Great video, Mads! Even though I do prefer to be a “lone wolf” as you put it, and try for original compositions, I can think of 2 other reasons for photographing famous locations. 1) If you are spending a lot of money to go to a faraway place, it’s a good idea to include some “safe” photos where you know you can get something good. This way you won’t come away empty-handed, because trying to be original carries a greater risk of failure. I like to do these shots at the beginning of a trip, so that once I have captured them, the pressure is off, I know I have something good, and I can spend the rest of my time being creative without any fear of leaving with nothing. 2) These shots build confidence that you too can do it. This is especially useful if you hit a dry patch where you aren’t happy with any of your recent photos, and capturing a famous location can give you a much needed boost.
I absolutely agree. I was littery thinking about this this morning. Why do I take a 'safe shot' when arriving at specific location? Well for the exact reasons mentioned above. It builds confidence and gives you the flexibility to go creative. And when you go creative you can succeed or/and you can fail. If you succeed you win, if you fail you learn. and those are the times you learn and can challenge yourself. And when you're being challenged and you have a good outcome it gives fulfilment. This is a method that works for me personally. So a 'safe shot' is not something I do for the 'Gram' but it is something for me that helps me in my photography.
For me, photographing "well shot" locations is not about copying someone else more using other peoples shots (like yours Mads) to inspire my own photography. There are infinitely better shots done by immensely better photographers than make of most of the shots on my wall but all the shots on my wall are taken by me which is what matters to me. So I say don't be afraid of the well photographed location embrace it and try to get a shot of your own that you are proud to hang on your wall. BTW, another inspiring video Mads, keep them coming.
fantastic, in awe yet again Mads, my particular favourite was the image taken from below the bridge, the light around the peak was truly amazing, very much looking forward to the next video :-)
Another cracking video. Always agree new compositions and locations are ideal, however these places are worth visiting for a reason as well. My local beauty is Glencoe and I can't get enough of it, happy to try others but equally happy to go back time and time again.
Long comment alert* Pictures and videos like these had Hamnoy & Reine on my bucket list for years as an aspiring landscape photographer. 🤩 I had my first visit a few days ago (Summer 2022) and gotta say, this visit has forever taught me to research ahead of time where the sun will be when planning any visit photography wise. The fishing villages with the mountainous backgrounds make this area one of a kind no doubt, but it wasn't until I went out around 11pm(sunset) that I realized what makes those breathtaking photos of this area so eye-catching. The lighting placement and snow on the ground. While the midnight sun does provide an advantage to prolonged golden hours, I completely overlooked these two crucial factors. That said, I'm sure the south facing view from Reinebringen during this time is still majestic, however, I frustratingly can't speak from experience. I'm an avid hiker but I caught COVID literally the day before my arrival to this area and it completely crushed me physically and emotionally once I realized I had no chance in making the climb. Just a heads up for anyone looking to visit during the summer solstice and thinks COVID no longer exists in Norway. 😷
Hello Mads Peter I watched with awe and wow your epic locations in Iceland and now I landed in Lofoton Islands in your journey.you inspire us to go to the next level wherever you begin.if you are nature lover you want more.If you are a beginner photographer you want more. If you are an advanced photographer you want more.if you are an artist you want more.we always come asking for more. Never to be satisfied with what we received before. As regards light I should say the Light on Iceland and Lofoton and on Isle of skye are the most devine lights I have ever seen.please do shoot in Scotland including the Isle of skye. Best wishes for your great journey. There is always another peak to climb for a mountaineer.your mother and father would be proud of you.
I think it dosent matter how many times place has been photographed it will always be unique to you as youv've captured a moment in time that will never be repeated. Think you prove that perfectly each week Mads, as again these images were breathtaking. The last one was magnificent as the detail of the dark rocks in the foreground were balanced beautifully with the cloud rainbow above the mountain. Truly superb yet again
I think one of the benefits as a photographer taking photos in a well known area is that it challenges you to find that composition that others have missed. And when you do it’s a great reward.
