...
> Given the Colin Prior discussion, if CP isn't the best, then who is?
How do you define "Landscape Photographer"?
For example, is a "Mountain Photographer", i.e. someone who takes
photos of individual mountains, or someone whose main object is
to show walkers in a mountain environment, one?
Tony Simpkins
Paul Saunders
>> Given the Colin Prior discussion, if CP isn't the best, then who is?
>
> I'm confused, I thought you were suggesting PH is/was, who on earth is
> it anyway?
Ha! I was using PH to indicate that this is a PHotography thread! As
suggested by someone a short while back. I didn't use a colon because
Phil Cook pointed out a long time ago that some newsreaders don't
process them properly and split the thread.
Anyway, I don't think anyone officially *IS* Britain's best landscape
photographer. As ever, this is just a matter of personal opinion. I'm
just curious to hear what people's opinions are.
Paul Saunders
> How do you define "Landscape Photographer"?
> For example, is a "Mountain Photographer", i.e. someone who takes
> photos of individual mountains, or someone whose main object is
> to show walkers in a mountain environment, one?
Well obviously this is open to interpretation, but I'd say that a
landscape photographer is someone who's primary subject matter is the
landscape.
I'd disallow "nature" photography, i.e. someone who specialises in
close-up photos of flowers, or or telephoto shots of wildlife. I'd also
disallow photography of towns and cities, I don't really consider those
to be landscapes, unless the angle of view is fairly wide and shows the
urban area in the context of the surrounding land.
As for walkers in a mountain pic, there's nothing wrong with having the
odd walker here and there in a landscape photo (not my preference, but
still), although if the walkers are repeatedly the main subject matter
and the landscape takes second place, then I wouldn't really count that.
There's a difference between a landcape with a walker in it (usually
quite small and looking away from the camera) and photo of a walker with
a landscape behind him (usually quite large and looking toward the
camera).
Anyway, let's not be too rigid about this, I think most people
understand what a landscape photographer is. People are not usually
included, although they are optional.
Rooney
<pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
>Given the Colin Prior discussion, if CP isn't the best, then who is?
Keep up at the back! It's Mike Reid!
--
R
o
o
n
e
y
AndyP
> Given the Colin Prior discussion, if CP isn't the best, then who is?
> I'm interested to hear who the contenders are in the opinions of this
> group.
Are non photographers who don't know what they're talking about allowed to
vote? If so I'm voting for Mike Reid, who as per the other thread, whips
both Colin Prior and Joe Cornish's asses for my money. Who else is there?
Rooney
There's Paul S himself, but most of his stuff is milky waterfalls or
else has been faked in Photoshop.
I've also voted for Mike*.
* Make the cheque to cash.
Chris Townsend
<pvro...@aol.com> writes
Evans:
http://www.mountain-images.co.uk
Peewiglet
<Ch...@DELETEauchnarrow.demon.co.uk> wrote:
[...]
>I'm not saying he's the best but I'm surprised no one has mentioned Ian
>Evans:
>
>http://www.mountain-images.co.uk
>
V. nice Lakes pic's, and v.v. nice page!
Best wishes,
--
,,
(**)PeeWiglet~~
/ \ / \
Paul Saunders
> Are non photographers who don't know what they're talking about
> allowed to vote?
Absolutely! You don't have to understand anything about photography to
know whether you like a photo or not. In fact, the opinions of
non-photographers may be in some ways more honest or unbiased than those
of photographers, who may be influenced by understanding the techniques
involved, so they don't judge a photo purely on what it looks like, but
on rules and other stuff.
> If so I'm voting for Mike Reid, who as per the
> other thread, whips both Colin Prior and Joe Cornish's asses for my
> money. Who else is there?
To be honest, I haven't been keeping up in recent years, so I don't know
the current state of play. I've always like Charlie Waite and Paul
Wakefield. I asked a friend yesterday and he pointed out John Cleare,
Dave Newbould and a few others that I wasn't familiar with (and so
forget their names, oops!).
