Photography Tips for Iconic Locations

Capturing unique photographs in popular tourist destinations presents a significant challenge for photographers. The influx of visitors and fellow photographers can often clutter the frame, making it difficult to capture the essence of iconic locations without the distraction of crowds. This fantastic video tutorial offers some useful advice for dealing with the problem.

Coming to you from Alister Benn with Expressive Photography, this enlightening video shares invaluable strategies for photographers aiming to navigate the bustling scene of tourist hotspots. Benn emphasizes the utility of a longer lens, an essential tool for isolating subjects and eliminating unwanted elements from the composition. He demonstrates how stopping at less crowded spots and focusing on details can yield compelling images that tell a unique story, even beside a busy road. The technique of "composition by omission" is particularly effective in places swarmed by tourists, allowing photographers to create abstract, less literal scenes that captivate the viewer's imagination.

Moreover, Benn's approach to dealing with the challenges posed by popular locations extends beyond equipment choices. He advocates for an expressive photography mentality, encouraging photographers to work with the environment and the crowds rather than against them. By focusing on what can be photographed and using filters and shutter speeds creatively, photographers can capture the beauty of the scene without the chaos of the crowds. Benn's video is a testament to the idea that with the right mindset and techniques, photographers can create unique and expressive works of art, regardless of the popularity of the location. Check out the video above for the full rundown.

And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan With Elia Locardi!" 

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

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