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Articles written by Darren Spoonley

Review: Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI – A Game-Changer for Smartphone Filmmakers
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As a passionate landscape photographer, I often emphasize that a phone will never fully replace a professional camera. However, in an age where social media dominates and more photos and videos are being captured on personal phones than ever before, it's important to acknowledge the innovations enabling phone users to capture incredible footage and photos. The Zhiyun Smooth 5S AI is one such innovation worth noting.

A POV of the Stunning Dolomites
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The Dolomites, in Italy, is a place like no other, with towering jagged peaks, unique rock colors and formations, and most of all, it seems to change a lot but very little at the same time. The light and weather are key components when it comes to creating banger shots in this UNESCO World Heritage location.

Preserving Hidden Gems in Landscape Photography
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When visiting a new location, the excitement and expectation of capturing something epic are always at the forefront of a photographer’s mind. However, beyond the thrill of the shot lies a deeper responsibility—protecting the places we photograph.

The Importance of Being Fluid in Landscape Photography
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Landscape photography thrives on flexibility and spontaneity. The ever-changing nature of light and weather requires us to adapt quickly, abandon rigid plans, and let the natural elements guide our shots. This fluid approach often leads to the most captivating and memorable images, showcasing the dynamic connection of light, land, and sky. Here’s why being fluid in your landscape photography is essential, along with some practical tips to help you embrace this mindset.

Why One Great Shot Is Better Than Hundreds in Landscape Photography
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In landscape photography, there's often a misconception that success is measured by the number of great shots captured in a single outing. However, this mindset can be limiting and lead to burnout for many. Sometimes, the true reward comes from capturing just one exceptional shot. Focusing on quality over quantity not only enhances your craft but also deepens your connection with the landscape. Here’s why and how to embrace this approach.

Finally a Pro Gimbal At a Great Price of $249
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The Zhiyun WEEBILL 3E gimbal represents a significant evolution in the WEEBILL series, offering advanced features and performance tailored to meet the needs of professional videographers and filmmakers at the right price. Having used this now for the last number of weeks, I want to share my thoughts through this review that will examine the design, functionality, performance, and overall value of the WEEBILL 3E, providing an in-depth understanding of why it might become a favored choice in the gimbal market.

Try This Simple Trick to Master Your Long Exposures
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Long exposure photography is a powerful technique in landscape photography, allowing you to capture the smooth, dynamic movement of clouds and water while keeping stationary elements sharp. One challenge we often face is dealing with moving subjects, such as boats, which can result in blurred images if not properly stabilized. Ensuring the stability of boats is crucial to achieving sharp, high-quality long exposures.

Why Is Woodland Photography So Hard?
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Woodland photography, while rewarding, presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to shooting and bagging some banger shots. From intricate compositions to unpredictable lighting conditions, capturing the flow of forests requires skill, patience, and adaptability. For this article, I want to dive into the reasons why woodland photography is considered difficult and explore methods to overcome these obstacles.

Maximizing Your Photography Trips Through Appropriate Clothing Choices
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Capturing the beauty of the natural world through photography is an art form that requires a keen eye, technical skills, and creative vision. However, one often underestimated aspect that can significantly impact the outcome of a landscape photography trip is the choice of clothing.

The Power of Familiarity in Photography
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In landscape photography, there is a powerful reason why it's important to have a go-to location, which cannot be overstated. While the attraction of venturing into new and potentially uncharted territory may be strong, there also exists meaningful value in revisiting familiar spots time and again. This article will delve deeper into the significance of returning to familiar locations and how it can enhance your photographic skills and artistic expression.

Why It's Important to Challenge Ourselves in Photography
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As a landscape photographer, the chase to capture stunning images of breathtaking scenes is a continuous journey. Yet, in the middle of this mission for the perfect shot, lies a crucial aspect often overlooked—the necessity of challenging ourselves and getting out of our comfort zone. In this article, let’s dive into why pushing our boundaries and embracing discomfort is vital in the journey of landscape photography.

Learning From Mistakes: How They Shaped My Photography Journey
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Throughout my photography journey, I've encountered various mistakes that have served as valuable learning experiences, ultimately shaping my understanding and approach to the craft. In this article, I'll share some of these mistakes, how you can avoid them, and how they've contributed to my growth as a photographer.

We Review: Zhiyun X60 RGB LED Video Light
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Zhiyun is a brand name that is most known for its gimbals, which offer solid build, useful features and reliability, so it’s good news now that they have ventured into the world of studio lighting!

Is Access to Key Photographic Locations a Growing Concern?
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Access to key photographic locations is increasingly becoming a concern among photographers worldwide. As iconic landscapes attract more visitors each year, issues surrounding access, preservation, and management arise. This article delves into the factors contributing to the potential loss of access to these sites and explores perspectives from both landowners and photographers.

Hey DJI, Fix These Issues Please
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When it comes to cameras released in 2023, most would find it hard to argue that the DJI OSMO Pocket 3 was not only the most anticipated but also delivered on almost all of its hype upon release. However, several fixes need to happen to make this the best camera for video content creators.

Why Your Shots Just Aren't Good Enough?
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When it comes to landscape photography or any genre of photography there seems to be nothing more grinding than someone telling you that they are better than you and when they go on to explain why. However, the nuggets contained here are indeed some of the reasons why some are better than others.

Why You're Not a Great Photographer
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Great landscape photographers are distinguished not only by their stunning images but also by their approach to their craft. Mark Denney, a prominent figure in the landscape photography community, advocates for several principles that contribute to greatness in this field.

Is This the Ultimate Photography Accessory?
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When I first started my photography journey, I was full of hope, excitement, and wonder about what adventure the day would bring me. The challenge for me was that it was just a day before I either had to head home again or find a place to stay, so I could spend more time in a certain location.

Is Your Imagination Holding You Back?
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Photography as a genre is full of possibilities. It can not only open us up to seeing and capturing some stunning locations, people, or moments in time but can also allow us to see places that we never even dreamt possible. But what are the restrictions?

Could You Force Yourself to Use Just This One Lens?
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As a landscape photographer who is addicted to the big vista, I have often wondered just how hard or easy it would be to force myself to only use one lens, and that lens being the 70-200mm. The versatility of this lens is fantastic, and many of you will know this already. However, the best thing about having my 70-200mm is that it's always in my bag and ready to be deployed whenever I need it, but what if I were only to have this lens?