Some people collect baseball cards. I am collecting iconic landscape photos. I am on a quest to shoot every iconic landscape in as many national parks as I can find. Living in Utah, I have easy access to Yellowstone, Moab, Zion, Monument Valley, Horseshoe Bend, Antelope Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Mesa Verde. Great video series, Mads.
Thank you Dave and very cool idea, that's a cool way to think about it. I think I've heard the same about wildlife, why people keep photographing lions :)
It's never a waste of time to visit the most beautiful places on earth and photograph them. Yes, many of these places have been photographed over and over and are maybe hard to sell, but remember creating beautiful landscape images should be really about you, the image maker, enjoying the experience of being out in nature and enjoying this wonderful earth. The zeal for producing the best possible images, no matter what the conditions, forces me to slow down and really take in and appreciate the beauty of where I am visiting and I think that this is the most important take away. As I get older, the memories of my visits with my family and friends and maybe making a few nice images along the way is what is most important to me. Cheers, Erik
That is so true. It's a myth a photographer only sees the world through the viewfinder. We spend a lot of time waiting at the destination. We are forced to slow down and take it all in :)
Back in the early 90s I had a book on mysterious places of the world, and on the front cover was the iconic shot of Machu Picchu in Peru. I could have been happy just looking at that photo but I wanted my own experience of taking this view. So I went there, and Even though my photo looks similar, I love looking at it remembering the experience of being there. It doesn't matter if everyone has the same photo because my photo is for me, and if anyone else likes it then that is a bonus.
I feel the same David! Being there is such an amazing experience! I remember having goosebumps when I saw the tunnel view in Yosemite for the first time!
@@dandavis5611 Check out Thomas Heaton. He was there a while back and he couldn’t believe how busy it was. I think you have to get there really early to get a space. If you get good video put it on RU-vid and stick a link on here and I’ll watch it👍
Photographing tourist sites - the photo snobs may turn up their noses to places like Mesa Arch but I go to these places for the pleasures that the locations offer. The sounds and the silence; the smell of the dusty desert or the ocean; the feeling of being part of something larger than my normal world. And, the photos I take is are souvenirs of that experience and means something to me. If we followed this idea of "its been done" people wouldn't go to fine restaurants or concerts. We'd all lead very drab lives. Then again, it might mean fewer photographers at our favorite locations. Go snobs!
I have been to the Mesa Arch dozens of times. The first time I went, it was myself and three other photographers. The last time I went I got there about 4:00am to shoot the Milky Way rising over the arch, so it was safe to say that I was the first one there. Just before sunrise, 2 buses full of tourists unloaded nearly 100 people. One of those people thought that it would be perfectly OK for him to use my shoulder as a support for his arm and camera. As more and more people showed up, the idea that the first ones there established the front line, was quickly ignored as people would walk right in front of the photographers who were set up waiting for the right moment and would then stand right in front of the camera of someone who had been there for hours. I love the Mesa Arch, but I doubt that I will ever go there again.
Dead Horse Point State Park was for me, a gold mine of solitude. Late October with no crowds at 7:30 AM. My wife and I had the place to ourselves as we enjoyed the warm light of the sun as it filled the canyons. I agree with you that this park is a little out of the way, but worth the effort.
Last summer I traveled through many of the national parks that you did....Arches, Canonlands, Horseshoe Bend, Monument Valley, etc... and your videos have been a great trip down memory lane. As for the "bucket list" photos that EVERY photographer seems to need to take, I found that most we're not worth the time in high season. Mesa Arch had 20-25 photographers already set up when I arrived 1 hour before sunrise in June! I decided after that I'd try to miss most of these shots and work on original compositions. Horseshoe Bend was my lone exception...just go in the AM when it's only 30-50 photogs instead of several hundred in the evening.
I battle those thoughts myself until I found my grandparents old (80s) National Park book. Which has all the same location Tunnel View in Yosemite, Mesa Arch in Cayonlands, & Havasu Falls Grand Canyon just to name a few. Why they own this book was for traveling research. They travelled all over the US and world. They were influenced by the same photos that we all are today. The only thing is that their photos were only shared to my family and house guest because they didn't have the internet. Today we are seeing everyones story, everyones pictures. The cost of travel is affordable and easier than ever. People are doing just that. Lets just have fun, have a conversation with that neighboring photographer, and just shoot! You have one chance.
