Thanks Mark its really appreciate advice's,since I am a Beginner these all is really Worth pieces from a amateur photographer, and Have some query What is Dehaze? How is that using for image editing? How we can identify our images need to do the Dehaze?
Plan to go. Prepare ahead of time as you said. But add to that - no matter what the weather is, go. You may get up at 4 a.m. and it’s pouring rain. Very tempting to go back to bed. But two things could happen: it could continue to rain and you’ll have to think harder about getting great images, or it could stop and you may have incredible atmosphere, reflections, dark stormy skies. Just go!
Another great video Mark, you deserve more subscribers. I mostly shoot landscapes and when i first started, i used to go to a location, unprepared and just shoot, shoot, shoot, in hope that i will come back home with something good. The advice that changed everything for me, was : like you said, plan in advance as much as you can, then instead of shooting 500 photos hopping that one will turn out ok, just plan in advance in your head what you want to do, stay calm, take your time, look around, find a composition and a foreground...take multiple exposures so i have plenty to work from...focus on one thing and work on it. So basically, instead of using your camera like an AK-47, use it like a Sniper riffle...one perfect shot at the time :)
Listening to your advice #1, I just realized that landscape photography is just like going fishing. Catching something big, is nice, it's the icing on the cake; but the whole process of picking your gear, deciding on bait, etc., going to the site, enjoying the quiet time for your self, is the important part, the activity that enriches you and makes you go again.
100%! Enjoy is number 1... And I'll add NEVER STOP LEARNING! Photography is a a fun journey, it keeps you creative, it keep you active and it keeps you learning. Thanks for the inspiring video Mark! :)
Very true words we tend to rush far to much when we should stop and just see whats happening around us before we take the camera out, i feel you have a very nice way of putting things in your vids, great work.
First advice I learned was "geh tiefer, geh dichter ran" (obviously I'm german) - meaning "go down, go closer", which fits to your advice of a perspective shift. Another advice I'll never forget was "photography is a running sport" (shout out to Werner ;), which is just another way of saying "get closer". This may not be of such relevance in landscape photography, but it always reminds my not to just stand there but to explore the scene. Which brings me to the most important advice of all (for us amateurs): if you're trying to get serious, don't bring your wife and kids! This turns out to be the biggest obstacle in photography, at least for me...
The best advise I got and found with my photography is to enjoy the surroundings while taking the photo. The best advise I can give is to subscribe to Mark Denney's TH-cam channel and learn. Mark is a great teacher. he explains everything simply and straight forward. Keep up the great work Mark.
The whole process is definitely a part of the fun for me. Planning is a fairly new part of the process for me (as I'm here looking on Google Earth at the directions that local vineyards are planted to see what aligns with the upcoming full moon). I think in addition to getting better shots, it makes them even more gratifying when you see your work come to fruition.
Thank you for this very educational video. I started photography less than 6 months ego, and I absolutely love it. What happened is, I wanted to get something a little better than iPhone for our vacation in Europe. Somehow I ended up buying D810 from acquaintance of mine, without even slightest idea what I am getting myself into :). Making short story even shorter, today I bought brand new Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2! I’m deliriously happy and, oh yes, fully committed to put it to work utilizing each and everyone of your advices. Thank you so very much! Best of luck to you in 2020!
Mark Nierman Glad to do it Mark and many thanks to YOU for watching it! I know exactly what you mean - photography can be highly addictive that’s for sure:)
Same here, 95%+ of my images are shot in the landscape orientation, I have become so comfortable in this orientation. I am so uncomfortable in the portrait orientation. In 2020, I will force myself the look at landscapes in a portrait view. Thanks for all your advice, really great stuff.
Back in the summer, my wife and I went to the beach a few times with other photographer friends to capture the sunset and then the night sky. We got plenty of great photos and had a great time hanging out with each other.
Another winner video Mark! One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from John Shaw one day when we were out shooting in Olympic NP. He said when you find a composition you like, learn why you like it, then you can learn to repeat it, ignore "rules", do what looks good to you.
I really appreciate your honest candid approach to photography. I only have a Nikon D3300 but one of your earlier videos encouraged me that i can very much "enjoy the process" without getting carried away with the best tech. Your advise is appreciated.
Definitely agree with your top tip Mark. Last trip to the Lake District in UK I stopped myself dashing around and just planned a few locations and the hikes etc and it was really enjoyable as has been the processing and learning how to improve that. I'd also echo the bit about staying around after sunrise/sunset. I decided to shoot Mesa Arch last August when in Moab and a bit of research showed me the after glow. It was the normal scrum for sunrise but most disappeared but I hung around because I had read about the afterglow. Same at Durdle Door in UK recently. Couldn't get the sunrise photo I wanted but hung around and got a few mins where the light suddenly kicked off. So I guess one thing I've learnt is try to keep an open mind to another composition if the one you wanted isn't really working. One final tip which is from me is to watch a range of TH-camrs you like to get a range of perspectives, ideas and tips. I watch you, Nick Page, Adam Gibbs, Gavin Hardcastle, BvS, Mike Perea and Thomas Heaton mostly and pick up things from each of you. :-)
I agree that enjoying the experience is most important. I love going out in nature in the morning and taking photos. I’m usually the only person at the location and I know that no other human being on planet Earth is seeing what I’m seeing. I’m the only one who gets to witness that specific sunrise. There may never be another one exactly like it.