Tony Simpkins
"Chris Townsend" <Ch...@DELETEauchnarrow.demon.co.uk> wrote
> >
> I'm not saying he's the best but I'm surprised no one has mentioned
Ian Evans
>:
>
> http://www.mountain-images.co.uk
>
>
Yep, superb - but that's only 'cos he's got a good camera and anyway
his pics are not as good as mine ;-)
Nicely designed, generous website as well.
Tony Simpkins
Tony Simpkins
"Paul Saunders" <pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> wrote
>
> As for walkers in a mountain pic, there's nothing wrong with having
> the odd walker here and there in a landscape photo (not my
preference,
> but still), although if the walkers are repeatedly the main subject
> matter and the landscape takes second place, then I wouldn't really
count
> that. There's a difference between a landcape with a walker in it
(usually
> quite small and looking away from the camera) and photo of a walker
> with a landscape behind him (usually quite large and looking toward
the
> camera).
>
Often figures in a landscape 'make' the picture - it would be empty
and pointless without them. Have a look at the photos of the Mont
Blanc Massif by Pierre Tairraz. Some of his best ones, incidentally,
are in monochrome and portrait format.
Tony Simpkins
Paul Saunders
> Often figures in a landscape 'make' the picture -
I don't disagree, but as I said, a figure in a landscape is not the same
as a picture of a walker with a landscape in the background.
> it would be empty
> and pointless without them.
Sorry but I strongly disagree with that. Most landscape photographs
don't have people in them and there's nothing empty or pointless about
them. Some photos that are particularly lacking in foreground interest
may benefit, but that's exception rather than the rule. People are in
no way compulsory in a landscape photograph.
> Have a look at the photos of the Mont
> Blanc Massif by Pierre Tairraz. Some of his best ones, incidentally,
> are in monochrome and portrait format.
Where would I find these? If Pierre tends to include people in most of
his shots, then maybe that's just his style, but it's certainly not the
style of most landscape photographers. Again, if they are just an
element within the landscape, that's fine.
Anyway, let's not get obsessed with definitions here, who do you think
is the best British landscape photographer?
French photographers who photograph the Alps definitely do not count!
:-)
Paul Saunders
>> Given the Colin Prior discussion, if CP isn't the best, then who is?
>
> Keep up at the back! It's Mike Reid!
Are you being serious here? I don't mind if you are, but I rather
assumed we'd be talking about well known professional photographers
here.
Paul Saunders
> I'm not saying he's the best but I'm surprised no one has mentioned
> Ian Evans:
Never heard of him, I'll check him out later, thanks for the link.
So, so far we've got (in no particular order)
Colin Prior
Joe Cornish
Ian Evans
Charlie Waite
Paul Wakefield
John Cleare
Dave Newbould
I'll also mention Walter Poucher who was once considered to be Britain's
best mountain photographer, and also Derry Brabbs, who I never liked
much but seemed to be quite popular.
Any more? (You don't really want me to include urw photographers, do
you Rooney?)
And what about Les Wossname? Is he an amateur or pro?
Rooney
<pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
>Rooney wrote:
>
>>> Given the Colin Prior discussion, if CP isn't the best, then who is?
>>
>> Keep up at the back! It's Mike Reid!
>
>Are you being serious here?
No - just alluding to the earlier thread! (Sorry, Mike).
Rooney
<pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
>Any more? (You don't really want me to include urw photographers, do
>you Rooney?)
Ha ha! No.
I wouldn't include Poucher. Sure, his photos are good, but not class
leaders.
Chris Townsend
<pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> writes
>Chris Townsend wrote:
>
>> I'm not saying he's the best but I'm surprised no one has mentioned
>> Ian Evans:
>
>Never heard of him, I'll check him out later, thanks for the link.
>
>So, so far we've got (in no particular order)
>
>Colin Prior
>Joe Cornish
>Ian Evans
>Charlie Waite
>Paul Wakefield
>John Cleare
>Dave Newbould
>
>I'll also mention Walter Poucher who was once considered to be Britain's
>best mountain photographer, and also Derry Brabbs, who I never liked
>much but seemed to be quite popular.