Bingo Kyle! And not to forget, we as photographers (especially landscape photographers) follow so many other landscape photographers. Our social circles probably don't. Heck my little brother doesn't even know what "Kirkjufell" is ;). And you're right about talking with other photographers, it's actually really cozy, most people are so happy and nice :)
One thing to find to enjoy in very tourist and photogenic locations is the crowd you spend the moment with. For example arrive to Yosemite Tunnel View at 5am for a sunrise photo and you'll see few other photography freaks, couple crazy hikers preparing for Half Dome summit and other dedicated travelers. It's a chance to exchange experiences, learn something from each other a possibly find new friends. At 5am all regular tourist are still asleep. Some locations have hidden vista points that require extensive research to find them. For mentioned Tunnel View, take a trail from the parking lot up the hill, in about half an hour take left fork into old road and shortly you'll arrive into clearing with pretty much save view as from the parking lot and not a single soul. I doubt it's possible with Mesa Arch though. Best way to find such places is to reach to local photographers/photography clubs and hikers/climbers/backpackers. Not only I've found less crowded vista points for popular locations this way, but also often ended up in places that are not mentioned in travel guides and made new friends. Enjoy you travels, Mads, and thank you for yet another beautiful, informative video.
Fantastically Beautiful Mads. Your work is spectacular. I have a story such as David's. When I was a boy of about 14 years old. On the cover on a Rand McNally road atlas was a picture of the Iconic Road into Monument Valley, now better know as where Forrest Gump stopped his run. My mother and I used to look at the road trail off into the distance on the cover and wonder and speculate for hours where it lead to. She always had a want to see the world but never had the chance to do so. So, we would look at maps and try to imagine what places were like. Now that I myself am a landscape photographer I have been to that road on many occasions and photographed it until my SD card was full. My walls have multiple photographs of it and Monument Valley. I only wish my mother would have lived long enough for me to take her with me. I know she was there in spirit.
Oh wow Mike! That's an absolutely beautiful and sad story! It brought tears to my eyes. I bet she would have been amazed! I went there twice and it's just such a special and iconic location! You already watched my Monument Valley video right?
Hi Mads, yes of course I did. Monument Valley is such a spiritual place. Any time I want to get out on a photography trip I always think about going back to that region. As a matter of fact, I would have to say that 75% of my photography, in some way or another is the South West US. Moab, Canyonlands, Dead Horse Point, Monument Valley, Page AZ. they just seem to call to me. The hotel that is there, The View, I stayed at one time. I made the mistake of booking for the week before Thanks Giving. Snowed all the way from Denver CO to Monument Valley, when I got to my room, opened the blinds, FOG!!! Could not see anything all day and all night. It was like a white wall of despair!! LOL. Your Videos and work truly inspire me and, I will take the liberty of saying that it inspires everyone who sees it. Do not stop doing this. You have a gift.
Once again another great video, thank you so much for taking the time for putting them together. To answer your question, I guess it depends on the reason you take photos...personally I take images to document all the amazing locations and experiences I've been lucky enough to witness. With the ease in which technology and travel is to everyone it is inevitable that these amazing locations which we see on social media are going to get busier. Do I wish I could have all these places to myself...yes but it's not being realistic. I have heard of some crazy stories about Mesa Arch and what goes on there, and seen a million shots of the place but I'd still like to see it with my own eyes and have my own shot of it.
Thanks Mads for your tips, I recently discovered this older video of yours. I plan to be visiting much of the locations you have indicated, in just a few weeks. There’s nothing touristy about visiting some of the most iconic landscapes that we have in the United States located in southeast Utah.
Mass, in my prior comment I forgot to say how much I appreciated these videos. You really helped decide what to see. While I don’t like having a lot of people around these spots are worth photographing whenever you can get there, sometimes it isn’t about selling prints it’s about the experience!
I have been fortunate enough to have visited Mesa Arch on three different occasions, the first to with just a compact camera. Once I made the decision to start shooting full frame this spot became a “must” destination. Even though it was crowded i managed to capture an image that I am very pleased with, and a few others that are unique and have been well received. We need to respect the spaces and understand that we each have our own perspectives and ultimately it isn’t the image but the experience that matters. And maybe, just maybe we’re lucky enough to capture an image that reflects that experience.
shoot it as many times as you want. It never gets old. some folks just suck ass and can't shoot let alone fine turn the camera on. one word just haters. Love your video man!, i learn a lot from you.