#11 bring a second camera and take time lapse of your experience and #12 take lots of HDR images to merge and panorama shots so you can increase dynamic range and make big prints
Hi Mark Denney , i am new in Landscape photography and i am enjoying most of your videos on YT, i have to say they are helping me out very much, Thank You very much.
Agree Mark, especially number ONE! I'm heading to Lofoten in Feb 2020 on a photography tour with 5 other photographers. Planning was fantastic, looking forward to the journey and the experiences for 7 days in Lofoten!
Hello Mark, I just wanted to leave a comment saying a huge thank you for your videos and efforts you're putting into explaining the various aspects of landscape photography and photo editing. For the last two years, I have been taking photos with a Canon EOS 750d and came across your channel about two weeks ago when I switched to my new Sony Alpha 6000 while browsing for reviews of the Zeiss lense I got myself with it. I'm still struggling to find my primary photography subject (tried objects, portraits, and probably annoyed the hell out of my dog before) and only took a first careful step into landscape photography like a month ago, but binge-watching your channel over the past days has greatly increased my desire to try this further. The whole style of your videos, the way you explain whatever subject your video is about, the enthusiasm for landscape photography you bring across to me as a viewer, it's just amazing and makes you stick out from a lot of photographers who're either dull at explaining or act like they're putting on a constant show. Best regards from Germany, and I suppose my best advice when it comes to starting with landscape photography was a TH-cam recommendation of a channel called "Mark Denney". :D
saffi01 Such an amazing comment! Thanks so much for this - made my morning! It’s great to hear that you’re enjoying the channel and that the videos are helpful! Many thanks again.
Excellent points 👊 I agree with #9 shoot shoot shoot. Sometimes the best images come when least expected. MJ’s quote...the worst shot is the one I did not take! Applies to photography as well 📸
Nice tips dear Mark ❤️👍 For me I think the best advice that I became years ago is that studying and understanding everything in the photos of the professional photographers. Train my eye to see the good photos and the normal one and trying to analyze why this photo is better than the others.
You make so much sense, Mark. Enjoy your video. Found by slowing down while planning, setting up, composing my pic, helps me to relax and enjoy the process as much as taking that pin sharp image. This is a hobby that I can do, and have written your remarks down many times and carry them in my journal. My pics are getting better because of your input. Thanks again. Bill.
Great video Mark. I am getting back into photography again after years of not doing much with my hobby. Dropped out when everything went digital. Photographing my grandson's soccer games was the motivating factor. Started using my cell phone. Then pulled out my old Nikon Coolpix L810. Got some way better shots, but years earlier the lens housing totally came loose from the body and had to tape it to keep in stable. Still took good pics. Then at the first soccer game using it the battery compartment clip holding the door closed broke. The batteries were on the verge of falling out. Well, finally my wife and I went and looked for a new camera. Bought a Nikon D3500 and am now learning how to use it. The camera came with two lenses 18-55mm and 70-300mm. I am astonished what great action pics I have gotten with that 70-300mm lens. I am going out looking for places to shoot now. The colors this fall have een eye-popping beautiful this year. We live in Virginia Beach and the colors have not been this beautiful in the whole 19 years we've lived here! The weather usually doesn't cooperate. Researching old grist mills in this area to shoot, as well as old covered bridges, churches, revolutionary era houses that are still in existence here. Soe have awesome cemeteries near them. Anyway, I am really enjoying watching your videos! They are extremely well shot, the audio is great, and your laid back, easy-going style keeps me coming back for more. Keep up the good work.
John Wagner Really appreciate this John - thank you! I’m in central NC and agree, the fall colors have been off the charts incredible this year! One for the ages!
Great video Mark, just good solid advice without all the bells and whistles that seem to be weighing down TH-cam more and more. My favorite would have to be 'turn around', took me way too long to work that one out by myself.
The only disagreement(besides the damn clock) would be #2...........only because I prefer to shoot in a square format. I started back in the day when I shot medium format(6x6) ruled and I never could break myself of the habit.
Hmmm in no particular order - pay attention to the histogram, bracket exposures in a high dynamic range scene, revisit places you have already been to see improvement in your methods and results. Probably my favourite is similar to yours, get out there, enjoy yourself, enjoy the experience and take your time. Thanks Mark, your delivery is on point as always, hope we see you out capturing some images soon too. John
These are all very helpful advices. One advice was important for me and changed the way how I make a photo: To give the photo a title; this helps to concentrate on the object.
I like the #1 advice. Sometimes I don't enjoy it because at times I feel rushed. That is because I typically have my wife go with me and I don't want to make her wait too long. Gonna have to do more solo work or go with someone who is take a photo too!
