What Does the word actually mean?

In photography, landscapes refer to images that capture the beauty of natural or urban environments. This genre focuses on wide, scenic views such as mountains, forests, coastlines, or city skylines. Landscape photography often aims to convey a sense of place, mood, or atmosphere, using elements like light, weather, and composition to create impactful visuals. Photographers typically use wide-angle lenses and techniques that keep the entire scene in sharp focus, highlighting the depth and scale of the surroundings.

When did it start to become popular?

Landscape photography began gaining popularity in the mid-19th century, around the 1850s to 1860s, with the development of early photographic processes like the daguerreotype and wet plate collodion. It became especially prominent during the exploration of the American West, when photographers like Carleton Watkins and Ansel Adams later helped establish landscape photography as both an art form and a tool for conservation. By the early 20th century, it had grown into a respected genre, admired for its ability to capture the grandeur and emotion of the natural world.

What prompted the rise of Landscape Art during the late 18th / 19th century?​

The rise of Landscape Art in the late 18th and 19th centuries was driven by a mix of cultural and societal shifts. During the Enlightenment, there was a growing fascination with nature, influenced by thinkers like Rousseau who saw it as pure and unspoiled. This paved the way for Romanticism, which embraced emotion and the sublime in nature, with artists like J.M.W. Turner and Caspar David Friedrich creating dramatic, awe-inspiring landscapes. At the same time, the Industrial Revolution caused rapid urbanization, and the countryside became idealized as a symbol of a simpler, more natural life, prompting artists to capture rural landscapes as a contrast to industrialization.

John Constable

John Constable (1776–1837) was an English landscape painter renowned for his depictions of the English countryside, particularly the area around his home in Suffolk, which became known as “Constable Country.” While he is primarily celebrated as a painter, there is no historical record of him working as a photographer, as photography had not yet been invented during his lifetime.

Constable was good of capturing natural light, atmosphere, and movement in his paintings, often working air to study the effects of changing weather and seasons. His most famous works include The Hay Wain (1821), Dedham Vale (1802), and Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows (1831). His technique of using loose, expressive brushstrokes and his dedication to painting nature as he saw it were highly influential, especially on the later Impressionists.

Although he struggled to achieve commercial success during his lifetime, Constable’s work gained recognition in France, where his naturalistic approach inspired the Barbizon School and later artists such as Claude Monet. Today, he is considered one of Britain’s greatest landscape painters, whose art continues to captivate audiences with its deep appreciation for nature and rural life.

Alexander Mourant, born in Jersey, Channel Islands, in 1994, is a London-based artist, educator, and writer renowned for his innovative exploration of photography. He earned a BA (Hons) in Photography from Falmouth University in 2017 and completed an MA in Photography at the Royal College of Art in 2020.

Mourant’s artistic practice delves into the relationship between the body and the photographic medium, intertwining autobiography, literature, and reference-based thinking. He employs methodologies inspired by the 1960s-70s Land Art movement, Performance, and Arte Povera to challenge and expand the boundaries of photography.

His work has been showcased in numerous solo and group exhibitions. Notable solo exhibitions include “Aomori” at The Old Truman Brewery in London (2018) and at Unseen Amsterdam (2018). Recent group exhibitions feature “To Walk in the Image” at Lismore Castle Arts, Ireland (2023), “At the Farthest Edge: Rebuilding Photography” at NŌUA, Norway (2023), and “A Sudden Vanishing” at Seen Fifteen Gallery, London (2023). ​

In addition to his exhibitions, Mourant published his debut monograph, “The Night and the First Sculpture,” in 2024. His work has been featured in various publications, including the British Journal of Photography, AINT-BAD, The Plantation Journal, Pylot Magazine, and TRIP Magazine

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Mourant serves as a Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Photography program at Kingston School of Art, Kingston University London. His contributions to the field have been recognized with grants from Arts Council Norway, Arts Council England, and ArtHouse Jersey. ​

Mourant’s work continues to push the boundaries of photographic art, inviting audiences to reconsider the medium’s potential and its intersection with personal and collective narratives.​

What Is Panoramic Images?

