I Wanted to Prove It Wasn't Just a Fluke
After shooting what I believe are some of my best waterfall photos ever, I had one nagging question: was it just luck? The only way to find out was to take everything I'd learned - the "scenes within scenes" approach, the intentional composition, the focus on feeling over technique - and test it somewhere completely different. So I headed to Maryport beach on the Cumbrian coast. Different subject, different conditions, but the same challenge: could I create images that work as art, not just technically competent photographs? In this video, you'll see me work through multiple compositions with the old pier groins, experimenting with different exposures from 1.3 seconds to over 4 minutes. Some work, some don't - and I'll show you exactly why. What you'll discover: How studying masters like Michael Kenna informs but doesn't dictate your work Why building a series requires both vision AND ruthless selection The difference between technically good and artistically strong My honest assessment of what worked and what didn't from this session Why "washing away the dust from everyday life" drives everything I do The goal isn't to impress you with camera settings. It's to create something that stops you for a few seconds and lets you simply appreciate the image for what it is. Whether this session proves the waterfall success wasn't a fluke... well, you'll have to watch to find out. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - The question that brought me here 01:40 - Scouting the groins and setting intentions 03:30 - Working through different compositions 06:15 - Back in the studio - the honest assessment 09:45 - What this journey is teaching me about photography as art 11:20 - Why studying the masters matters This is part of my ongoing black and white photography journey - documenting the process of moving beyond technical competence toward creating work that means something. ð USEFUL LINKS: Free B&W Photography ebook: https://niftyfiftyphotographers.com/p... Ready to create photographs that actually mean something? Book a free discovery call for my 1-to-1 mentoring programme: https://www.niftyfiftyphotographers.c... AFFILIATE LINKS (I earn a small commission if you purchase through these links) DXO Software & Nik Collection - Use code RICHARD15 for 15% discount: https://www.dxo.com Dehancer Plugin (retro/film looks) - Use code NIFTYFIFTY for 10% discount: http://dehancer.com/ K&F Photography Products - Use code RICHARD12 for 12% discount: https://www.kentfaith.com/ CONNECT: Instagram:   / niftyfiftyphotographers  Facebook:   / niftyfiftyphotographers  SUPPORT THE CHANNEL: Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/richardgill