I photograph these locations mostly for myself - for the experience of beeing there! There is a good reason why those locations are so well photographed, and the photos make great memories of that visit. Your camera will take you places 🙂
Waouhh (ok it's french for wowww...), we are going to Faroe next month and your videos are very interesting for us to prepare this trip. Now I'm watching this video about Lofoten and Norway which are definitely a next destination for us in 2/3 years. Very beautiful pictures....
Great video as usual Mads. You had some great light indeed. I have been a few times in that spot and never had so good conditions. However I know that on that bridge you can sometimes see more than 40 (!) photographers in the same time. The ofoten are a true photographic paradise but so little of photographers really try to explore it more. You can on and on and on and on see the same pictures from the same few spots. Even if I love the place I am getting partially tired of seeing them again and again unless the light conditions are spectacular... You had some great light so it was a pleasure to look at the images. It is great that you decided to go under the bridge as the composition is really nice :) waiting for the next episode now :)
If the journey is as important as any images captured then I say go to the iconic, often photographed locations. Your images are the first I've seen and they are truly amazing! As an aside, I love the music bed.
Another super video, Mads, and your long exposure image taken in the blue hour (09:34) is spectacular. So much looking forward to your next episode from Norway.
I had to come and watch this video again. This is by far my favorite mpi video (watched under a different account). The final sequence with the image and music selection is absolllutly majestic! Thank you once again, Mads
Awh Well. Thats another place on the Bucket list! Fantastic video Mads!! Really liked the first photo with the contrast between the street lights and houses against the Blue of the sky and the towering Mountain in the background.
Wow! 4 hours of golden hour! Last shot was amazing. Well photographed locations are good for beginner's to improve their skills using well known images as guide.
Wow, Mads, another great video! That last shot was insane. Another reason I think to go to iconic locations, is to experience them deeply and understand WHY they've become so iconic. What is it about the location that draws people there? Learning exactly what those reasons are can then be applied to future locations that you're scouting out, and don't yet know about. Thanks for sharing!
Your enthusiasm is amazing. And your photography is spectacular. Great video Mads, as always, full of good information and creative insight. I always enjoy getting out into the Landscape just to take in the sheer beauty of our world and to then try to convey that feeling I had into my images .
Fantastisk Mads, deilig å se video/bilde fra hjemlandet=) The obvious reasons to shoot famous for me would be; 1. They are usually amazing locations and can offer you amazing images. 2. To have it in my "collection" as I think photography is in a way collecting and saving memories in a sense, and you should never feel discouraged by the fact that "everyone" has shot that location, there is a reason why they have=)
Incredible Mads, this place is on my hitlist. Perfect timing! Thank you for another epic video and I cannot wait to watch the rest of the series, take notes and then get it booked!
Beautiful Mads. I myself will capture my images and I do not care if they have been done to death by other photographers. At least I have my own images of God's wonderful earth. I feel a visit to this area coming on.
Great video, Mads! Why would I photograph these iconic locations? It's simple for me. On my walls, hang my images! I'm guessing any non-photography person has never seen any of those iconic images we photographers talk about.
Another reason for me to shoot a location already framed multiple times is, just like in any post processing tutorial your Guru give you the RAW files to play with now it's one step ahead you also get the location to play with. It's a good learning process for me. And you can always thank mother nature, if she throws in a few unique conditions like a rainbow or a shooting star. I am sure that will be a pleasant surprise.
Totally agree with your sentiments Mads. There's something very special about being there and experiencing a place. Also, as photographers I think we'd all rather put OUR image on the wall instead of SOMEONE ELSE'S image! great video, as usual Mads :)
Great video Mads. Could really see you are enjoying Yourself in beautiful Lofoten. I think i really wont get tired of Lofoten or the rest of the North. The only reason i photograph is to ground my self and reenergize again. And if someone like my shots well...thats a bonus :-) looking forward to the rest of the series. Stay safe :-)
While many may photograph a particular location, the story being told is never the exact same. Patience & persistence can lead to your ability to tell a new story in a familiar location! That also remains true for revisiting locations you have previously photographed. Photography is art, but it also, to me, more about telling the viewer a story.