>
>Any more? (You don't really want me to include urw photographers, do
>you Rooney?)
>
>And what about Les Wossname? Is he an amateur or pro?
Fay Godwin, whose Landmarks book is wonderful
http://www.djclark.com/godwin/
Jon Sparks, author of the Cicerone Press guide to Outdoor Photography
Tony West
http://www.tonywestphoto.co.uk
My favourite UK photographer is Doug Scott, but his images don't include
many from Britain.
Paul Saunders
> I wouldn't include Poucher. Sure, his photos are good, but not class
> leaders.
Not any more, but he was once considered Britain's best, or was it
"foremost" mountain photographer, so he's in there for historical
reasons.
ste®
"Paul Saunders" <pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> wrote in message
news:cpnjp4$o6p$1...@newsg2.svr.pol.co.uk...
| Given the Colin Prior discussion, if CP isn't the best, then who is?
| I'm interested to hear who the contenders are in the opinions of this
| group.
|
| I'd prefer opinions to be based on their photographs of British scenery,
| not of other parts of the world.
|
| Paul
Don't know who my favourite is, but David Noton's images seem pretty good
(http://www.davidnoton.com/), and you might have noticed his monthly column
in Practical Photography magazine - I realise he shoots all over the world,
but is still UK based and has lots of great images taken over here.
Ste
Peewiglet
<pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
[...]
>And what about Les Wossname? Is he an amateur or pro?
Les McLean. He's an amateur, but I still like his as much as/better
than any others I've seen.
http://www.photoblink.com/net/mshop.aspx?uid=3987
Richard G.
<pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
>I'll also mention Walter Poucher who was once considered to be Britain's
>best mountain photographer, and also Derry Brabbs, who I never liked
>much but seemed to be quite popular.
I though about Derry Brabbs, but apart from his Wainwright books, I've not
seen that much of his work.
Other additions for me would be:
David Ward www.davidwardphoto.co.uk
Malcolm MacGregor www.malcolmmacgregor.com
possibly Nick Meers (for the pano fans!)
Although to be honest, I'm only really aware of the photographers who appear
in the magazines or have published books, so there are probably many more
that I simply couldn't name. And there are loads of amatuers I could name
from the Lancashire and Cheshire Photographic Union (of which my club is a
member) portfolio's, but again most people here wouldn't know them.
This chap was the chairman of one of the clubs I go to now and again:
www.davebutcher.net
Regards,
Richard G.
Chris Townsend
<pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> writes
>Chris Townsend wrote:
>
>> I'm not saying he's the best but I'm surprised no one has mentioned
>> Ian Evans:
>
>Never heard of him, I'll check him out later, thanks for the link.
>
>So, so far we've got (in no particular order)
>
>Colin Prior
>Joe Cornish
>Ian Evans
>Charlie Waite
>Paul Wakefield
>John Cleare
>Dave Newbould
>
>I'll also mention Walter Poucher who was once considered to be Britain's
>best mountain photographer
His "The Magic of Skye", is still very good, especially in the original
large format edition rather than the miniature current one.
>, and also Derry Brabbs, who I never liked
>much but seemed to be quite popular.
>
>Any more? (You don't really want me to include urw photographers, do
>you Rooney?)
>
>And what about Les Wossname? Is he an amateur or pro?
Gordon Stainforth. "Eyes to the Hills" and "The Cuillin" are both
superb. I have both so I should have remembered him earlier.
http://www.gordonstainforth.co.uk/
His Lake District/Striding Edge, Bank Holiday is a wonderful example of
figures in a landscape.
Gordon Harris
>
>How do you define "Landscape Photographer"?
>
--
Gordon Harris
SteveO
<pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
>SteveO wrote:
>
>>> Given the Colin Prior discussion, if CP isn't the best, then who is?
>>
>> I'm confused, I thought you were suggesting PH is/was, who on earth is
>> it anyway?