JA Brown I have the same feeling when my wife travels with me as well - I feel much more rushed than I usually do as I worry that’s she bored out of her mind🤣
All good advice Mark. To add to #7, Turn Around, when I'm hiking to a final location, I like to stop and take look back towards where I just came from often. The perspective is so different that it's easy to miss a nice composition if you don't. Plus, it's a good excuse for us slightly older folks to stop and catch our breath during a tough ascent.
great advice Mark, even for long time landscapers. I resonate with tip #7-look behind you, as I once went on an early morning shoot to a beach that I hadn't photographed seriously before, to get a sunrise shot. Whilst waiting for the sun to make an appearance, it was becoming evident that the sun would be rising behind the hillside at the side of the bay instead of behind the bay's feature arched rock. (It was early days but I suppose that's tip #4 too) I was starting to get a little disappointed when I spotted that, behind me, the Moon was setting in amongst some gorgeous dusky pinks and blues. A quick recompose bagged me one of my favourite images. Also, I'd never thought about tip #6 in the way you described. Yeah, sure I shoot RAW but with jpeg too. As you mentioned, jpegs are pretty good these days so, unless I've got a real stunner of a shot, I usually give the jpegs a quick adjust or three and go with them. Lazy I suppose but also because I'm not that good at editing... I wonder why? From now on though, I think I'll be giving the RAW only method a shot.... excuse the (intentional) pun! Love the videos, great stuff... cheers!
I've definitely used the turn around advice during a few sunset shoots and been greatly rewarded. I also heard the mantra of "the best time to shoot a portrait layout is right after you've taken a landscape layout" and vice versa. It definitely gives you a different set of composition options which may give you a better shot than you had originally envisioned. I think everyone should type up these items and keep the list in their camera bags to remind them when they're in the field.
Thank you for this advice! I've been hobbying photography for 3 years and most of my good shots have been by luck. Following advice like yours, I am starting to see better shots by technique more than chance!
Great tips Mark. My favorite has always been enjoying the process. That has to be my favorite part of photography. Even if I don't get a great shot out of my shoot, I always enjoy the process. Another great tip is learn from your not so good photos and how you can make it better for next time.
Mark, your videos are really inspiring. I live in Edinburgh, Scotland. Major problem I have is, not being a car owner, I have to use buses and trains . I have my bicycle, I also walk and buses in and around Edinburgh are excellent and run practically 24/7. Getting up early is not an issue for me. So locally I don't have a problem. But when I want to travel further afield I have to rely on trains and buses which never get me to where I want to be early enough in order to get that Golden Hour. We have some truly wonderful scenery in Scotland. It's just getting around without a car. Nonetheless I do what I can.
I'll have to work more on my foreground element, that is a great recommendation as well as vertical. I've been trying that. Again thanks for all the help.
Mark, I’m a big fan, I enjoy all your videos and advice. The one thing that’s been bugging me is the clock on the wall behind you. It always reads 7:50. I think it’s time to change the batteries 😉 Keep up the great work.
Great video Mark and love the advice, #7 made me laugh, in my Kinnie Brook video you can see how disappointed I was when I arrived at the bottom of the brook, after taking just a few steps and turning around totally by accident I got probably my best image since starting this video stuff. #1 Is crucial, you have to enjoy what you are doing and it will reflect in your images. You also mentioned planning, this is one area that I need to improve. Thanks for sharing.
All good points, Mark. I liked your advice to “turn around”. As I read somewhere else, the best shot is often the one you see in the rear vision mirror as you leave the site.
Hello, thank you for your wonderful videos. I'm a beginner (9 months) and I want to believe I'm making progress but there is ONE THING I haven't managed to figure out and that's how to organize my photos. I have them everywhere scattered and I'd like to know how you organize them please. Hope you can make a video on that.
Looking around (and back) is so important. I more than once nearly missed an amazing shot coz I didn‘t look back. Once I was in King‘s Park in Perth and so into the amazing color game in front of me that I nearly missed the even better colors in the opposite direction. Great video, Mark! Keep them coming! ❤️
Hello Mark, I love watching your videos about your excursions and camping out to get those beautiful pictures, I am learning so much from you and greatly appreciate all of your dedication. I was hoping you could help advise me in what camping gear to get, because I have made plans for 2024 to to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail all in one go and I will be bringing my Sony A7R4 along with my tripod and 3 lenses to try and capture all of the beautiful landscapes, I will be bringing the Sigma 16mm F/1.4 , Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM and the FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G and a 2x teleconverter and possibly what ever else you think I might need for this adventure lol. So with all of that in mind I am looking for advice on what camping gear to get to help me survive in 4 season weather from extreme elevation, from Deserts, Forrest and Snow, I am looking for ultralight stuff and money is not an issue because I will be saving up for 4 years to go on this trip, I am looking for quality things that will last the whole trip.
Great video and Great advice! For me taking the time to plan my photography is the biggest issue I hope to get better with. I am also trying to slow down the process and really enjoy and soak in the environment I'm in and the composition I'm trying to create! Keep up the great work Mark!