Mads, in addition to my previous post, keep on doing what you are doing and following your passion to the most beautiful places on the planet! You are seeing the greatest places on earth and that's what is most important to you. You have the best of both worlds as a photographer which is experiencing the most wonderful places on the planet and offering your your unique photographic perspective through your stills and drone images. You are truly sharing beauty which is such a gift to all of us that view your work and we are so much richer in sharing this with you! Again, Cheers from Austin, Erik
Another great video Mads! I love Dead Horse Point, but only had one opportunity to shoot it during my most recent visit and the light was...well..lousy. I've also noticed the potash ponds on Google Maps, but didn't think to go there. Nice catch! As for Mesa Arch, I have sort of a love/hate relationship with it. It's so iconic, it's hard to not shoot it. But it can be so crowded. I've shot it once, about 18 months ago. Got there late, but was able to squeeze in on the far left and still get a sunstar under the arch. I like the image I came away with. But I'm not really interested in doing it again. Been there, done that. Thanks again for your great videos!
As always, great video and amazing photos. I don't care if a billion people have shot a location, "I" haven't shot it so I will if I get the chance. Can you imagine not eating a pie because a million people have eaten the same pie? I suppose what it is you want out of a photograph. I take photos my own personal enjoyment (bonus if others like them too), because I love photographing beautiful places whether or not they are popular. If photos make me a dollar or two, great; if not, that's fine too.
Yeah, I agree - maybe one won't make a better photo than what has already been taken and you won't make a dollar and heck maybe you do make a photo which is better than all the rest, but IKEA only license shit photos from stock sites. Photography and the joy and art of it is one thing... and business is another :)
First and foremost nothing beats being there and seeing it for yourself - otherwise all one would need to do is buy a postcard or two! This is proven by the huge numbers that visit these locations yearly. Also I doubt few others would come away with such fabulous images from their visit as you did Mads - this is true artistry captured at work - fab video and information again - thanks so much - I'm not the only one that loves your videos - I see more and more videos appearing on RU-vid that are attempting to copy your presentation style - keep applying the pressure - they are still a long way back ;)
Thanks a lot Peter! Yeah maybe I should start selling postcards ;) Really? I know about one channel I follow myself which is pretty good "Sun Gallery Photography" , who else is? :)
Mads, relative to your, "How do you feel about it" question, I am going to place my comment here. The reason being is that Peter's point is the strongest reason for anyone to visit any place; personal experience! As humans, there are a great many things that can touch our senses and move us to experience profound emotion. Nature, art, food, sex... In our desire to indulge in personal experience, we MUST consider our effect on both the thing we wish to enjoy, and the billions of others who also wish to have this "personal" experience. If we don't give heed to discipline, that thing will be destroyed beyond enjoyment. The more we share the experience, the less beautiful a thing becomes. Both figuratively and literally.
It’s always worth it. These locations will only get more congested, so it’s more about the experience of being there, seeing it for yourself, and the challenge of taking a unique photograph and dodging the tourists as much as possible 😆 However, I can recall a few popular locations I feel I wasted my time going to because they weren’t that unique to begin with, depending on the season and time of day-I just didn’t do enough research or planning. A truly unique location is when even the most common photo of the location, even on an iPhone, still inspires you to want to go there to photograph it yourself. It’s a very personal choice.
Subjects and areas being a waste of time is all relative. If I want an iconic shot in my portfolio, I'm going to shoot it. Tourists are a pain, but that comes with the territory. Keep up the great work!
