Stills - Snowdon

Explore Landscapes #76: Something a little different from me this week. A review of one of my first photo books, and some parallels drawn between portraits and landscapes.

I’ve been a voracious reader of photography books and magazines since my mid-teens when I first got into photography (40+ years ago). “Stills" by Snowdon was one of my first handful of photo books. A Christmas gift. It’s a photographic memoir chronicling the career of a portrait photographer. Antony Armstrong-Jones, the 1st Earl of Snowdon, was a British Photographer (b.1930 d.2017).

‘Snowdon’ is best known for his portraits of world ‘notables,’ many of which have been published in Vogue, Vanity Fair, The Sunday Times, The Sunday Telegraph, and other major magazines. More than 280 of his photographs are in the permanent collections of the National Portrait Gallery (in London).

I’ve dabbled with portraits over the years, but it’s not really for me (i.e., I’m not very good at them) and not a photographic genre that I actively pursue. That said, I greatly appreciate portraiture as a photographic art form. I firmly believe that no matter your preferred photography genre, there’s always something to learn from other genres.

Renowned for his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, Snowdon blends his remarkable photography with compelling anecdotes, revealing both his artistic process and the personalities he encountered.

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Context

Here is some quick context about this article: Last year, I took it upon myself to reread all the photo books I’ve accumulated over the years. I’m also reviewing and sharing some of the books as part of that process. My first review is linked below:

Between Heaven and Earth

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Overview

"Stills" presents a curated selection of Snowdon’s most iconic portraits alongside insights into his approach to photography and his perspective on human nature. Snowdon’s portfolio spans decades and features a mix of celebrities, royals, and ordinary people, all rendered with striking immediacy and intimacy. The book isn't just a collection of photos; it also reflects on the art of portraiture and its power to connect with viewers.

Snowdon divides the book into thematic sections, each exploring different aspects of his craft: composition, lighting, and the relationship between photographer and subject. He also delves into his personal life, including his marriage to Princess Margaret, which granted him unparalleled access to high society.

Beginnings and Philosophy

The book opens with Snowdon reflecting on his early interest in photography and how it evolved from a hobby to a profession. He recounts his first experiments with cameras and the lessons he learned about framing, composition, and lighting. Snowdon emphasizes that his success was built on relentless curiosity and willingness to learn from mistakes.

Portraiture: The Heart of the Book

A significant portion of "Stills" is dedicated to Snowdon’s approach to portraiture. He shares anecdotes about photographing famous figures like David Bowie, Elizabeth Taylor, and the Queen. Snowdon’s portraits often reveal an unexpected vulnerability or strength in his subjects, which he attributes to his ability to put them at ease. He also discusses the ethical responsibilities of a photographer, particularly when working with vulnerable or marginalized individuals.

Photography as Connection

One of the book’s recurring themes is the importance of ‘forging a connection’ between the photographer and the subject. Snowdon emphasizes that great portraits require more than technical skill; they demand trust, empathy, and a deep understanding of the person in front of the lens. He recounts stories of how he disarmed nervous or skeptical subjects to capture authentic moments, illustrating how empathy can transform a photograph.

There is a parallel here with landscape photography. I find that the more time I spend exploring and experiencing the outdoors, for example, Joshua Tree, the deeper connection I feel with the park. With that deeper connection, it becomes easier to get into a creative flow state and my chances of finding a composition that translates into a strong photograph increase.

The Power of Simplicity

Snowdon championed simplicity in his work, often opting for minimal props and natural lighting. He believed a photograph’s strength lies in its ability to focus entirely on the subject, free from distractions. This approach is evident in his stark black-and-white portraits, which rely on light, shadow, and expression to convey depth.

Again, simplicity is a key ingredient in many (but not all) landscape photographs. When framing a composition, one of the first things I do is try to simplify the scene. Is there something that’s complicating the scene that I can remove? Have I done edge patrol to ensure nothing pokes into the frame or is cut off? As they say, less is more.

Adaptability is Key

Throughout "Stills," Snowdon highlights the need for photographers to adapt to their environment and subject. Whether working in a grand royal palace or a cramped studio, he learned to make the best of his surroundings. His ability to innovate—sometimes using everyday objects as makeshift equipment—underscores the importance of resourcefulness in photography.