An image showing a field of view approximating, or greater than, that of the human eye – about 160° by 75° – may be termed panoramic. This generally means it has an aspect ratio of 2:1 or larger, the image being at least twice as wide as it is high. The resulting images take the form of a wide strip.

Joiner Photos

Joiner photography is a fairly new technique of photography. A joiner, designed by Hockney is when the artist assembles an image from several overlapping photographs. David Hockney is the most notable artist that uses this technique, hence the common referral of joiners as “Hockney’s”

David Hockney

Who was he?

David Hockney is a contemporary English photographer and painter best known for his Lovely panoramic Hockney is well known for his collage-style photographs and his realist painting style. Additionally, his work was very important to the pop art movement.

David Hockney was initially hesitant about the limitations of photography, expressing reservations about its static and singular perspective. However, his appreciation for the medium dramatically blossomed after curator Alain Sayag convinced him to present his work in Paris.

Some of his work

All of his collage work is made by hundreds of individual pictures that by themselves hold very little meaning but put together can create a community of pictures that represent a larger image

Romanticism was an artistic, literary, and a smart movement that emerged in the late 18th century as a reaction against the Enlightenment’s focus on reason and logic. Instead, it emphasized emotion, individualism, and the power of nature, often portraying dramatic landscapes, heroic figures, and the sublime. Romantic artists and writers celebrated intense feelings, imagination, and the supernatural, frequently drawing inspiration from folklore, medieval history, and myths.

What is the Sublime?

The sublime is a concept in art, literature, and philosophy that refers to an overwhelming sense of awe, beauty, and even terror, often inspired by nature or grand, powerful experiences. It is something vast, intense, or beyond human comprehension, evoking deep emotions that can be both thrilling and unsettling.

Philosophers like Edmund Burke and Immanuel Kant explored the idea of the sublime, distinguishing it from mere beauty. Burke, for example, described it as something that inspires both admiration and fear—like towering mountains, violent storms, or the infinite night sky. In Romanticism, the sublime was a key theme, seen in the dramatic landscapes of Caspar David Friedrich, the wild seascapes of J.M.W. Turner, and the poetry of Percy Bysshe Shelley and William Wordsworth, who often depicted nature’s power and mystery.

How did the industrial revolution have an impact on Romanticism?

The Industrial Revolution had a profound impact on Romanticism, shaping its themes and attitudes as a reaction against rapid industrialization, urbanization, and mechanization. As factories spread, cities grew, and nature was increasingly altered by human hands, many Romantic artists, writers, and thinkers saw industrial progress as a threat to individuality, nature, and traditional ways of life.

One major effect was the Romantic idealization of nature. As landscapes were transformed by factories, pollution, and deforestation, Romantics like William Wordsworth and J.M.W. Turner celebrated the untouched beauty of nature, emphasizing its power and emotional depth. They viewed the natural world as a source of spiritual renewal, in contrast to the grime and chaos of industrial cities.

The movement also championed emotion, imagination, and the individual in response to the Industrial Revolution’s emphasis on reason, efficiency, and mass production. Many Romantics saw industrialization as dehumanizing, reducing people to mere workers in a mechanical system. This led to an admiration of solitary, rebellious figures—like the Byronic hero—and a nostalgia for the past, particularly medieval times, when life was seen as more organic and connected to nature.

Key definitions:

Exposure Compensation – Exposure compensation is a technique for adjusting the exposure indicated by a photographic exposure meter, in consideration of factors that may cause the indicated exposure to result in a less-than-optimal image.

What does this mean?

Exposure Bracketing – a technique where you take multiple pictures of the same image at different exposures, then layer them to create one image

What does this actually do?

Exposure bracketing works well when shooting in conditions where the camera cannot take a natural-looking photograph. For example, when a bright light – the sun – causes extreme highlights and shadows.