How do I feel about photographing a "overshot" location such as Mesa Arch? First off, to be at any spectacular location can give a person such an unexplainable sense of place that you simply have to go there. Others can explain this sensation better than me. Secondly, I go to National Parks to get away from the crowds of the metropolitan area. There is a problem when you go to a popular location only to get engulfed in the masses you're trying to avoid. This is a problem at the popular place, but usually you don't have to walk too far to find a more tranquil location. Third, and getting to the photography question, my answer is, "yes, but it is MY picture." Some of Mads' pictures blew me away. I doubt I will have be able to dedicate the time to a location to capture as many images. This will not stop me from stopping, putting up the tripod, and capturing the best the location has to offer me. (I wrote this before reading others' comments. So any similarity will only prove a point) ... I will be back there later this year after already being there twice. What does that have to say? ;-)
Hi Mads I have found your tutorials very informative. I am going to Utah this year and hoping to visit as many National Parks as I can to photograph. I really have enjoyed watching your tutorials. Love the way you let us view the parking areas and paths to take. Thank you very much. Janette
i like your videos and wandering of nature.Recently I was interested bicycletrip from Slovak to budapest and I must say it is really a beautiful city.I hope that sometimes America will be going
Beautiful videos Mads. I've been watching loads and loads of videos on the parks and sights of southern Utah for an upcoming trip. I've been debating whether I want to waste my time dealing with loads of tourists in front of Mesa Arch. It will be early spring and during the week, but I think there will still be a lot of people there waiting. And honestly, I think there might be other areas to photograph that are just as epic. I guess I'll find out. Thanks for the beautiful photography! Love it
More great images Mads, well done. When I travelled to Canada I had the same issues at Moraine Lake, Lake Louise and Niagara Falls. I would always get there early to set up my composition but inevitably some goose with a camera would come along and stand in front or just beside me. I think that they must have thought ,that because I had a tripod setup with massive filters attached to my lens they could just get the same shot as a professional photographer. Most of them did not speak english and didn't care who they blocked or annoyed. It get's frustrating, but by standing my ground and giving them a shove out of the way, they got the message. It is why I try hard to photograph those iconic locations from a different perspective, if it is at all possible.
That sounds terrible... I think it's ok to ask people to be a bit careful if they're walking in front of a camera. Most do understand the universal rule that you don't walk in front of someone else taking a picture :)
For me it's about being there,and capturing the image for myself, after all no 2 images are identical. I take images for me not for professional reasons, so what if other people have a similar image, they don't have MY image and my memory of it. Great images Mads I love the pano!!
Just came back from Moab area. Got some amazing images. Usually mange to get some tourist free images in each location. Corona arch is amazing. For old people the hike maybe difficult. I made even with a heart condition. But it was strenuous. About night photography at Delicate arch: you walked up at night? I would have tried had I had more than one clear night. Did manage to get an amazing meteorite shoot from the Panorama parking lot. You drove by some amazing pictoglyphs that are up-to 10,000 years old. Really worth stopping to see. Keep on!
Consolation for one clear night? It was rainy season and the desert bloomed! Oh, btw, in the south west of Canyon lans is Goblin Valley if it was the first designated dark sky park it close to #1!
Another great video Mads. You bring up a good point about crowding. I don't like crowds and prefer less well known places. For example, I spent some time in Angkor Wat last Winter and the crowds were a nightmare. Not only for Photography, but also for enjoyment of the area. Therefore, I tend to find less well known places which are equally spectacular but with the advantage of some privacy. Its tough these days to find such places, but they still exist. For example Burma is amazing with few tourists - nice. You might have to endure high or low temperatures, but I think its worth to avoid the crowds.
Beautiful work Mads. Love the videos. The crowds of people at these popular sites is annoying, but understandable. I would say it's OK to visit and photograph these ultra popular sites even though they have been photographed to death. After all it's about taking your own image personally that matters. I just hope that photographers will respect nature and preserve these precious landmarks. I also hope photographers will respect the rights of other non-photographers as well as other photographers. These sites are not just for photographers. Sometimes this is forgotten!
Thanks a lot :) From my experiences, it's for the most part photographers who respect these locations the most. The "normal" tourists have a sad tendency to not knowing how precious these locations are. Some people actually climbing the Arch to get their selfies. Sadly I have seen pictures from some careless photographers too, but as soon as they post their pictures they get shunned by the entire community.
Nice video! I have photographed Mesa Arch, and found it very worthwhile. My wife and I did it in October and it was busy, but we got there very early, photographers 3 and 4, and were able to get good positions, which resulted in some excellent photo's.
Touristy or not, they are beautiful, and not every day has to be behind the camera. Look over the edge from Mesa Arch and you'll see a dirt road reaching to the horizon. Get a mountain bike and ride at least part of it. The number of tourists goes to about zero after 5 feet, and you'll see the formations from a vantage point that few photographers even think of. Another approach is what you used throughout the British Isles -- go when the weather is bad -- the wet rocks have a richer color, and if the sun peeks through, they glow. The only downside is that thunderstorms at these high points are *really* dangerous.
