Dun Briste, a tower of layered rocks rising off the western coast of Ireland. Norman McCloskey
Dun Briste, a tower of layered rocks rising off the western coast of Ireland. Norman McCloskey
Ruins in the Kerry mountains in Ireland. Norman McCloskey
Ruins in the Kerry mountains in Ireland. Norman McCloskey
Penguins atop an ice float in Antartica. Norman McCloskey
Penguins atop an ice float in Antartica. Norman McCloskey
Taken in the Beara Peninsula which features arched mountains that resemble waves. Norman McCloskey
Taken in the Beara Peninsula which features arched mountains that resemble waves. Norman McCloskey
A full moon rising over the Skellig Islands in Ireland. Norman McCloskey
A full moon rising over the Skellig Islands in Ireland. Norman McCloskey
Photographer Norman McCloskey, who has been capturing Ireland's landscape since 1992. Courtesy Norman McCloskey
Photographer Norman McCloskey, who has been capturing Ireland's landscape since 1992. Courtesy Norman McCloskey
Emirati photographer Huda Al Redha has begun using drone photography in her work. In this image, she captures an aerial view of Dubrovnik's Old Town. Huda Bin Redha
Emirati photographer Huda Al Redha has begun using drone photography in her work. In this image, she captures an aerial view of Dubrovnik's Old Town. Huda Bin Redha
Al-Khazneh or The Treasury, a temple in the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. Huda Bin Redha
Al-Khazneh or The Treasury, a temple in the ancient city of Petra in Jordan. Huda Bin Redha
Shot by Bin Redha in the red-dune desert of Al Qudra in the UAE. Huda Bin Redha
Shot by Bin Redha in the red-dune desert of Al Qudra in the UAE. Huda Bin Redha
Huda Bin Redha started her photography career in 2013, focusing on landscapes and, more recently, drone photography. Courtesy Huda Bin Redha
Huda Bin Redha started her photography career in 2013, focusing on landscapes and, more recently, drone photography. Courtesy Huda Bin Redha
Shuweihat Island, which boasts rocky beaches and canyon-like formations, is located off the Abu Dhabi coast. Obaid AlBudoor
Shuweihat Island, which boasts rocky beaches and canyon-like formations, is located off the Abu Dhabi coast. Obaid AlBudoor
Taken during the 2018 Liwa International Festival 2018, where drives and bikers take on some of the world's largest dunes, including the 300-metre high Tel Moreeb. Obaid AlBudoor
Taken during the 2018 Liwa International Festival 2018, where drives and bikers take on some of the world's largest dunes, including the 300-metre high Tel Moreeb. Obaid AlBudoor
Obaid AlBudoor has also photographed nighttime landscapes, as seen in this 'astro-shoot' in Abu Dhabi. Obaid AlBudoor
Obaid AlBudoor has also photographed nighttime landscapes, as seen in this 'astro-shoot' in Abu Dhabi. Obaid AlBudoor
Obaid AlBudoor says he wants to capture the Middle East's lesser known landscapes in his photographs. Courtesy Obaid AlBudoor
Obaid AlBudoor says he wants to capture the Middle East's lesser known landscapes in his photographs. Courtesy Obaid AlBudoor

Art

What makes a great landscape photo? Photographers share insights on how to take in the view

A great landscape photograph is 'one where you immediately see as much of the photographer as you do the location'

Alexandra Chaves
Alexandra Chaves

August 24, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

It was four in the morning when Norman McCloskey set off to capture an image that had eluded him for years – a full moon setting behind the Skellig Islands, off the south-west coast of Ireland.

By that point, he had already made about 18 trips to the same location over three years, with no success. The skies were either too cloudy or grey. This time, however, a little after 6am, the clouds gave way for the Moon to shine clearly, and McCloskey spotted his chance.

The result looks like something from a film or a fantasy, with the full moon hovering above the island’s rocky facade and the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing in the foreground.

