Episode 20: Interview with Sarah Howard – A Journey Through Landscape Photography

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Photography Junkie podcast! I’m your host, Jay, and I’m thrilled to bring you our 20th episode, a special milestone for our show. Today, we have a fantastic guest joining us – the talented landscape photographer, workshop leader, and published author, Sarah Howard. This episode promises to be a treat for photography enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to advanced shutterbugs.

Sarah’s Journey into Photography

Sarah’s journey into the world of photography is a captivating tale of passion, influence, and dedication. She stumbled upon our podcast by chance, watched some of our videos on The Photography Junkie website, and felt inspired to reach out to be a guest. Her love for photography was ignited by her father, an amateur photographer. Family trips and watching her father’s captivating slideshows during her childhood instilled in her a deep appreciation for the beauty of landscapes.

Transition to Professional Photography

Sarah’s transition from a hobbyist to a professional photographer is a testament to her commitment. She decided to turn her passion into a profession by submitting her images to picture libraries. It was a chance meeting with the renowned landscape photographer, Charlie Wake, that played a pivotal role in her transformation. Under Charlie’s mentorship, she honed her skills in composition, the use of light, and the art of constructing a photograph. While she drew inspiration from Charlie’s style, she also developed her unique approach, setting her work apart.

Sarah’s Photography Style

Sarah’s photography style is characterized by its authenticity. She prefers natural and muted colors in her photographs, avoiding excessive post-processing to preserve the genuine essence of the landscapes she captures. This dedication to preserving the natural beauty of her subjects shines through in her work.

From Hobbyist to Full-Time Photographer

In 2013, Sarah took the leap and transitioned into full-time photography, with workshops becoming a cornerstone of her work. She leads workshops in the UK and overseas, helping others refine their photography skills while exploring stunning landscapes.

The Art of Workshop Planning

Sarah emphasizes the importance of thorough planning and preparation for her workshops, whether they are in familiar or new locations. Landscape photography often involves dealing with challenging weather conditions, and Sarah advises participants to be prepared for all types of weather, as it can lead to unique photographic opportunities.

Protecting Your Gear in the Great Outdoors

As any seasoned landscape photographer knows, protecting your gear is essential, especially when Mother Nature decides to throw a curveball. Sarah recommends using rain covers for cameras, lens hoods to keep rain off your lens, lens cloths for quick cleaning, and plastic sheets to place your camera bag on when in damp conditions.

While she hasn’t encountered a situation where she or her clients lost a camera due to the elements, a few clients have accidentally dropped their cameras into water during workshops. It’s a reminder that being cautious and having the right protective gear is crucial in the field.

Embracing Nature’s Fury – The Storm Arwyn Experience

Sarah shares a memorable experience during one of her workshops when a severe storm named Arwyn struck the area. Power outages and altered plans were inevitable, but what truly stood out was the resilience and adaptability of the participants. Bad weather didn’t mean missed opportunities; instead, it led to dramatic and unique shots that showcased the power of nature.

Sarah’s Gear and Photography Approach

Sarah’s photography gear reflects her minimalist approach. She primarily uses a 14-30mm lens and a 24-200mm lens with her Nikon Z7 II camera, favoring mirrorless technology for its quality and compactness.

Managing battery life in mirrorless cameras can be a challenge, especially during long shoots. Sarah shares her strategies for ensuring she has enough power to capture those breathtaking landscapes.

Favorite Photography Locations and the Impact of Travel

Sarah’s favorite photography locations include the picturesque Tuscany and the enchanting Lake District. Traveling to these breathtaking destinations has a profound impact on her work, offering her the opportunity to capture diverse landscapes and immerse herself in the beauty of the world.

Crafting a Photography Guidebook

Sarah’s dedication to her craft extends beyond the lens. She discusses her process of creating a photography guidebook, emphasizing the extensive research, location scouting, and considerations for composition and accessibility that go into such a project. Her guidebooks are a valuable resource for photographers looking to explore new landscapes.

A Focus on In-Camera Techniques

In an age of extensive post-processing, Sarah stands out by emphasizing in-camera techniques. She believes in capturing landscapes naturally and beautifully, highlighting the importance of patience in waiting for the right lighting conditions. Her dedication to authenticity is a valuable lesson for photographers seeking to elevate their work.

Future Projects and Aspirations

As our conversation draws to a close, Sarah shares her plans for the future. She’s excited about personal projects, potential workshop locations, and her desire to write another book. An exhibition may also be on the horizon, offering a chance for enthusiasts to experience her stunning work in person.

Parting Words of Wisdom

Sarah leaves us with a piece of advice for aspiring photographers: persevere in pursuing your passion for photography. Her journey from an amateur photographer to a respected professional serves as a testament to what can be achieved through dedication, mentorship, and a deep love for capturing the beauty of the world.

Thank you for joining us on this insightful episode of The Photography Junkie, where we explored the incredible journey of landscape photographer Sarah Howard. If you want to connect with Sarah or explore her work, be sure to check out her website and her guidebooks. And, as always, stay tuned for more exciting episodes coming your way!

How to find Sarah’s Work

Sara’s work can be found here https://www.sarahhowardphotography.com/

Sara’s Workshops can be found here https://imageseen.co.uk/