Beyond Expertise: Landscape Photographer Mark Gilligan

What is your typical day as a landscape photographer like?

Well, you get up early. That's the first thing. I don't live near the mountains where I like to work, such as the Lake District and Snowdonia. I have to get up early and drive off. Preparation is important, especially reading the weather, it's vital for landscape photographers. I'm renowned for dramatic photos. I like drama, the rain, and the clouds. I like it to be dark, not oppressive, but I like it to be atmospheric. Packing the right equipment is key; I've learned it's not about having too much gear but knowing how to use what I need. I also plan my clothing based on England's changeable weather. All of that means I have to prepare the night before for what I'm going to take with me.

Why did you choose landscapes as your primary subject for your photography?

I love the outdoors. I grew up in an urban situation near Manchester United's football ground, surrounded by buildings in a large populated area. My father, also loved the outdoors. He was a photographer and phototelegraphist working for the national newspapers. As a child, I used to go fishing and enjoyed being out there, watching the birds, fish rise, and changes in the weather, from sunrise to sunset. I see lots of parallels between fishermen and photographers, particularly landscape photographers. Both require patience, knowing your environment, and reading the weather. Other than throwing fish food, we do the same thing. We look at the environment and respect it.
 
I've always loved the outdoors and want to preserve it for others. Through photography, you can capture these moments that people can look at and think, “I want to go and see that.” My love for the outdoors is promoted by posting my pictures on social media and showing people the beauty of the outdoors.

What have you learned from photography?

I've learned to be patient. My wife will laugh when she reads that! In the ‘modern world’ I think that the ‘I want it now’ syndromes are one of the downsides of digital. That generates impatience and of course not having to pay for film and processing accelerates it! Digital has removed a fear of taking photographs with cameras, making it a mainstream pleasure for people. That’s not a bad thing BUT it fits in with the modern way of everything having to be instant. Whilst we can get some good images in this instant world, it is a joy to slow down and understand your camera and make it work for you. People now fire pictures off on phones or on cameras, with the hope that at least one of them will be right. I know that’s a generalization but I think it is more near to reality.
 
As a professional landscape photographer, I am more circumspect and know when I want to press that shutter. Consequently, I know what I am getting is going to be what I am seeing. That is important to me.
 
Photography is all about controlling light. I know there are many who like to put pictures, images through computers and turn them into incredible works of art. There is nothing wrong with that as they are composing an image from what they have seen but it is NOT a photograph. It is a computer graphic or piece of digital art. I don't rely upon software to do it for me. What photography taught me is to be true and real to what I see. There is something in you as a photographer that brings out that ability to become more aware of what you see in front of you.

You mention in your blog that your photography is an organic process between the view and the photographer. How do you maintain the authenticity of the scenes you capture, particularly given your preference for minimal post-editing?

I am quite renowned for minimal processing. When I first began taking photographs in the ‘60s when it was just film, we didn't have the software or use of computers to work with. It was all about the camera. I can honestly process the majority and it is a high percentage of my pictures, in under a minute because the process that gets the image in the first place is as near to right. As I can get it. Mine do not need to undergo a lot of editing or processing with a computer.
 
I know that some will look at the most beautiful scene, take the photograph and then change what they've seen when they sit down at the computer. If you're attracted to that area in the first place and it's beautiful, why change what nature really looks like? For me, I need to be faithful to the landscape. Once you're attracted to that, you start to look at it more closely and you become, I don't want to say become a part of it because you don't physically, but you look at it and it becomes a part of you. That's this organic process that then gives you this ability to be able to control your camera and take pictures that faithfully represent what you see. Others will disagree but that’s what choices are all about.
 
I keep everything as real as I can. I would never go into the computer and start changing colors, removing trees, adding mist etc. I never my compromise images. The raw files are processed minimally.

How do you feel about the ScreenBar Halo?

I have been using it nearly three years, and I have it on all the time. If I don't have it on, I really notice now that it's not on. ScreenBar Halo gives a really nice even light across the screen.
 
My favorite feature of this light is that evenness. You don't get any spots on the screen. I can look at it from every angle and it's always true. I spoke with one of two others who have it and they've all said the same thing. Now it's there, you don't feel that you couldn't not have it anymore.

Do you have any suggestions for those who are planning to pursue landscape photography in the future?

Don’t let the weather put you off no matter where in the world you are. I love dramatic images so relish venturing out in the elements. You have to be sensible though as mountainous terrain can be treacherous. Make sure you have the right clothing to go into the landscape. Those and good boots are vital. Research where you want to go and look at weather patterns in locations you like and always try and go with someone else to trade ideas. It is good to work with another person as two heads are better than one when making sensible decisions about tackling the day. Of course, if it rains you can also work together and share the umbrella!
 
Learn what your camera can do and get the most from it. I can’t stress this enough. When you start to understand how your camera and photography works (we are always learning) then you can tackle most scenarios with the knowledge that you will obtain an image.

What is your future goal as a landscape photographer? Is there anything that you wish to achieve?

For me, photography is not about achievements; it's about satisfaction. I've achieved awards and recognition, but it isn't all about that. My future with a camera is to just keep enjoying what I do. It's about what made me do this in the first place.
 
To be able to look into the landscape and be capable of taking that picture, I think it is a gift that I've been give. I'll keep doing as long as I physically can. It's all about enjoying it.