McCloskey has been photographing Ireland's landscape since 1992. He says it was the countryside near Kenmare in County Kerry, where he lives, that compelled him to learn landscape photography. He went on to study the discipline before working in an editorial agency for two decades. He now runs a gallery in Kenmare.

A farmhouse located at the foot of the McGillycuddys Reeks in Kerry, Ireland. Norman McCloskey
A farmhouse located at the foot of the McGillycuddys Reeks in Kerry, Ireland. Norman McCloskey

He defines a great landscape picture as “one where I immediately see as much of the photographer as I do the location, along with a thought process”. He describes it as more than simply a record of a place, but an insight into the photographer’s eye. “When you look at a landscape photograph and you find yourself pausing, asking a question or feeling something, then I think that is a successful one.”

For McCloskey, capturing the best images comes from having a real interest in the natural surroundings. “Photograph in landscapes that you genuinely love working in. This will help you connect more easily to the environment and will help make images that will mean more to you,” he says.

Preparation: do your research on location and light

Preparation is also vital. For his photo of the Moon over the Skellig Islands, for example, McCloskey used an app that would pinpoint the location and elevation of the Moon and the Sun at certain times. With that knowledge, he could decide when and where to go for his shot. “Plan a journey and give yourself enough time in a place to get a real feel for it, making sure you have an idea of how it looks in evening and morning light, which is generally the best time to photograph landscapes,” he says.

“I make a real effort to get to know a location well and visit throughout the year, noting how the light falls and changes the look and feel of the place,” he adds.

Emirati photographer Huda Bin Redha also emphasises the importance of reading up on a location before visiting. “Do your research before going to any country or place. This way, you will save time by having an idea of where and what you want to capture beforehand,” she says.

Huda Bin Redha photographer has begun using drone photography in her work. In this image, she captures an aerial view of Dubrovnik's Old Town. Huda Bin Redha
Huda Bin Redha photographer has begun using drone photography in her work. In this image, she captures an aerial view of Dubrovnik's Old Town. Huda Bin Redha

Once you are there, she says, do not be afraid to experiment. “Walk around the place and shoot from different angles. Always try to capture things from a different perspective. Think about what you are trying to say, what you want people to think and the emotions you want to evoke.”

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Bin Redha’s interest in landscape photography developed during her travels. She wanted to document the sights of the natural world and, in 2013, decided to pursue the art form as a career. She has captured Wadi Rum and Petra in Jordan and the Serengeti in Tanzania. She has recently incorporated drone photography into her work, balancing projects for tourism boards and brands with her personal interests.

Equipment is secondary to skill and style

When it comes to equipment, she says developing a style should come before investing in a full photography kit. “The gear never mattered to me, whether it was using a professional camera or a phone camera. What mattered was that I captured things with my own style and from a different perspective,” she says.

Fellow Emirati photographer Obaid AlBudoor echoes this sentiment. "You don't need a large camera to take fantastic images," he says – he also enjoys shooting on smartphones.

Obaid Al Budoor has also photographed nighttime landscapes, as seen in this 'astro-shoot' in Abu Dhabi. Obaid Al Budoor
Obaid Al Budoor has also photographed nighttime landscapes, as seen in this 'astro-shoot' in Abu Dhabi. Obaid Al Budoor

Al Budoor became a full-time photographer in 2017, leaving a job in corporate banking to pursue his passion. His focus has been on the deserts and mountains in the region. When it comes to scouting locations, he says he uses Google Earth to help him visualise the best scenes to photograph.

“I’m interested in discovering the untapped landscapes of the Middle East,” he says. “I usually do a yearly 8 to 10 day solo drive throughout certain parts of a country,” he says. So far, he has driven across areas in Saudi Arabia and Oman and has travelled around Egypt many times.

His advice for aspiring landscape photographers is to develop an understanding of natural light and weather while also experimenting with various styles. “Spend your time just being outdoors and learning to read the weather. Understand the sun and moon, how the sun sets and rises at different points in the horizon depending on the season,” he says. “Once you understand these elements, the potential for certain compositions and ideas becomes limitless.”