Breathtaking video and location Mads. The pictures are more than beautiful, they're stunning. Like yourself i'm also taking these "more than once taken pictures" because there's no reason for not taking them. Trying to get the shot which so many others has taken gives me the chance to evaluate me against these other photographers. Try to get the shot with other weather conditions is often a challenge. After the iconic shots has taken i've got breathing space and stressles moments for making other compositions and try-outs.
Great Video again Mads, Ive just discovered your channel and I think its one of the best out there, cant believe you only have 12k subscribers, your enthusiasm and knowledge is top class, Now I want to go to Norway!!!! hopefully the coffee isn't too expensive haha!
Thank you so much, Michael! :) Yeah, well I don't pay for features and I try to grow the channel as organically as possible. Apparently, that takes time :)
Dam! That last image, fantastic photography! Thumbs up & I can't wait until the next video!! - with regards to photographing known locations, why not? Saves a ton of looking around with an area you're not familiar with. I just returned from Konigssee and Hintersee, had I not done some research I would have come back with nothing...
Thank you for opening another great series on photography. For me, someone very new to photography, these iconic locations are a great learning opportunity. Because they have been shot to death in all weather conditions you can try to replicate the shots and by doing so learn master scouting skills, composition, working with current weather... Rinse and repeat :)
First of all, thank you for the insightful travel tips! I have typically shied away from photographing famous places or at least avoid the compositions that are often the 'default'. However, I do see the value in stepping into the shoes of another photographer to learn by trying to replicate the look. I wouldn't display the image as a representation of my own voice, but the exercise is educational. I have seen that very composition of Hamnøy so many times on IG. The first time I was blown away. The 20th time, I found myself wondering if this was the same photo being passed around. I will go there at some point. I will point my lens at that lovely scene and I am not sure if I will publish it.
Great images. My personal view is why should you not visit somewhere just because many others have! You’re right about outside the landscape photo community. I have just spent a few days in Keswick, The Lake District in the UK. It’s one of the most photographed places in the world but I still got great reactions to my images and had a wonderful time creating them.
Just been to the biggest photography show in the UK this weekend. I saw a similar composition to what you shot as a finalist in three separate photo awards and on the front page of a brochure - people clearly want to still see great images regardless of the number of times they have been shot before!
Mads that light is "absolutlllllyyyyyyy" amazing, it makes it look like you have put a yellow filter in front of the lens! Keep up the good work, love your videos!
Great video as always and stunning photo's, Norway is very high on my list just as you explained due to how much we love these shots in the photographic community
Going to an iconic place is always a new experience to me! All my shots I can remember the weather, how worn out , who I met, the food experiences. Its a whole lot more than just getting the perfect shot! I go with enthusiasm to see and grow. I love your personality because you bring so much energy and knowledge to your production!
Man, I got a feeling that I'm going to need to visit Norway soon! Totally agree with your sentiments on meeting other photographers. :-) That last image was a stonker. I will always shoot the iconic or well shot locations so I can get my own image from that location.
Well, definatley one to add to the map....hopefully making it to Faroe Islands in 2019 though... that trip was very much inspired by your fantastic series of videos from there. :-)
Yet again another great video mads. I’m only just really starting out in landscape as love photographing wildlife especially big cats, my reason for going to well known locations would be to experience the location, get my own photo plus make friends with other photographers. Can’t wait for the next episode next week.
Mads! I am a fan of your vlogs and photo's as well. Enjoyed your #stuitermoment (insane epic smile) when you where at Hamnoy in the super duper Golden Hour. Yes Scandinavia, Lofoten is on the bucketlist...... so your video helps me out. What I really like is you remark about meeting and greeting, catching up with other photographers, allthough I am not enthusiastic about busses being emptied by photoguided tours..... I've witnessed that in the Dolomites and that was just #@!&^%$ ;-) so yes saying hi and hello to others is really nice, but when it is that epic light I might be busy so respect for your stunning video capturing!!
