I've been 100% all-in on landscape photography for almost 10 years now. During these years, I lost my corporate job in the financial marketing space, subsequently built a business solely around outdoor photography, made numerous mistakes along the way, learned more about photography than I ever thought possible, created an online photography publication with over 53,000 readers, and most importantly, edited thousands of landscape photographs. In this article, I’ll share with you the defining moments of my photographic journey in hopes you’ll be able to progress faster in yours.
1. Embrace Shoshin: The Beginner’s Mindset
The term "Shoshin" is a Japanese Zen concept that means "beginner’s mindset." As we progress in any field, we tend to become know-it-alls. The more you learn, the more your mind closes off to new ideas. When you're a beginner, your rate of improvement is rapid because you're a sponge, absorbing every bit of information. Embracing the beginner’s mindset, whether you’re new to photography or have been doing it for decades, is one of the best things you can do to continually learn and grow.
2. The Power of Perspective
We all see the world the same way, with our eyes at the top of our heads. This common perspective makes photographs taken at eye level look ordinary. By shifting your perspective—getting lower to the ground, higher up, or moving to the side—you create unique and intriguing images that stand out. Experiment with different angles to capture the world in ways that people don't typically see.
3. You Can’t Find Your Creative Style
Many photographers spend years trying to find their creative style. The truth is, you don’t find your creative style; your creative style finds you. This discovery happens through repetition—by taking countless photos and editing them over many years. As you do this, you'll naturally identify what works for you and what doesn’t, leading to the development of your unique style.
4. Become a Visual Storyteller
When I first started, I would capture a single photograph of a scene and leave. Now, I approach each scene like a Hollywood producer with a storyboard. Start with a wide-angle shot to capture the entire scene, then move on to detailed shots with a longer focal length, and finally, take mid-range shots. This variety tells a more complete and compelling story of the location.
5. Variety: The Spice of Life
Early in my career, I focused solely on wide-angle photographs. This made me one-dimensional and left me with few options if the conditions weren't ideal for a wide focal length. By exploring different types of landscape photography—such as aerial, macro, or telephoto—you not only keep your creative juices flowing, but also increase your chances of capturing stunning photos regardless the conditions you’re faced with.
6. Focus on Your Gear, Not New Gear
It’s easy to get obsessed with the latest camera gear. Instead, focus on mastering the gear you already own. Learn everything about it—how high you can push the ISO before you get noticeable noise, where to focus at different apertures, and so on. Knowing your camera inside and out will make you a better photographer.
7. Good Light Makes Anything Look Better
Good lighting can transform even the most mundane subject into something extraordinary. Pay attention to the time of day you shoot—sunrise and sunset generally offers the best light. If you can't shoot during these times, look for overcast days that provide soft, diffused light. Improving your understanding and use of light will significantly enhance your photos.
8. Shutter Speed: Your Time Machine
Shutter speed is more than just a camera setting; it’s a tool to tell your story. It can freeze a moment in time or blur it to create a sense of motion. A fast shutter speed can make a waterfall look powerful and ferocious, while a slow shutter speed can make it look calm and peaceful. Experiment with different shutter speeds to see how they change the mood of your photos.
9. Assemble a Composition Like a Puzzle
When you arrive at a location, take a moment to survey the scene and identify the elements you love most. Think of these elements as pieces of a puzzle. By moving your camera around, you can arrange these pieces into a cohesive and compelling composition.
10. Become a Photo Editing Jedi
Photo editing is an endless field with always something new to learn. By dedicating time to improve your editing skills, you'll enhance your photos and bring your creative vision to life. Aim for your post-processing to be subtle and invisible—enhancing your photo without being noticeable.
11. Be a Student of Composition
Improving your composition skills is one of the fastest ways to enhance your photography. Learn and practice various composition techniques, like the rule of thirds, symmetry, balance and layers. The more you study and apply these techniques, the better your photos will become.
12. Focus on What You Love
When composing an image, focus on the elements of the scene that you love the most. This will guide your framing and help you create photos that resonate with your passion and vision.
13. Photography Is About the Journey, Not the End Result
For me, photography is about the journey, not just the final image. Each photo holds memories of the trip, the people I was with, and what was happening in my life at that time. Embrace the entire process, from planning to shooting to editing. This mindset will enrich your photographic experience.
14. Manual Mode: Unlock Creative Control
Manual mode is the best way to understand the exposure triangle—aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. It gives you complete creative control over your camera. By practicing in manual mode, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how these settings interact and affect your photos.
15. Understand Bracketing, Focus Stacking, and Panoramic Photography
These three techniques have been instrumental in my photography. Bracketing helps you capture a wide range of exposures, focus stacking ensures sharpness throughout your image, and panoramic photography allows you to create expansive, detailed shots. Learning and practicing these techniques will significantly improve your photography.
16. Embrace the Fact That Photography Can’t Be Perfected
Photography is constantly evolving, and there’s always something new to learn. Accept that you can’t perfect it and enjoy the journey of continuous learning and improvement. This mindset will keep you open to new techniques and ideas.
17. Enjoy the Process
At the end of the day, remember that photography is a deeply personal and fulfilling hobby or profession. Each photo is a testament to your experiences, your growth, and your passion. Enjoy every moment, from capturing the photo to the final edit, and cherish the stories behind your images.
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Have a great week!
Mark D.