HDR photos – In photography and videography, multi-exposure HDR capture is a technique that creates high dynamic range images by taking and combining multiple exposures of the same subject matter at different exposures.

What does this actually mean for photography?

There are several reasons why bracketing is essential in photography: It allows you to capture every detail in a scene. It helps you avoid overexposing or underexposing your photos. It gives you more options to choose from when you’re editing.

AEB

What is it?

It is a feature which allows you to take a sequence of images at different exposure values. This is useful when it is difficult to determine the correct exposure, or when dealing with moody lighting or interiors where it is often desirable to have a range of exposures to pick from later.

Who is he?

Ansel Easton Adams was an American landscape photographer and environmentalist known for his black-and-white images of the American West. He helped found Group f/64, an association of photographers advocating “pure” photography which favoured sharp focus and the use of the full tonal range of a photograph.

His childhood

Ansel Adams was born on February 20, 1902, in San Francisco, California. As an only child, he was a shy and curious kid who didn’t quite fit into traditional schooling, so his father decided to home-school him. His love for nature started early, especially after experiencing the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which forced his family to move. At first, he was passionate about playing the piano and even considered a career in music. But in 1916, everything changed when he took a family trip to Yosemite and got his first camera—a Kodak Brownie. From that moment on, he was hooked on photography, and his fascination with the outdoors and capturing its beauty set him on the path to becoming one of the most famous landscape photographers of all time.

What inspired him

Influenced by New York photographer Alfred Steig

litz, whom Adams called “the greatest photographic leader in the world,” photographers created meticulously hand-crafted prints on soft-focus, textured papers.

Ansel Adams had a long and deep relationship with the Sierra Club, an environmental organization dedicated to the preservation of nature. His involvement began in 1927, when he first published his photographs of Yosemite in the club’s bulletin. His striking images of the American wilderness, especially Yosemite National Park, helped raise awareness about conservation.

Sierra Club

The Sierra Club, one of the most influential environmental organizations in the United States, played a pivotal role in advocating for the protection of natural landscapes. A key figure in its history was Ansel Adams, the legendary photographer whose breathtaking black-and-white images of the American wilderness brought national attention to the importance of conservation.

Adams joined the Sierra Club in 1919 at the age of 17, working as a caretaker of the LeConte Memorial Lodge in Yosemite National Park. His love for the natural world was evident, and through his photography, he began to merge art with activism. His images of the Sierra Nevada, especially Yosemite, not only captured the beauty of these landscapes but also served as powerful tools for environmental advocacy.

What else did he do

Ansel Adams wasn’t just a famous photographer — he was also an activist and teacher. He co-founded Group f/64 to push for clear, realistic photography, used his art to support national parks, and documented Japanese American internment at Manzanar during World War II in Born Free and Equal. He also helped set up photography programs and created the Zone System to better control light and contrast in photos. His work blended art, nature, and social justice in a powerful way.

Image Analysis

I will be trying to combine these two mood boards as I am inspired by the way Ralph Eugene Meatyard masks identity and Cerises Doucedes successful presentation of people in their own environment and thoughts

In my photoshoot I will try to focus on the binary opposites of masculinity and femininity and try to create a powerful narrative, by mixing clothing and accessories traditionally associated with each gender—such as pairing a tailored suit with delicate lace details or a soft dress with structured, bold accessories. Lighting can enhance the contrasts as well—using harsh lighting to accentuate strength and softer lighting to bring out vulnerability or softness. Split lighting, where one side of the subject is in shadow and the other is illuminated, can visually symbolize the opposing forces. For composition, I might place the masculine and feminine elements on opposite sides of the frame or use reflective surfaces like mirrors to show both sides of the subject’s identity. Props associated with each gender, such as boots or ties alongside flowers or jewelry, will deepen the symbolism, and playing with contrasting colours can further strengthen the mood. This approach will create a visual dialogue between masculinity and femininity, inviting the viewer to explore and interpret the boundaries between them.

