In an era where social media platforms often dictate the dimensions of our images, it's easy to fall into the trap of tailoring our compositions to fit predefined social standards. However, the resurgence of the square crop signifies a departure from the norm—a rebellion against the constraints of traditional horizontal and vertical compositions.
Have you ever found yourself trapped in the allure of a wide-angle lens, hoping for those breathtaking, expansive landscape photos? I certainly have. It's a journey, a struggle even, that many of us have faced in our pursuit of capturing better landscape photographs. For years, I believed that grand vistas were the pinnacle of landscape photography. But, how wrong I actually was.
In this comprehensive breakdown, I'll walk you through the last seven steps I take to polish my landscape photographs. In essence, these are the finishing touches I apply to transform a dull and lifeless RAW image into a captivating photograph with soul! From softening details to adding that subtle white border, each move plays a crucial role in shaping the final outcome.
For years, exposure bracketing has been celebrated as the foolproof method to ensure optimal exposure in challenging lighting conditions. However, as technology continues to advance and photographers refine their skills, it's becoming increasingly evident that exposure bracketing isn't always a necessary step. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the nuances of exposure bracketing: when it's essential, when it's optional, and when it's simply unnecessary.
Have you ever found yourself stuck in a loop of planning your next photography trip, endlessly scrolling YouTube, or daydreaming about capturing breathtaking landscapes in far-off destinations? If so, you're not alone. In fact, I want to dive into three essential pieces of advice that many photographers, including myself, often overlook but can significantly elevate your photography game.
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(3 Min Read)
In the world of landscape photography, there's often a spotlight on the giants—the Ansel Adamses, Michael Kennas, and Clyde Butchers whose images grace the covers of magazines and amaze viewers worldwide. But amidst this reverence for greatness, there's a quieter narrative, one that speaks to the journey of continual improvement and the pursuit of personal excellence.
Although, I personally may never be one of the “great landscape photographers” I find solace in the fact that I’m better today than I was yesterday. In this article, I’ll share the four things that have had the greatest impact on me throughout my journey from beginner to professional photographer, in hopes that some of what I discovered can help you as well.
Landscape photography is like exploring a new world, both outside and within yourself. It's easy to get stuck doing things the same way, for instance always using wide-angle lenses focusing on the grand landscape was my crutch. But the real magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone and begin experimenting.
Whether it's trying different focal lengths, getting up close with macro photography, post processing in black & white, or taking to the skies with aerial photography, every experiment and subsequent mistake teaches you something new. Embrace the unknown because that's where you'll find your unique style.
Editing photos is artistry in a digital workshop. It's where you turn flat and dull photographs into jaw-dropping pieces of story-telling art. Many see photo editing as a boring task; think of it as a chance to let your creativity shine. Dive into all the cool tools available, from simple adjustments to fancy blending techniques.
When you work towards post processing mastery, you'll make your images stand out from the crowd while adding your signature editing style. The more photo editing techniques at your disposal the better you’ll be.
Composition is the secret language of photography—it's how you tell stories without saying a word. To become proficient at composition, you need to really lean into it. Dive into as much educational information on the topic of composition as you possibly can, like how to balance different parts of your photo, create depth with layers, and how to create attractive visual tension.
Study the works of your favorite photographers to see how they do it - they’re your favorite for a reason, so why not learn from them. When you understand composition, your photos will speak volumes. I firmly believe the fastest way to improve your photography is by becoming a student of composition.
In today's digital world, knowledge is a treasure—it's meant to be shared. Aspiring photographers like us can learn a lot from those who came before us. But it's not just about taking; it's about giving back too. Share your own tips and tricks with fellow photographers. Whether it's through online groups and forums or maybe just chatting with your friend on location; it’s cliche, but team work makes the dream work. Remember, the rising tide lifts all ships - we all rise when we lift each other up.
So as I reflect on my journey as a landscape photographer, I’ve come to the conclusion that my greatest achievement won’t be measured in accolades or recognition, rather in the sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing that I’m better today than I was yesterday.
And while I may never attain greatness, I take comfort in the fact that I’m continually striving to be better—not for the validation of others of course, but for the sheer joy of capturing the beauty of the world that surrounds me.
Because in the end, perhaps greatness isn’t just for the select few that actually attain in, but instead found in the quiet resilience of those who dare to chase down their passions with unrelenting focus.
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Have a great week!
Mark D.
📨 Join over 52,000 readers enjoying The Morning Blaze - my free, email newsletter where I share photography education, tutorials, & inspiration I’ve gained throughout my journey from beginner to professional landscape photographer.
I’ll never share your email address with anyone. Unsubscribe at any time. Email Policy
(3 Min Read)
I want to share an insightful experience that completely transformed the way I approach photography. As you know, overall improvement is always at the forefront of my mind, and this particular experiment truly pushed the boundaries of the way I approach my photography.
So, throughout 2023 I found myself slipping into a nasty habit that crept into my workflow. You see, despite years of improving my skills, I noticed a troubling trend – an increase in the volume of photos I was taking, coupled with a decline in so called 'keeper' images.
Determined to turn the tide, and always being up for a challenge - I embarked on a 30-day challenge to resolve this problem.
In this article, I’ll break down my experiment into four key stages: the problem, the cause, the solution, and of course, the results that left me pleasantly astonished.
As we improve as photographers, it's natural to refine our craft and become more selective with our shots. However, I found myself trapped in a cycle of over-shooting, drowning in a sea of mediocre images. Despite my best efforts, the quality of my portfolio remained stagnant, overshadowed by the sheer quantity of forgettable captures which ultimately let to a nightmarish amount of culling once I returned home from a trip.
Upon deep reflection, I traced this dilemma back to a subtle but significant shift in my mindset – the digital age had lulled me into a false sense of abundance. With ample storage and limitless shots at my disposal, I succumbed to the temptation of 'spray and pray' photography. The result? Lazy compositions, lost focus, and a growing pile of uninspired photographs. I had fully adopted the mentality of “capture it all & figure it out later”.
Armed with newfound clarity, I devised a simple yet powerful strategy – emulate the discipline of shooting with film. Channeling the spirit of analog photography, I imposed a strict limit of 36 shots per outing - as if I were photographing with film. The goal? To break free from the practice of mindless shooting and rediscover the essence of intentional photography. This constraint forced me to pause, observe, slow down, and compose each frame with unwavering purpose.
Now, for the truly remarkable part – the aftermath of this experiment defied all expectations. With a fraction of my usual shot count, I witnessed a dramatic surge in the percentage of ‘keeper’ photos. When reviewing my January photos I captured in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and the Lofoten Islands in Norway, each frame resonated with a newfound clarity and intentionality that I had been missing.
But it wasn't just about the numbers – this shift in approach unlocked a deeper connection to my surroundings. By embracing the constraints of limited shots, I entered a state of flow where every exposure felt deliberate and meaningful. And the cherry on top? A small but pleasant surprise in the form of extended battery life – yet another testament to the efficiency gained through focused shooting.
In hindsight, this journey taught me a valuable lesson – by embracing constraints, we can unleash the boundless potential of our own creativity, one photograph at a time. So, whether you're a seasoned pro or a budding enthusiast, embrace limitations, cultivate intentionality, and watch as your photography soars to new heights.
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Have a great week!
Mark D.