He suggests people practice both by themselves and with friends. "Don’t be concerned with a specific style. Learn to use the tools as fluidly… That way, you won’t concern yourself with how to shoot, but with where and when.”

Find the personal significance behind your work

Beyond simply keeping a record of beautiful sights, landscape photography can also foster a deeper concern for the natural world. In the course of his career, McCloskey has become more fascinated with the history, geology and mythology of the landscapes he photographs. “Although I don’t overtly raise environmental issues in my main body of work, I hope that I am helping to show the natural beauty of what we have and why it is worth protecting,” he says.

Penguins atop an ice float in Antartica. Norman McCloskey
Penguins atop an ice float in Antartica. Norman McCloskey

Capturing natural landscapes has also had a personal impact. “For a few landscape photographers who are genuinely combining art with nature, it is far more personal and profound thing,” he says. “I’ve learned that those personal reasons and connections are tremendously varied, and few of us have the same story. For me, working in the landscape has brought me an incredible amount of peace and healing in my life.”

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How The Debt Panel's advice helped readers in 2019

December 11: 'My husband died, so what happens to the Dh240,000 he owes in the UAE?'

JL, a housewife from India, wrote to us about her husband, who died earlier this month. He left behind an outstanding loan of Dh240,000 and she was hoping to pay it off with an insurance policy he had taken out. She also wanted to recover some of her husband’s end-of-service liabilities to help support her and her son.

“I have no words to thank you for helping me out,” she wrote to The Debt Panel after receiving the panellists' comments. “The advice has given me an idea of the present status of the loan and how to take it up further. I will draft a letter and send it to the email ID on the bank’s website along with the death certificate. I hope and pray to find a way out of this.”

November 26:  ‘I owe Dh100,000 because my employer has not paid me for a year’

SL, a financial services employee from India, left the UAE in June after quitting his job because his employer had not paid him since November 2018. He owes Dh103,800 on four debts and was told by the panellists he may be able to use the insolvency law to solve his issue. 

SL thanked the panellists for their efforts. "Indeed, I have some clarity on the consequence of the case and the next steps to take regarding my situation," he says. "Hopefully, I will be able to provide a positive testimony soon."

October 15: 'I lost my job and left the UAE owing Dh71,000. Can I return?'

MS, an energy sector employee from South Africa, left the UAE in August after losing his Dh12,000 job. He was struggling to meet the repayments while securing a new position in the UAE and feared he would be detained if he returned. He has now secured a new job and will return to the Emirates this month.

“The insolvency law is indeed a relief to hear,” he says. "I will not apply for insolvency at this stage. I have been able to pay something towards my loan and credit card. As it stands, I only have a one-month deficit, which I will be able to recover by the end of December." 

Key developments

All times UTC 4

About Okadoc

Date started: Okadoc, 2018

Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: Healthcare

Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth

Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February

Investors: Undisclosed

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Sunday, September 17 – 10.30am, v Australia; 3.45pm, v South Africa
Monday, September 18 – 2pm, v England; 7.15pm, v India
Tuesday, September 19 – 12.15pm, v Singapore; 5.30pm, v Sri Lanka
Thursday, September 21 – 2pm v Malaysia
Friday, September 22 – 3.30pm, semi-final
Saturday, September 23 – 3pm, grand final

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Saturday, September 16 – 5.15pm, v Australia
Sunday, September 17 – 2pm, v South Africa; 7.15pm, v New Zealand
Monday, September 18 – 5.30pm, v England
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Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Barcelona v Liverpool, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE).

Second leg

Liverpool v Barcelona, Tuesday, May 7, 11pm

Games on BeIN Sports

Second ODI

England 322-7 (50 ovs)
India 236 (50 ovs)

England win by 86 runs

Next match: Tuesday, July 17, Headingley 

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