Landscape photographs aren’t just about the beautiful surroundings of our environment, they are a document of time. Natural phenomena, the elements and how the landscape changes around us is a fascinating topic. Due to the availability and aesthetics, plenty of creatives choose this as a subject. 

“I entered the image ‘After the fire’ into the UK Landscape Photographer of the Year competition because of the way the heath fire had destroyed the character of this local heathland. It went from life to death and then the regeneration could begin,” Mik says. He passes this spot every time he travels through the New Forest National Park and when a local heath fire destroyed the landscape, he saw the photographic potential of the scene. “It needed to be a panorama to give a perspective of the size of the area affected,” he explains.

Since landscapes cover a large area, it is difficult to decide what to include and exclude in the frame. There may also be distractions that cannot be easily removed from the scene. Therefore, it is important to take time to observe and appreciate the natural environment before deciding on how to frame the shot. Alternatively, you could consider returning at different times of the year or in different weather conditions to capture the scene. 

“I wanted to hide the view of the large Fawley oil refinery complex in the background, with its towers and chimney stacks. I had to consider that I would need to wait for a foggy or misty morning before I could get the shot I’d seen,” Mik says. This decision not only eliminated distractions but also added a layer of atmosphere to the photograph. Considering the atmosphere the natural environment gains through the weather is crucial to enhance the image’s mood, and distinguishes this image as a professional shot.

The most important ingredient of a pro landscape shot is the light. However, natural light is also the most challenging source to work with. “When that morning came with the great sunrise there was a low, thick mist. Shooting towards the sun could have been an issue, but the mist helped diffuse its brightness, allowing me to increase the exposure slightly to give more detail in the foreground,” Mik says. Waiting for the ideal weather and sun can be limiting, but it’s advisable not to wait too long. “Now, months later, the lone tree has fallen and most of the burnt skeletal remnants of gorse bushes have gone, mostly devoured by the grazing ponies. This picture no longer exists and the gorse is already growing back”.

Mik Dogherty

Mik Dogherty is an outdoor photographer, based in the New Forest National Park in southern England. Mik is self-taught and had been a keen film photographer in his younger years, although a career in the Royal Navy and then the petrochemical industry had put his hobby on hold. In 2010, the advent of digital cameras helped Mik to revisit his passion. After suffering from mental health issues, Mik took early retirement, giving him the time and mindfulness to follow his photography hobby with dedication. His recent win in the LPOTY competition for the image above is a new highlight of his career.

Pro Advice

Weather can affect the mood of an image – and the lifespan of your gear!

1. Think about weather

“Once you have found a great shot, it’s always worth considering not just the composition, but the ‘atmospherics’. Try to think about what the best weather conditions could be for that photograph – whether that’s fog, a moody sky, sunset, rain, snow, diffused light, strong, direct light or flat light – and then maybe come back at another time to shoot when the conditions are perfect.”

2. Take care

“Bear in mind the old phrase ‘Failure to prepare is preparing to fail’ so, once you get home, take care of your kit straight away by charging batteries and cleaning lenses and filters so it is ready to go for the next outing.”

3. Protect your gear

“If you have been using a tripod, when folding it away, don’t push the bottom legs all the way up but, instead, leave the width of a hand between the foot or spike and the bottom of the next leg section. That stops forcing mud, sand and moisture up into the tripod workings and causing the legs to jam.”

Kit essentials

Fujifilm GFX 50S II

The medium format camera is the fifth model in the GFX series, with a 51.4MP sensor and X Processor 4 image processor. 

Fujinon GF 32-64mm f/4

This lightweight lens (875g), provides effortless switching between wide-angle and standard angles of view, all while maintaining a constant f/4 aperture rating.

Fujinon GF 45-100mm f/4

This lens is highly versatile and perfect for all types of photography, thanks to its optical image stabilization technology that provides up to five stops of stability.

Fujinon GF 100-200mm f/5.6

The lens features two Super ED elements and an aspherical element that minimise chromatic and spherical aberrations while improving clarity as well as sharpness. 

Kase Magnetic circular ND filters and Polariser

ND filters control the light in bright scenes or when using long exposure times, while polarizers enhance colors and reduce glare, reflections and haze.

Benro Mach3 Series3 TMA38CL Tripod 

A stable carbon fiber tripod with a maximum load capacity of 16kg. The tripod features detachable rubber feet and metal spikes, ensuring stability for use both indoors and outdoors.

Benro GD3WH Precision Geared Head

When composing, this geared tripod head allows for precise positioning thanks to three independent movement options and accurate leveling with three bubble levels.

The scars of bushfires can be etched deeply on the landscape. Yet, amidst the ash and loss, lies an incredible story of resilience. As photographers, we recently embarked on a journey to revisit Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island, a region heavily impacted by the devastating 2019-2020 bushfires.

Our mission? To document the park’s recovery and share a message of hope.

Capturing change: A landscape in transition

Our cameras documented a landscape in flux. Charred trees, once vibrant sentinels, stood as stark reminders of the fire’s fury. Yet, amongst the blackened trunks, vibrant green shoots emerged from the earth. Seedlings, awakened by the fire’s heat, pushed towards the sunlight, a testament to the park’s incredible capacity for renewal. Even four years after the event we found evidence of the fires everywhere.

Beyond the scenery: A story of resilience

Our focus wasn’t just on the visuals. We spoke with park rangers, witnessing their dedication to conservation efforts. We learned about the critical role of controlled burns, mimicking natural fire cycles to maintain a healthy ecosystem. Their stories highlighted the human spirit’s unwavering commitment to protecting this precious environment.

Sharing the journey: Inspiring action

By documenting these sights and narratives, we aim to inspire a sense of hope and responsibility. The images serve as a reminder that even after devastation, nature possesses an inherent power to heal.

A call to action: Protecting our national treasures

Sharing this story is not simply about documenting beauty. It’s a call to action. By supporting national parks and conservation efforts, we can ensure these vital ecosystems have the resources they need to recover from future threats.

The journey to Flinders Chase wasn’t just about revisiting a place. It was about witnessing resilience, celebrating nature’s restorative power, and urging others to join us in protecting these irreplaceable landscapes.

Let us learn from the scars of the past and work together to ensure a brighter future for our national treasures.

Read more on why revisiting your favourite locations is a fantastic idea.