>
>Ha! I was using PH to indicate that this is a PHotography thread! As
>suggested by someone a short while back.
noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!
If the Thread Nannies can't handle selecting "Ignore" thread, or
somesuch, then they should revel in their increased knowledge!!
Bollox(tm) to the idea that you have to use a prefix just so that
*they* ;-) can ignore the thread!
bahhumbug!
Tony Simpkins
"Gordon Harris" <Gor...@g3snx.demon.co.uk> wrote
> Tony Simpkins <to...@simpkins57.freeserve.co.uk> writes
> >
> >How do you define "Landscape Photographer"?
> >
> Somebody who takes a lot of grass?
I suppose being a drug addict might help to endure all those hours
waiting for the optimum light conditions ;-)
Tony
Tony Simpkins
"Paul Saunders" <pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> wrote
> Tony Simpkins wrote:
>
> > Often figures in a landscape 'make' the picture -
>
> I don't disagree, but as I said, a figure in a landscape is not the
same
> as a picture of a walker with a landscape in the background.
Understood.
>
> > it would be empty
> > and pointless without them.
>
> Sorry but I strongly disagree with that. Most landscape photographs
> don't have people in them and there's nothing empty or pointless
about
> them.
Not what I was suggesting.
> Some photos that are particularly lacking in foreground interest
> may benefit, but that's exception rather than the rule. People are
in
> no way compulsory in a landscape photograph.
Didn't say they were. I said that the figures often make the picture.
Take a look at these
http://www.simpkins57.freeserve.co.uk/tairraz.jpg
In my view the figures in these pictures are absolutely essential to
the success of the picture.
They give a sense of scale, obviously, but they also enhance the
landscape itself and are an integral part of it.
But, maybe they're not proper landscapes.
>
> Where would I find these?
Can't find anything worthwhile on the web.
His best books are "Between Heaven and Earth" written by Gaston
Rebuffat - photos mainly be Pierre Tairraz but also by other members
of the Tairraz family:
also "Journey to the Heart of Mont Blanc" a wonderful book devoted
solely to Pierre Tairraz's photos.
I think they're both out of print but a library might be able to get
hold of copies.
> If Pierre tends to include people in most
of
> his shots, then maybe that's just his style, but it's certainly not
the
> style of most landscape photographers.
Agreed - but I find his photos a refeshing and exciting change from
sunsets and reflections and rocks in the foreground and sunrays
through trees, beautiful though they may be.
>
> Anyway, let's not get obsessed with definitions here, who do you
think
> is the best British landscape photographer?
>
Colin Prior.
You need to see his prints or buy his books to appreciate him
properly, not judge him on a few crappy thumbnails on a website.
I find it amazing that in his book "Highland Wilderness" the vast
majority of the panoramas have the same aspect ratio of 3 : 1 and they
all work.
Other photographers of landscapes who will, quite rightly, have their
supporters are:
Gordon Stainforth, John Allen, Martin Moran, Clarrie Pashley, Irvine
Butterfield plus many other walker/mountaineers who carry cameras when
they're out and find themselves in the right place at the
right time.
Books worth looking at, or even owning :
The Magic of the Munros
The Magic of Wester Ross and Skye
Anything by Gordon Stainforth
Tony Simpkins
AndyP
> >>> Given the Colin Prior discussion, if CP isn't the best, then who is?
> >>
> >> Keep up at the back! It's Mike Reid!
> >
> >Are you being serious here?
>
> No - just alluding to the earlier thread! (Sorry, Mike).
Having looked at the various links people have posted, my vote for Mike
still stands. My favourite mountain photo which I've got as a background on
my PC comes from a book by Graham Thompson and depicts a lone figure
standing on Sharp Edge as it disappears into the mist but I couldn't find
any more of his to look at on the web. I think he writes routes and does
gear testing for Trail magazine as well.
Gordon Harris
>In Article <cpo0cd$599$1...@news6.svr.pol.co.uk>,"Paul Saunders"
><pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> wrote:
>
>>I'll also mention Walter Poucher who was once considered to be Britain's
>>best mountain photographer, and also Derry Brabbs, who I never liked
>>much but seemed to be quite popular.