Shoot more is hard with medium and large format film photography ! But all the others apply very well, I always like to stay after the sun is already set even for "bad" sunsets sometimes you get amazing light! For the perspective tips, it's the best thing with the hasselblad I tend to find really good composition lower on the ground. An another tips, would be to not always shoot with your wider lens !
Hey Mark, once again a very comprehensive video, so thank you for sharing. Could you give a little more insights (maybe in a separate video) in your planning phase of a shot...say, which tools are used and when, which critical aspects to think about when approaching location...I assume this could be very beneficial for many followers
Good stuff, Mark. Thank you. If I were to add an 11th one I'd say: go back. Return to a location under variable conditions. This is most practical if you have a favorite location nearby. Photographing that location at different times of day, under different weather conditions, seasons, etc., is a great tool for learning how to approach a scene and tell a story. There's an old, rusty Allis-Chalmers tractor sitting in a field a mile from my house. I have shot it a dozen times or more over the last 2 years from every possible angle, under multiple conditions. Sometimes I just stop by and walk around it without my camera - talking to it - trying to extract the best conceivable composition. I feel it mocking me as I have yet to be satisfied with all the elements at any one visit. But the challenge has been fun and an extraordinary learning experience. Perhaps you have experienced something similar? That would make for a good video!
As always - informative, precise and quality content. Thanks, Mark for putting your quality time to make such awesome videos which are rare even in paid platforms....!!!
I learned the "turn around" lesson years ago while looking at wildlife. Hubby and I were looking way, way, way off into a field at some elk. We heard a stone or twig behind us and turned. There were several elk no more than 15 feet behind us just wandering by. We always turn around now.
Thanks for this! Always enjoyed taking photos but just realized it's becoming more than that! Still an iphone photographer (yikes lol) but looking into a camera to buy soon. Appreciate the advice for everything leading up to the photo so that I can get better at that while waiting on getting an actual camera
best advice i got was and still the best one everyday : test , test more, and test again ! ;) Advice i learn: Your not taking shots, your taking moments of life
Thank you! Your advice as always is very helpful. I have been following your channel for several months and you helped feel there is room for anxious landscape photographers who like to plan every detail ahead of time. You mentioned several landscape photographers you follow. Who do you recommend following and looking at their work to learn more? Thanks Tamar
Hi Mark! My process and its enjoyment through my first steps as a more serious landscape photographer has led me here, to your videos (sorry for the delay haha) and I love them, I find them so meaningful right now, so in summary I have received most of my landscape advices from you and I'm really greatful for it. Nevertheless, there's been a question I haven't been able to respond beyond the limits of common sense and it is: Is it safe or advisable to go to the planned locations by yourself, without much experience outdoors and safety information? You see, I am from and live in Mexico and it's been a doubt that contains two main dimensions: the safety in terms of outdoor knowledge and expertise and, second, the insecurity nationwide. I understand if you can't answer my question in much detail, but really any information would be helpful. Thanks a lot for the value you provide in the videos and keep up the great material!
Hey Mark, I’ve been a fan for a long time. I’d like to give you a little advice. Start producing photography videos! It just seems like you’ve been talking about photography and your tips. Get out of your studio and capture some gallery art! Make some on location videos! Post processing! Printing! Oh, you may not need to upgrade to the r4 but you should upgrade the r3. Take care my friend and continue growing, I wish you well Sir.
Just go out and enjoy the nature experience and bring your camera. If there are some good pictures too, it is a bonus. Don't expect every picture to be a top notch one, but if you come home with one "keeper" then it is good.
I wouldn't consider myself a beginner, but I still love watching videos like this 'cause fundamentals are always valuable regardless of the topic, whether it's one of my hobbies (i.e. landscape photography) or something work related. Not everyone starts from the same fundamentals, so revisiting them often to see if anyone has other basic advice to share can come in handy. Great video :) Unrelated question about gear: have you tried taking the Atlas Adventure pack on carry-on with the frame in? Is it actually 25" tall with the frame? I've been looking for a travel+camera backpack where I can "one bag" through airports & flights and use a packable daypack once I get to a location, but every time I look at photography-specific backpacks, it seems like my best bet is buying a carry-on compliant hiking backpack and using a Tenba camera case insert. The Atlas Athlete bag looks more suitable at its smaller size, but I'm not sure if it's quite large enough -- any idea if it expands from 20-40L or is it 20-50L?
A good reminder of things I knew, but often forget. A suggestion: drop the green and red backlights. Plus the two lamps. I find them very distracting. And lose that pot plant, I find myself waiting for your left hand to knock it flying.
Hi Mark, another very helpful video. Way too often I forget to try a vertical composition unless it really jumps out to clear away what I don't want in the photo, One question though. I have heard other photographers expound how important it is to have the distance in focus, and to not worry so much about the for-ground focus (sharpness). Just to be clear, were you saying to make sure the for-ground is in perfect focus, or to try to make sure there is something of interest in the for-ground. One well known author went so far as to say the every good photo has a for-ground, middle ground and background. I try to look for that and it has helped my compositions, but I don't believe the "every" part. I like what I like. Thanks, John
GREAT TIPS!! I know it sounds simplistic... Trust your instinct. Go through your day on the lookout for shots. I drove by a cluster of big oak trees shading a large area with a single fire engine RED Maple tree back lit by the sun contrasting the under oak shadows. This was in a residential greenbelt!! Not Yosemite or the Grand Canyon.
