Landscape photography is far more than a casual walk with a camera for professional photographer Nicolas Alexander Otto – it's a delicate balancing act that combines technical expertise, meticulous planning, and unwavering patience. Otto, who leads photography workshops in some of the world's most stunning locations including the Lofoten Islands, Iceland, and Utah, explains that finding the best light requires strict discipline and dedication.
Participants in Otto's workshops quickly learn that landscape photography demands serious commitment. Students find themselves standing in harsh winds during the night, hiking with heavy camping gear and tripods, and learning to work with whatever weather conditions nature throws at them. Otto emphasizes that exceptional images don't happen by chance – they result from thorough preparation and a skilled eye for composition.
Otto's approach to landscape photography is built on careful planning rather than relying on luck. He meticulously studies maps, tracks sun positions, and analyzes weather data before every shoot. His extensive database contains over 6,000 saved photo coordinates, ensuring he always has alternative locations ready for any trip. However, even with perfect organization, Otto acknowledges that gray, uncooperative days are inevitable. During these challenging times, maintaining composure becomes the photographer's most important skill. "You have to develop a certain tolerance for frustration," he explains, adding that he still finds ways to enjoy the time and adventure even when the rain refuses to stop.
In his workshops, Otto teaches students both technical skills and intuitive understanding of landscapes. Participants learn about filters, tripods, and exposure techniques, but Otto also focuses on helping them develop a deeper feeling for the landscape itself. He insists that photographers should first sense what they want to capture before even touching the camera's shutter button. His curriculum covers advanced techniques like HDR imaging, focus stacking, and small tricks that can make a dramatic difference in the final image. Despite the emphasis on technical knowledge, Otto believes intuition remains at the core of great photography – emotions translate into compelling images, not camera menus and buttons.
The latest episode of Click Boom Flash podcast, episode #50 titled "Landscape Photography," features Otto discussing his passion for this challenging field. He explains why he continues to love what he does despite frequently unpredictable weather conditions. Otto also shares his controversial views on AI-generated images, which he believes represent a decline for authentic landscape photography. He argues that artificial intelligence undermines the genuine effort and skill required to create real landscape photographs.
Click Boom Flash, the photography podcast from c't Photography magazine, releases new episodes every other Sunday at 9 AM. The podcast is available on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other podcast applications. Previous episodes have covered topics ranging from "The Power of Images" and "Optical Diagnostics in Rocket Combustion Chambers" to "Instant Photography" and "The Photo Used Market," making it a comprehensive resource for photography enthusiasts of all levels.