>
>I though about Derry Brabbs, but apart from his Wainwright books, I've not
>seen that much of his work.
>
--
Gordon Harris
Rooney
That's Chris, no?
Actually I'll reinstate my vote for Mike!
ze...@cix.compulink.co.uk
> > I'm not saying he's the best but I'm surprised no one has mentioned
> > Ian Evans:
very saleable images tho.
> Colin Prior
> Joe Cornish
> Ian Evans
> Charlie Waite
> Paul Wakefield
> John Cleare
> Dave Newbould
Joe Cornish is by far the best in that list IMHO
> I'll also mention Walter Poucher who was once considered to be
> Britain's best mountain photographer,
The RPS have a huge collection of his prints and negatives.
> and also Derry Brabbs, who I never liked
> much but seemed to be quite popular.
I have never understood why he is so highly regarded, other than
his links with Wainwright.
Mark Baigent
----------------------------------------------------
Industrial - Commercial - Architectural Photography
http://www.markbaigent.co.uk
Tel: 01245 222712
----------------------------------------------------
Chris Malcolm
I think you've got that one confused. Drug addicts are no better than
the rest of us at enduring long waits in unpleasant conditions without
drugs.
--
Chris Malcolm c...@infirmatics.ed.ac.uk +44 (0)131 651 3445 DoD #205
IPAB, Informatics, JCMB, King's Buildings, Edinburgh, EH9 3JZ, UK
[http://www.dai.ed.ac.uk/homes/cam/]
AndyP
> >Having looked at the various links people have posted, my vote for Mike
> >still stands. My favourite mountain photo which I've got as a background
on
> >my PC comes from a book by Graham Thompson and depicts a lone figure
> >standing on Sharp Edge as it disappears into the mist but I couldn't find
> >any more of his to look at on the web. I think he writes routes and does
> >gear testing for Trail magazine as well.
> That's Chris, no?
> Actually I'll reinstate my vote for Mike!
Chris? Chris, as in it should be Chris Thompson (don't think so) or Chris
as in Chris Townsend tests gear for Trail magazine (no, that's tgo)?
Rooney
I thought he meant Chris Townsend.
Tony Simpkins
"Chris Malcolm" <c...@holyrood.ed.ac.uk> wrote
> "Tony Simpkins" <to...@simpkins57.freeserve.co.uk> writes:
>
>
> >> >How do you define "Landscape Photographer"?
> > >"Gordon Harris" <Gor...@g3snx.demon.co.uk> wrote
> >> Somebody who takes a lot of grass?
> "Tony Simpkins" <to...@simpkins57.freeserve.co.uk> writes:
>
> >I suppose being a drug addict might help to endure all those hours
> >waiting for the optimum light conditions ;-)
>
"Chris Malcolm" <c...@holyrood.ed.ac.uk> wrote
> I think you've got that one confused. Drug addicts are no better
than
> the rest of us at enduring long waits in unpleasant conditions
without
> drugs.
"Confused" is my middle name.
Tony Simpkins
SteveO
<Ch...@DELETEauchnarrow.demon.co.uk> wrote:
<snip excellent lists web addresses>
Excellent list(s) Chris, I, for one, am pleased you kept them handy...
for just such an occassion as this :-)
W. D. Grey
<pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> writes
>Anyway, let's not be too rigid about this, I think most people
>understand what a landscape photographer is. People are not usually
>included, although they are optional.
.....but the inclusion of people does sell pictures!
--
Bill Grey
http://www.billboy.co.uk
Rooney
<Bi...@graigroad.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>In article <cpnmel$ra4$1...@news6.svr.pol.co.uk>, Paul Saunders
><pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> writes
>>Anyway, let's not be too rigid about this, I think most people
>>understand what a landscape photographer is. People are not usually
>>included, although they are optional.
>
>.....but the inclusion of people does sell pictures!