@@MarkDenneyPhoto I'm just a "jpeg snapper" at this point but I really want to turn into a "real photog" next year. Will be spending LOTS of time watching your videos.
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Thanks Mark its really appreciate advice's,since I am a Beginner these all is really Worth pieces from a amateur photographer, and Have some query
What is Dehaze? How is that using for image editing? How we can identify our images need to do the Dehaze?
Enjoying the whole process of photography definitely was one of the best advice i got!!!
Plan to go. Prepare ahead of time as you said. But add to that - no matter what the weather is, go. You may get up at 4 a.m. and it’s pouring rain. Very tempting to go back to bed. But two things could happen: it could continue to rain and you’ll have to think harder about getting great images, or it could stop and you may have incredible atmosphere, reflections, dark stormy skies. Just go!
Shoot in RAW
Another great video Mark, you deserve more subscribers. I mostly shoot landscapes and when i first started, i used to go to a location, unprepared and just shoot, shoot, shoot, in hope that i will come back home with something good. The advice that changed everything for me, was : like you said, plan in advance as much as you can, then instead of shooting 500 photos hopping that one will turn out ok, just plan in advance in your head what you want to do, stay calm, take your time, look around, find a composition and a foreground...take multiple exposures so i have plenty to work from...focus on one thing and work on it. So basically, instead of using your camera like an AK-47, use it like a Sniper riffle...one perfect shot at the time :)
Search, research, plan and enjoy.... the rest will follow... thank you for your advice.
maia hgool That’s a great way to put it!
I love "Enjoy every step of the process"
Thanks Faith!
Listening to your advice #1, I just realized that landscape photography is just like going fishing. Catching something big, is nice, it's the icing on the cake; but the whole process of picking your gear, deciding on bait, etc., going to the site, enjoying the quiet time for your self, is the important part, the activity that enriches you and makes you go again.
100%! Enjoy is number 1... And I'll add NEVER STOP LEARNING! Photography is a a fun journey, it keeps you creative, it keep you active and it keeps you learning. Thanks for the inspiring video Mark! :)
PhotoPills Many thanks Rafael! Glad you enjoyed the video!
Very true words we tend to rush far to much when we should stop and just see whats happening around us before we take the camera out, i feel you have a very nice way of putting things in your vids, great work.
Number 1 advice is must have for every landscape photographer.
First advice I learned was "geh tiefer, geh dichter ran" (obviously I'm german) - meaning "go down, go closer", which fits to your advice of a perspective shift. Another advice I'll never forget was "photography is a running sport" (shout out to Werner ;), which is just another way of saying "get closer". This may not be of such relevance in landscape photography, but it always reminds my not to just stand there but to explore the scene.
Which brings me to the most important advice of all (for us amateurs): if you're trying to get serious, don't bring your wife and kids! This turns out to be the biggest obstacle in photography, at least for me...
Thomas Müller Appreciate the comment and many thanks for watching this weeks video Thomas!
The best advise I got and found with my photography is to enjoy the surroundings while taking the photo. The best advise I can give is to subscribe to Mark Denney's TH-cam channel and learn. Mark is a great teacher. he explains everything simply and straight forward. Keep up the great work Mark.
Well said Mark.
Joseph Stanski Thanks Joseph!
The whole process is definitely a part of the fun for me. Planning is a fairly new part of the process for me (as I'm here looking on Google Earth at the directions that local vineyards are planted to see what aligns with the upcoming full moon). I think in addition to getting better shots, it makes them even more gratifying when you see your work come to fruition.
Thank you for this very educational video. I started photography less than 6 months ego, and I absolutely love it. What happened is, I wanted to get something a little better than iPhone for our vacation in Europe. Somehow I ended up buying D810 from acquaintance of mine, without even slightest idea what I am getting myself into :). Making short story even shorter, today I bought brand new Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2! I’m deliriously happy and, oh yes, fully committed to put it to work utilizing each and everyone of your advices. Thank you so very much! Best of luck to you in 2020!
Mark Nierman Glad to do it Mark and many thanks to YOU for watching it! I know exactly what you mean - photography can be highly addictive that’s for sure:)
“Keep it simple” has improved my images too.
Yes, that is one that's helped me greatly as well!
Same here, 95%+ of my images are shot in the landscape orientation, I have become so comfortable in this orientation. I am so uncomfortable in the portrait orientation. In 2020, I will force myself the look at landscapes in a portrait view. Thanks for all your advice, really great stuff.
Back in the summer, my wife and I went to the beach a few times with other photographer friends to capture the sunset and then the night sky. We got plenty of great photos and had a great time hanging out with each other.