Contextual:

An environmental portrait is a style of photography that captures a subject in a setting that reveals something about their personality, profession, or life. Unlike traditional studio portraits that isolate the subject, environmental portraits use the surroundings to add context and depth, making the image more storytelling and meaningful. For instance, a chef might be photographed in a busy kitchen, an artist in their studio surrounded by their tools, or a musician with their instrument in a performance space.

Mood board and definitions

This style allows the setting to complement and enhance the subject’s identity. Arnold Newman, a master of this approach, often used environments to highlight his subjects’ essence. One of his most famous works is a portrait of composer Igor Stravinsky, where the placement of a grand piano becomes an integral part of the composition, emphasizing Stravinsky’s connection to music and creativity.

Image Analysis:

Visual:

The lighting in this image appears artificial, casting strong contrasts on Krupp’s face. The shadows darken his features, making him look more sinister and intensifying his presence. This dramatic effect exaggerates the eerie atmosphere, reinforcing his infamous reputation.

The aperture seems to be set at a medium level, as the background has a slight blur while the foreground remains sharp. This keeps the focus on Krupp while still allowing the industrial setting to be recognizable.

A fast shutter speed is likely used, ensuring that the foreground is crisp and well-defined. The image has a balanced exposure, with highlights and shadows carefully controlled to enhance depth and drama.

The angle is eye level, positioning the viewer directly opposite Krupp. This perspective creates an unsettling confrontation, heightened by his piercing eye contact. His pose—leaning forward with clasped hands—evokes a sense of power, control, and even menace. This composition was intentional, as photographer Arnold Newman, a Jewish man, strongly disapproved of Krupp’s past, particularly his use of slave labour and connections to Nazi war crimes.

Krupp is the main focal point, positioned towards the lower center of the frame, and is visually framed by concrete pillars. This setting reinforces his dominance, as if he owns or controls the industrial background.

Leading lines guide the viewer’s eye toward his face. The top of the image and the receding lights in the center middle create depth while drawing focus to his portrait.

The balance in the image is striking—light at the top contrasts with the darkness below, creating a visual harmony while reinforcing the sinister mood. The strong contrast between highlights and shadows exaggerates his intimidating presence, making the atmosphere even more oppressive.

Contextual:

Arnold Newman was a photographer known for changing the way portraits tell a story. Instead of taking traditional headshots, he put people in settings that revealed something essential about their work or personality. He believed that where you see a person can be as telling as their expression or pose. This approach is called environmental portraiture, and it’s something he became famous for.

One of his best-known photos is of the composer Igor Stravinsky, who he positioned next to a grand piano, making it almost as much a part of the photo as Stravinsky himself. This creative choice highlighted Stravinsky’s life in music without needing words, and it became an iconic example of how to use an environment to enhance a portrait.

Newman’s work stands out because of his dramatic compositions and his use of natural or available light, which gave his photos an honest, timeless quality. He carefully considered each element in the frame, often using strong shapes and lines to make his portraits feel like more than just pictures. they felt like small stories. His subjects were often artists, musicians, writers, and political figures, including famous people like Pablo Picasso, John F. Kennedy, and Salvador Dalí.

Photoshoot

My final images

What is Studio Lighting?

Studio lighting in photography refers to the use of artificial lighting setups within a controlled indoor environment to create high-quality and consistent images. It allows photographers to manipulate light and shadow to highlight their subject effectively and achieve a specific mood or style. A typical studio lighting setup includes a key light, the main light source that illuminates the subject, and a fill light to reduce harsh shadows. Backlights or rim lights can be added to separate the subject from the background and create depth.

How come we use studio lighting?

Studio lighting is used in photography to give precise control over the light in a scene. Unlike natural light, which can be inconsistent and unpredictable, studio lighting ensures reliable and steady lighting, making it ideal for professional-quality images. It allows us to shape and direct the light to achieve specific visual effects, such as softening shadows, emphasizing textures, or creating dramatic highlights. By using tools like reflectors, and diffusers, photographers can manipulate the light to suit their creative vision. Additionally, it offers complete control over background lighting, helping to create depth or separation between the subject and the backdrop. Overall, studio lighting provides the consistency, flexibility, and control needed to achieve polished and professional results, regardless of external conditions.

