Doug & Laura Bennett
Track: Specialty and Technique

Why you should take this class:

• You will learn how to take and process images of high technical quality
• You’ll learn techniques for making artistic and expressive images that will artistically stand the test of time whether landscape or any other photographic imagery.
• Learn the psychological factors behind appealing landscape images and how to sell your art.

 

Great landscape photography is about making images that connect with viewers, making them feel something about the subject. If you are seeking knowledge and skill to improve the impact and artistic appeal of your landscape photography, then this class is just what you are looking for.

The Bennett’s will first share elements of photographic craft and technique essential to landscape photography and to making high quality large landscape prints for high-end sales and for PPA Competition entries. In sharing these techniques, students will learn the underlying “whys”. Students will get practice with instructor assistance to develop the mental and muscle memory in applying these techniques in an outdoor shooting exercise.

Beyond craft and technique, it is most important to communicate emotions and bring artistic vision and quality to your imagery. As in all visual and musical arts, composition is the key. This class will take you far beyond the very limited value of “the rule of thirds” to your compositions.

First, the Bennett’s will delve into “Dynamic Symmetry” teaching its design concepts and how these concepts promote communication of mood and create an artistic feel in your imagery. As it has for Doug & Laura, this knowledge can totally transform your approach to landscape composition and vastly improve your enjoyment in photographing the landscape.

There will be a shooting outing to develop your ability to see and apply these compositional techniques followed by in-class reviews of your images. Just as the Bennett’s do, once you learn these techniques, you’ll no longer be using the “rule of thirds” as your principal approach to composition. And be aware that Dynamic Symmetry has total applicability to all genres of photography to include portraiture.

Complimenting this advanced compositional approach, the Bennett’s will share techniques for communicating “visual depth” in your landscape images thereby overcoming the limitations of prints only having two dimensions, width and height. The visual perception of depth is accomplished by incorporating various visual transitions in your images to include “progression of blacks” and the “hierarchy of light”.

The class will learn how these visual transitions can be captured at the time the image is taken as well as incorporated during post-processing. Laura will also share the unconscious psychological factors landscape photographers need to be aware that make for appealing landscape photography.

Towards the end of the class, Doug and Laura will share their observations on the suitability of these compositional insights relative to MIR and IPC print reviews/competitions and contrast these observations with other high level international landscape competitions. What works for one competition doesn’t necessarily mean success in other competitions. Knowing the differences here will enhance your potential for success in both competitions and in the MIR.

Student Photographic Equipment for this Class:

Camera – Lenses: 24-70mm or 24-120mm is ideal, ultrawide such as a 12-24mm will be useful as well. No need for focal lengths beyond 120mm – No need to pack a tripod in your luggage.

Meet the Instructors:

Doug & Laura Bennett
Colorado Springs, CO
[email protected]
BennettPhotography.net

Doug Bennett, M.Photog, CR, F-ASP.  Three-time Imaging Excellence Award, six-time Diamond Photographer of the Year, Platinum Photographer of the Year, and a Gold Photographer of the Year.  A two-time Grand Imaging Award Finalist finishing 1st in 2017 and 2nd in 2015 in the Landscape/Nature Category.

Laura Bennett, M.Photog, CR, F-ASP.  Imaging Excellence Award in 2018 and a three-time Diamond Photographer of the Year, two-time Platinum Photographer of the Year, and Gold Photographer of the Year.  Laura is a four-time Grand Imaging Award Finalist winning 1stPlace in Illustrative Category in 2013 and was the 2023 World Photographic Cup Gold Medal winner in the Landscape category.