Another winner video Mark! One of the best pieces of advice I ever received was from John Shaw one day when we were out shooting in Olympic NP. He said when you find a composition you like, learn why you like it, then you can learn to repeat it, ignore "rules", do what looks good to you.
David Akoubian Thanks David! Love that advice, I need to focus more on that as well!
@@MarkDenneyPhoto You do pretty well already!
I really appreciate your honest candid approach to photography. I only have a Nikon D3300 but one of your earlier videos encouraged me that i can very much "enjoy the process" without getting carried away with the best tech. Your advise is appreciated.
Definitely agree with your top tip Mark. Last trip to the Lake District in UK I stopped myself dashing around and just planned a few locations and the hikes etc and it was really enjoyable as has been the processing and learning how to improve that. I'd also echo the bit about staying around after sunrise/sunset. I decided to shoot Mesa Arch last August when in Moab and a bit of research showed me the after glow. It was the normal scrum for sunrise but most disappeared but I hung around because I had read about the afterglow. Same at Durdle Door in UK recently. Couldn't get the sunrise photo I wanted but hung around and got a few mins where the light suddenly kicked off. So I guess one thing I've learnt is try to keep an open mind to another composition if the one you wanted isn't really working. One final tip which is from me is to watch a range of TH-camrs you like to get a range of perspectives, ideas and tips. I watch you, Nick Page, Adam Gibbs, Gavin Hardcastle, BvS, Mike Perea and Thomas Heaton mostly and pick up things from each of you. :-)
I agree that enjoying the experience is most important. I love going out in nature in the morning and taking photos. I’m usually the only person at the location and I know that no other human being on planet Earth is seeing what I’m seeing. I’m the only one who gets to witness that specific sunrise. There may never be another one exactly like it.
I look at it exactly the same was as you just described!
#11 bring a second camera and take time lapse of your experience and #12 take lots of HDR images to merge and panorama shots so you can increase dynamic range and make big prints
Glenn Hunt Oh thats a good one!
Hi Mark Denney , i am new in Landscape photography and i am enjoying most of your videos on YT, i have to say they are helping me out very much, Thank You very much.
Great Advise that all resonate with me! Thanks Mark. Merry Christmas to you and your family and loved ones!
Bud Betz Many thanks Bud and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family as well!
Very good one Mark! I am going to recommend this to a young friend who asked me about landscape photo advice.
Ralph Mercer Thanks Ralph - very much appreciate you sharing!
Great advice Mark! In Italy we have a saying, enjoy the ride as much as the destination :) I think it fits perfectly in landscape photography
Diego Ruo Rui Thanks Diego!
You are a born teacher. Great content.
David Hartfield Thanks so much David! I really appreciate that.
Agree Mark, especially number ONE! I'm heading to Lofoten in Feb 2020 on a photography tour with 5 other photographers. Planning was fantastic, looking forward to the journey and the experiences for 7 days in Lofoten!
Phil McNamara Enjoy your trip Phil! That location is on my bucket list!
Oh man, thats the Truth of Photography! I can see my first Steps in Photography. Thank you. Lg Michael
Hello Mark, I just wanted to leave a comment saying a huge thank you for your videos and efforts you're putting into explaining the various aspects of landscape photography and photo editing. For the last two years, I have been taking photos with a Canon EOS 750d and came across your channel about two weeks ago when I switched to my new Sony Alpha 6000 while browsing for reviews of the Zeiss lense I got myself with it.
I'm still struggling to find my primary photography subject (tried objects, portraits, and probably annoyed the hell out of my dog before) and only took a first careful step into landscape photography like a month ago, but binge-watching your channel over the past days has greatly increased my desire to try this further. The whole style of your videos, the way you explain whatever subject your video is about, the enthusiasm for landscape photography you bring across to me as a viewer, it's just amazing and makes you stick out from a lot of photographers who're either dull at explaining or act like they're putting on a constant show.
Best regards from Germany, and I suppose my best advice when it comes to starting with landscape photography was a TH-cam recommendation of a channel called "Mark Denney". :D
saffi01 Such an amazing comment! Thanks so much for this - made my morning! It’s great to hear that you’re enjoying the channel and that the videos are helpful! Many thanks again.
I strongly agree with #8, #5, #4, #2 and #1. Especially #1. Thank you for sharing these advices mark 😊
Fair&Squares Happy to do it and thank YOU for watching the video!
Excellent points 👊 I agree with #9 shoot shoot shoot. Sometimes the best images come when least expected. MJ’s quote...the worst shot is the one I did not take! Applies to photography as well 📸
Thanks Rod! Love that quote! I think about it just about every week.
Nice tips dear Mark ❤️👍
For me I think the best advice that I became years ago is that studying and understanding everything in the photos of the professional photographers. Train my eye to see the good photos and the normal one and trying to analyze why this photo is better than the others.
The moody Photographer Much appreciated- thank you and 100% agree with the advice you mentioned👍
@@MarkDenneyPhoto ❤️🌹
As a beginner this is amazing! Some stuff I had never even considered. Thank you!