This is a set up of the lighting used in a studio. As you can see there are multiple different lights facing in different directions

What is the difference between 1 2 and 3 point lighting and what does each technique provide/solve?

1-Point, 2-Point, and 3-Point Lighting are essential lighting setups used in photography and filmmaking, each offering different effects and solutions.

1-Point Lighting uses a single light source, typically placed in front or to the side of the subject. This setup creates high contrast with deep shadows, giving a dramatic, moody look. It’s simple to set up and effective for portraits, but can result in flatness without fill light.

2-Point Lighting adds a second light, usually a backlight or rim light, placed behind the subject. This creates separation from the background and adds depth by outlining the subject. It’s great for dramatic effects, mystery, and defining edges but still relies on the main key light for illumination.

3-Point Lighting is the most common and balanced setup, consisting of a key light, fill light, and backlight. The key light provides the main illumination, the fill light softens shadows, and the backlight adds depth, helping the subject stand out from the background. This setup is versatile and used for flattering, natural looks in interviews, portraits, and narrative scenes.

Each technique addresses specific needs like mood, clarity, or depth, helping to shape the subject and the overall visual effect.

Rembrandt Lighting

What is Rembrandt lighting?

Rembrandt lighting is a dramatic and classic photography technique named after the Dutch painter Rembrandt, known for his use of light and shadow. It is characterized by a small, triangular patch of light on the shadowed cheek, achieved by positioning the light at a 45-degree angle to the subject and slightly above their eye level. This technique creates a striking contrast between light and shadow, adding depth and dimension to portraits. Typically, it involves a single light source, though subtle fill light can soften shadows if desired. Rembrandt lighting is widely used to create mood and emphasize facial features in portrait photography.

This is my most successful image that represents Rembrandt lighting, it does this as we can see a upside down triangle placed just below the models eye on the left of the picture

After developing this picture in photoshop this is my final image

Before :

After:

Butterfly lighting

How can butterfly lighting be described?

Butterfly lighting is a popular portrait photography technique named for the butterfly-shaped shadow it creates under the model’s nose. Achieved by positioning the light source directly in front of the subject, slightly above eye level and angled downward, it provides a soft, even illumination that highlights cheekbones and smooths facial features. This symmetrical lighting is especially flattering for beauty and glamour photography, creating a polished and professional look. We placed a reflector under the model’s face which eliminates the shadows under the model’s chin

In Lightroom I have developed this as it has enhanced the models skin making his skin smoother, this adds to the picture as the shadows darken under his nose.

This is a comparison of the picture before and after I imported it into Lightroom and edited it.

I personally prefer the black and white one as it puts emphasises on the shadows on his face.

Fill lighting

Why do we use it?

Fill lighting reduces shadows created by the primary light, also known as the key light. Its primary purpose is to soften harsh contrasts and ensure that details in shadowed areas are visible, creating a more balanced and visually appealing image. By lightening the darker parts of a scene without overpowering the key light, fill lighting helps to enhance details that might otherwise be lost in shadows. It also plays a significant role in setting the mood of a photograph. For instance, a subtle fill light can maintain a dramatic look with deeper shadows, while stronger fill lighting can create a more evenly lit and neutral appearance.

An example:

My Example:

To improve my image I should of put the light closer on the right hand side to eliminate slight shade.

Chiaroscuro

Chiaroscuro lighting is a way of using strong contrasts between light and shadow to create a bold, dramatic look. It helps add depth, dimension, and mood to an image or scene. The term comes from Italian, meaning “bright-dark,” and was made popular by artists like Caravaggio and Rembrandt during the Renaissance. It’s still a go-to technique in photography, film, and art for drawing attention to specific details, creating a three-dimensional feel, or setting the tone of a story. It’s all about using light and dark in creative ways to make visuals more striking.

My Final Edited Pictures From this topic