I went to Mesa Arch on Dec 26 and there were about 20-25 photographers there. Busy and a bit stressful, not being able to get the best composition, but definitely still worth it!
great video again, I really loved the detailed abstract photos, looks so otherworldly! In my opinion, no matter how many times the same place has been clicked from the same viewpoint, if you challenge yourself you always come up with a unique perspective, which can inspire others, the way you do! Every photographer has their special style, and that's the best thing about art :) sorry for the yada yada :P
Haha no problem with the yada yada - I like it! Happy you liked the photos from the Potash ponds :) I don't think I got the optimal out of it, but definitely a cool experience :) And yes never underestimate your own style - it makes you pretty unique! :)
Your channel is different from the typical photography vlog format. I do like this style and the content. Nice to see you have included lesser known spots with the popular ones.The videos are great, what gear did you use to shoot the videos?
O.K., I'll be a bit of a naysayer if no one else will be. There are so many spectacular locations in the Western U.S. there really is no need for everyone to flock to the same vista point. Going where everyone else does just makes me feel like a cog in the wheel of the tourism industry. I leave the city and go to these wild places, and don't like the idea of being stuck in a traffic jam in Yosemite Valley or having to hunt for parking at iconic locations, or needing to book way in advance. If I do go to these places it will be off-season and hopefully at off-hours, otherwise I'll search out more personal experiences in these wild places. These iconic locations are very seductive and I've experienced many of them, but the planet might be better off if we all were a little better at discovering the beauty of our nearby worlds.
I kinda felt like that in Antelope Canyon, but I would argue there's no "tourist industry" in the national parks. Yeah the national parks need someone to take care of them and those people need a salary, but it's hard to argue the national parks is one big "evil" industry that just wants your money. I remember having goosebumps when I saw the Tunnel View, I guess it's the same feeling as seeing your favourite band or another idol for the first time. Obviously one doesn't exclude the other, you can both enjoy the iconic locations and search out more personal experiences ;)
Hi Mads, your videos couldnt come at a better time for me. My wife and I will be visiting a lot of the same places from Sept to Dec this year. Hoping that I can use your info for practical purposes as well as inspiration. If you really wanted to do touristy photos and upset the photograghy elite, you could have dropped into Mormon Row just out out Jackson Hole in The Grand Tetons. ;-) Keep em coming.
Don't worry I'll be there one day! I SO want to visit the Grand Tetons! SO SO BAD! But for now I have to consider my money. Traveling like this is not cheap ;)
Then you didn't go through Wyoming - there are billboards everywhere. It was built back before there were real towns in that part of the country and sold (or traded for) all kinds of stuff.
Amazing video! I just got back from Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park too. It was amazing. I made short timelapse video of Mesa Arch and Dead Horse Point State Park.
Another cool video. Thanks for that :) what time of the year have you been to Mesa Arch? I wonder because I will visit it end of October and want to make sure that I will stand at a good point for sunset in front of the arch 😎
Hello Mads, I've been watching whenever I can, all your videos. The pictures are magnificent as always, congratulations !! Some exif's that you divulge in the images make me very intrigued, as for example the case of the last photo that you show in this video ....... the photo is a composition?
Personally, it really bothers me to compete for an image, I simply have to avoid it. However, you have yourself a spectacular image of the arch. You knew how to make the image. Do you have the device that allows your lens to move to the correct place so the pano is properly achieved? Seems you would need one as close as you were to the arch. Thanks Mads!
Hey mads, thanks for sharing this amazing video! I have a question for you, you said you were the first one and that you did choose the photographers line, are there any tips into doing that when its not as obvious as Tunnel View in Yosemite? My worry is going to much backwards and then get someone else just plant their tripod in front of you.
Nope not really... I think it's about finding that golden middle road... Nobody is interested in getting too close at this location, so I think you should be able to at least stand where I stood without problems :)
All I want to know is if the himan race were stupid enough to start a nuke war and destroy this place, is there a way to save your photos? 👌👍 Great photos as always!
Try selling photos to the public, online, shows, whatever. Many landscape photographers want to find and shoot unique shots, I applaud them. But if you start seriously trying to sell images you will find out what I quickly learned. The iconic areas sell much better. They have to be good, shot at golden hour, blue hour, well exposed and processed, and they will outsell some brilliant new landscapes. I don't understand it but I don't hike miles looking for new spots near as often. Spend my time trying to take my best with a bunch of people I don't know near me. It's an economic reality. Some "well known fine arts photographers" with years of sales and followers may do well, but start trying. You will see.
The tourists have as much right to be there as ANY so called photographer. The beauty of the natural earth is not only for photographers. How snobbish to even think such.
Nothing wrong with anyone being there ; it just seems so many people are disrespectful and don't care who they walk in front of; some photographers included!