You make so much sense, Mark. Enjoy your video. Found by slowing down while planning, setting up, composing my pic, helps me to relax and enjoy the process as much as taking that pin sharp image. This is a hobby that I can do, and have written your remarks down many times and carry them in my journal. My pics are getting better because of your input. Thanks again. Bill.
William Charlesworth This is great to hear Bill! I really appreciate you taking the time to let me know!
What great advice! I'm inspired for tomorrow morning's shoot.
Mary L Scaia Thanks so much Mary! I wish you good light on your morning session!
#7 was soo simple yet..i never thought of it.
Romik Roy I felt the same way when I first heard that.
I love the number 1 advice, thanks for creating the video.
Andre Rexdian Archie Glad to do it and thanks for watching it!
i cant wait to start my journey on landscape photography!
thank you very much sir! great advice 🙏
Found your channel about a week ago. I've been binge watching all week. Love the content. Keep up the great work!
Robert Babnick Great to hear this! Thanks Robert!
Great video Mark. I am getting back into photography again after years of not doing much with my hobby. Dropped out when everything went digital. Photographing my grandson's soccer games was the motivating factor. Started using my cell phone. Then pulled out my old Nikon Coolpix L810. Got some way better shots, but years earlier the lens housing totally came loose from the body and had to tape it to keep in stable. Still took good pics. Then at the first soccer game using it the battery compartment clip holding the door closed broke. The batteries were on the verge of falling out. Well, finally my wife and I went and looked for a new camera. Bought a Nikon D3500 and am now learning how to use it. The camera came with two lenses 18-55mm and 70-300mm. I am astonished what great action pics I have gotten with that 70-300mm lens. I am going out looking for places to shoot now. The colors this fall have een eye-popping beautiful this year. We live in Virginia Beach and the colors have not been this beautiful in the whole 19 years we've lived here! The weather usually doesn't cooperate. Researching old grist mills in this area to shoot, as well as old covered bridges, churches, revolutionary era houses that are still in existence here. Soe have awesome cemeteries near them. Anyway, I am really enjoying watching your videos! They are extremely well shot, the audio is great, and your laid back, easy-going style keeps me coming back for more. Keep up the good work.
John Wagner Really appreciate this John - thank you! I’m in central NC and agree, the fall colors have been off the charts incredible this year! One for the ages!
Great video Mark, just good solid advice without all the bells and whistles that seem to be weighing down TH-cam more and more. My favorite would have to be 'turn around', took me way too long to work that one out by myself.
Great advice. Shooting raw is the way to go 👍
Sohknewjrny Agreed!!
The only disagreement(besides the damn clock) would be #2...........only because I prefer to shoot in a square format. I started back in the day when I shot medium format(6x6) ruled and I never could break myself of the habit.
Great advise and a good brush up for me. Thanks for making it simple and relatable.
kcaark I do my best:) Thanks for watching this week’s video!
Amazing Mark, thank you so much for sharing this!
Muse Lin Thanks Muse! Glad to do it!
Hmmm in no particular order - pay attention to the histogram, bracket exposures in a high dynamic range scene, revisit places you have already been to see improvement in your methods and results. Probably my favourite is similar to yours, get out there, enjoy yourself, enjoy the experience and take your time. Thanks Mark, your delivery is on point as always, hope we see you out capturing some images soon too. John
Thanks John! Great to hear you enjoyed the video as well!
Awesome advice, Mark!
Thanks for sharing.
Jesse LeSeibert Thanks Jesse!
These are all very helpful advices. One advice was important for me and changed the way how I make a photo: To give the photo a title; this helps to concentrate on the object.
Tom Pohorski Oh I like that one - thank you for that!
Great advice - Great channel - always informative. Thank you!
Hi, what an awesome video. Keep up the great work! I look forward to your next video.
I like the #1 advice. Sometimes I don't enjoy it because at times I feel rushed. That is because I typically have my wife go with me and I don't want to make her wait too long. Gonna have to do more solo work or go with someone who is take a photo too!
JA Brown I have the same feeling when my wife travels with me as well - I feel much more rushed than I usually do as I worry that’s she bored out of her mind🤣
All good advice Mark. To add to #7, Turn Around, when I'm hiking to a final location, I like to stop and take look back towards where I just came from often. The perspective is so different that it's easy to miss a nice composition if you don't. Plus, it's a good excuse for us slightly older folks to stop and catch our breath during a tough ascent.
Noel E B Haha! That’s a great strategy on both fronts!
great advice Mark, even for long time landscapers. I resonate with tip #7-look behind you, as I once went on an early morning shoot to a beach that I hadn't photographed seriously before, to get a sunrise shot. Whilst waiting for the sun to make an appearance, it was becoming evident that the sun would be rising behind the hillside at the side of the bay instead of behind the bay's feature arched rock. (It was early days but I suppose that's tip #4 too) I was starting to get a little disappointed when I spotted that, behind me, the Moon was setting in amongst some gorgeous dusky pinks and blues. A quick recompose bagged me one of my favourite images. Also, I'd never thought about tip #6 in the way you described. Yeah, sure I shoot RAW but with jpeg too. As you mentioned, jpegs are pretty good these days so, unless I've got a real stunner of a shot, I usually give the jpegs a quick adjust or three and go with them. Lazy I suppose but also because I'm not that good at editing... I wonder why? From now on though, I think I'll be giving the RAW only method a shot.... excuse the (intentional) pun! Love the videos, great stuff... cheers!