So who's going to strip off on top of the Beacons?
W. D. Grey
<pvro...@aol.com> writes
You look at the wrong sort of pics :-)
Rooney
<Bi...@graigroad.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>In article <bgaes0hjvs8baldnl...@4ax.com>, Rooney
><pvro...@aol.com> writes
>>On Mon, 20 Dec 2004 19:22:18 +0000, "W. D. Grey"
>><Bi...@graigroad.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>>
>>>In article <cpnmel$ra4$1...@news6.svr.pol.co.uk>, Paul Saunders
>>><pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> writes
>>>>Anyway, let's not be too rigid about this, I think most people
>>>>understand what a landscape photographer is. People are not usually
>>>>included, although they are optional.
>>>
>>>.....but the inclusion of people does sell pictures!
>>
>>So who's going to strip off on top of the Beacons?
>>
>
>You look at the wrong sort of pics :-)
Aren't all calendars like that?
W. D. Grey
>On Tue, 21 Dec 2004 20:49:09 +0000, "W. D. Grey"
><Bi...@graigroad.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
>>In article <bgaes0hjvs8baldnl...@4ax.com>, Rooney
>><pvro...@aol.com> writes
>>>On Mon, 20 Dec 2004 19:22:18 +0000, "W. D. Grey"
>>><Bi...@graigroad.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>>>
>>>>In article <cpnmel$ra4$1...@news6.svr.pol.co.uk>, Paul Saunders
>>>><pv...@wildwales.fsnet.co.uk> writes
>>>>>Anyway, let's not be too rigid about this, I think most people
>>>>>understand what a landscape photographer is. People are not usually
>>>>>included, although they are optional.
>>>>
>>>>.....but the inclusion of people does sell pictures!
>>>
>>>So who's going to strip off on top of the Beacons?
>>>
>>
>>You look at the wrong sort of pics :-)
>
>
>Aren't all calendars like that?
>
:-)
Fran
> >So who's going to strip off on top of the Beacons?
> >
>
> You look at the wrong sort of pics :-)
>
warned that any calendar using me as a pin-up is not likely to
sell in vast numbers.
--
I try to be a good example to my children, but they just see
me as a dire warning.
W. D. Grey
<fr...@privacy.net> writes
>>
>Me sir, please sir, I'll do it sir! *But* - you should be
>warned that any calendar using me as a pin-up is not likely to
>sell in vast numbers.
>--
Definitely a tripod shot then - how else can one control the shakes ?
Rooney
>Bi...@graigroad.demon.co.uk said...
>> >So who's going to strip off on top of the Beacons?
>> >
>>
>> You look at the wrong sort of pics :-)
>>
>Me sir, please sir, I'll do it sir! *But* - you should be
>warned that any calendar using me as a pin-up is not likely to
>sell in vast numbers.
There's always Photoshop....
Rooney
<Bi...@graigroad.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>In article <MPG.1c33f07c2...@news.individual.net>, Fran
><fr...@privacy.net> writes
>>>
>>Me sir, please sir, I'll do it sir! *But* - you should be
>>warned that any calendar using me as a pin-up is not likely to
>>sell in vast numbers.
>>--
>
>Definitely a tripod shot then - how else can one control the shakes ?
>:-)
And we'd need to discuss the exposure.
Gordon Harris
>Bi...@graigroad.demon.co.uk said...
>> >So who's going to strip off on top of the Beacons?
>> >
>>
>> You look at the wrong sort of pics :-)
>>
>Me sir, please sir, I'll do it sir! *But* - you should be
>warned that any calendar using me as a pin-up is not likely to
>sell in vast numbers.
Can I introduce you to the man who strolled past the WI stall at
Broughton game fair about 8 years ago and smilingly shook his head when
they shouted to me to buy one of their calendars?
Yes - it was the famous one, and probably worth a bob or two nowadays.
:-(
--
Gordon Harris
W. D. Grey
<Gor...@g3snx.demon.co.uk> writes
Ah Gordon -- the wisdom of hindsight!