Intimate Landscape is also called Small Scene Photography.
Intimate Landscape
For some, it is a trend. For others, it is their zen. We, landscape photographers, are so focused on the epicness of the scene, on the fantastic clouds, waves, etc that we forget that everything consists of smaller details. Smaller scenes. They can be as impressive as larger ones and can surely be more creative to find and photograph. Typically, it is a much slower way to photograph because the photographer needs to observe, watch, and predict. The right angle can be millimeters away, and the photographer will spend lots of time finding it. This observation process is in a way similar to meditation or finding zen. Similar to building a stone garden. This is where a photographer can truly exhibit their vision and approach.
Small Scene Photography
So what is a small scene? The size can actually differ, and as always, there’s no strict border between the subgenres. A rock on the beach, a portion of the waterfall, multiple dunes without the sky – all these subjects can be classified as small scenes. Think of it as something opposite to a grand landscape (classic landscape).
Locations
The locations for the small scene photography don’t matter as much. Intimate landscape can be found anywhere – a puddle next to your home, multiple branches in the nearest forest. A seashell on a distant beach. Anything goes. My locations typically include beaches here on the Gold Coast.