Landscape photography demands adaptability as the terrain, lighting, and weather all change throughout a typical day. There is no such thing as the wrong weather or light; you have the wrong subject or clothing.

You'll often be disappointed with the photographs you take if you don’t learn to adapt your photography to suit the conditions. Sometimes, having strong preconceptions of ‘what and how’ you should photograph a particular scene may do you a disservice.

Portraiture as Storytelling

For Snowdon, every portrait tells a story. He sought to capture not only his subjects' appearance but who they were. His ability to reflect their personality, status, or emotional state turned each image into a narrative. The book includes anecdotes about how he achieved this, such as asking unexpected questions or creating an environment that brought out a hidden side of his subject.

Storytelling is often employed in landscape photographs to share more than ‘just’ a still photo. This is something that, at times, can be difficult to achieve. Try and think about the emotion or feelings that a scene evokes. What about the juxtaposition of manmade and natural features in your scene? What story are they telling?

Photography as a Democratic Art

Snowdon believed that photography could democratize art by making it accessible to everyone. He was deeply inspired by the lives of everyday people and often juxtaposed portraits of celebrities with those of working-class individuals. This contrast underscores his belief that every person has a story worth telling.

In landscape photography, there are infinite opportunities, regardless of where you are shooting. Just because you’re not in a National Park shooting an epic vista doesn’t mean you can’t create a compelling image. Some of the best landscape photographs are taken in the least likely locations.

The Role of Experimentation

Snowdon’s work is notable for its variety, and he attributes this to his constant experimentation. He describes how he pushed boundaries by playing with unconventional angles, lighting techniques, and even integrating multimedia elements.

Legacy and Impact

"Stills" concludes with Snowdon reflecting on the evolution of photography and his place in its history. He discusses the rise of digital photography and its impact on the art form. While he embraced new technologies, he maintained that the essence of photography—capturing a moment of truth—remained unchanged.

Wrap-Up

"Stills" is more than a collection of portraits; it’s a masterclass in photography and an exploration of human connection. Snowdon’s insights into his craft and stunning visuals make this book a valuable resource for photographers and art enthusiasts alike.

I enjoyed re-reading ‘Stills’ some 30+ years after first reading it. Many of the images were very familiar as if I had just seen them recently.

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Struggling to Capture the Beauty You See?

You’ve got the camera, the passion, and the dream of capturing stunning landscapes, but your photos don’t turn out quite like you imagined. The colors feel flat, the composition seems off, and, let’s be honest, that “wow” factor is missing.

You’re not alone. Every photographer starts here. But the good news? You don’t have to stay stuck.

The Solution: A Hands-On Weekend Workshop in Joshua Tree

Forget spending months watching tutorials or fumbling with settings. Join my weekend landscape photography workshop, where you’ll get real-time guidance, hands-on practice, and expert coaching.

Under the breathtaking skies of Joshua Tree National Park, you’ll learn how to compose, expose, and edit like a pro—so your photos finally look as magical as the moment felt.

Why This Workshop?

✅ Learn by Doing – Shoot in stunning desert landscapes with hands-on instruction.
✅ Master the Essentials – Composition, exposure, and editing made simple.
✅ Personalized Coaching – Small group sizes mean plenty of one-on-one attention.
✅ Take Home Stunning Images – Walk away with portfolio-worthy shots.
✅ Join a Community – Connect with like-minded photographers.

Alternatively, you can choose a one-to-one workshop (and personalize it to what you'd like to photograph, specific techniques, or how far you want to hike) or join a small group workshop (limited to three photographers).

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Here are a few of my posts that you might be interested in reading:

Explore. Experience. Create. Why?

Essential Photography Terms

RAW vs JPEG

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Interesting musings, images, and art from others:

• The Amana Colonies in Black and White by Rachel Jeffrey

• When in Rome - see Franco Fontana by Søren K. Harbel

• The Sunday interview: 5 questions for Bill Salawich by PerfectLight

• Photographers and Filmmakers Ungagged in National Parks by Bryan Hansel

• 4 inspiring photobooks by Gill Moon Photography

• Wanderlust? More Like Wander-Lost by Ari Magnusson

• 2024 in review as a professional outdoor writer and editor by Alex Roddie

• Fear Limits Our Creativity by Dan Jandl

• My Visual Journal #40 by Susanne Helmert

• Nature's new artistry: hypnotic light and ice by Michela Griffith