I have a strong dislike for doing landscape photography around manmade features. Most of the time, I will make the extra effort to not include any human elements in an image unless it is the entire point of the image. Not all landscape artists think with this mindset, but I have my own reasons for doing so.

    I don’t want it to define my photography. I enjoy photographing some lighthouses or viewpoints, but I don’t want it to be a featured part of my work. I much prefer to have a more escapism-like mood where you can get away from these human elements while viewing the art.

    I tend to go to more secluded areas because of this goal. This is good for two reasons: I am able to get myself into a more meditative state away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, helping me focus on photography. Also, I can shoot compositions and things that give more of a mood and escape for the viewer than otherwise would be possible. If you view some of my newer work separate from older images I have published it shows a trend towards less iconic locations that tend to be very human-centered.

    This brings me to the deeper connection with nature I hope you can get through my photographs. The intent is to bring the focus towards nature more and less the human connection with it. We look at places humans have had a big impact on or have previously connected with by putting viewpoints and it becomes different. It is too familiar and even though the view may be natural there is a tameness to it all. When we look at a place that is unfamiliar and untamed we can get back to that more raw mood I am looking for the viewer to feel.

    It is your choice of what you want to do in photography. What you want to shoot is up to you! I told you what I do and the reasoning behind it today. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you know your Why behind it too.