Thanks Philip! The rising moon scenario behind me as happened to me on more than one occasion as well!
I've definitely used the turn around advice during a few sunset shoots and been greatly rewarded.
I also heard the mantra of "the best time to shoot a portrait layout is right after you've taken a landscape layout" and vice versa. It definitely gives you a different set of composition options which may give you a better shot than you had originally envisioned.
I think everyone should type up these items and keep the list in their camera bags to remind them when they're in the field.
gizmo bowen I agree - having everyone’s version of this list printed for reference would be a great reminder!
Thank you for this advice! I've been hobbying photography for 3 years and most of my good shots have been by luck. Following advice like yours, I am starting to see better shots by technique more than chance!
rask004 Happy to do it and even happier to hear the videos are helping!
Really enjoyed the video Mark. I just need to apply a couple of your points. Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much!
Thanks Mark, great video as always.
Ryan Yarnell Appreciate ya Ryan!
Tkank you Mark. As always you shared very usefull informations.
Brano Great to hear that Brano🙏
Great tips Mark. My favorite has always been enjoying the process. That has to be my favorite part of photography. Even if I don't get a great shot out of my shoot, I always enjoy the process. Another great tip is learn from your not so good photos and how you can make it better for next time.
I enjoyed all parts. This part and as well as your previous video what not to do.
Really very helpful and informative. Thanks for your valuable video.
Ravi Chandran Thanks Ravi! Appreciate you watching both videos!
Thanx Mark, another home run! 👍
Vee Dubist Thank so much!
Mark, your videos are really inspiring. I live in Edinburgh, Scotland. Major problem I have is, not being a car owner, I have to use buses and trains . I have my bicycle, I also walk and buses in and around Edinburgh are excellent and run practically 24/7. Getting up early is not an issue for me. So locally I don't have a problem. But when I want to travel further afield I have to rely on trains and buses which never get me to where I want to be early enough in order to get that Golden Hour. We have some truly wonderful scenery in Scotland. It's just getting around without a car. Nonetheless I do what I can.
Roger Burt Thanks so much Roger! I agree - all you can do is what you can do!
Great points! Two days ago I used the "turn around" one! ;-)
Thanks so much! I use it quite often as well!
I'll have to work more on my foreground element, that is a great recommendation as well as vertical. I've been trying that. Again thanks for all the help.
James Novaes Gladly James! Appreciate you watching this week’s video!
Great advice, a few of them I need to do a better job at for sure. Thank you!
Excellent advice. Thank you.
Mark, I’m a big fan, I enjoy all your videos and advice. The one thing that’s been bugging me is the clock on the wall behind you. It always reads 7:50. I think it’s time to change the batteries 😉 Keep up the great work.
Roughing It With Rodney Thanks so much for watching the channel - I really do appreciate it!
Thank you, I really enjoy your videos.
Debbie Gauthier Thanks so much Debbie! I really appreciate that!
great advice! 7, 4, 2, and 1 are my favorites!
Joshua H Appreciate ya Joshua!
Great video Mark and love the advice, #7 made me laugh, in my Kinnie Brook video you can see how disappointed I was when I arrived at the bottom of the brook, after taking just a few steps and turning around totally by accident I got probably my best image since starting this video stuff. #1 Is crucial, you have to enjoy what you are doing and it will reflect in your images. You also mentioned planning, this is one area that I need to improve. Thanks for sharing.
John Pettigrew Thanks a million for watching and commenting John! Really appreciate it.
All good points, Mark. I liked your advice to “turn around”. As I read somewhere else, the best shot is often the one you see in the rear vision mirror as you leave the site.
Many thanks Grant!
This video has been very useful to me personally...thank you.
Glad to hear it!
Hello, thank you for your wonderful videos. I'm a beginner (9 months) and I want to believe I'm making progress but there is ONE THING I haven't managed to figure out and that's how to organize my photos. I have them everywhere scattered and I'd like to know how you organize them please. Hope you can make a video on that.
Looking around (and back) is so important. I more than once nearly missed an amazing shot coz I didn‘t look back. Once I was in King‘s Park in Perth and so into the amazing color game in front of me that I nearly missed the even better colors in the opposite direction. Great video, Mark! Keep them coming! ❤️
Birgit Smetana Thanks Birgit! I surely will👍
Thanks Mark, great advice......
Bill Bell Thanks Bill!
Hello Mark, I love watching your videos about your excursions and camping out to get those beautiful pictures, I am learning so much from you and greatly appreciate all of your dedication.
I was hoping you could help advise me in what camping gear to get, because I have made plans for 2024 to to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and the Appalachian Trail all in one go and I will be bringing my Sony A7R4 along with my tripod and 3 lenses to try and capture all of the beautiful landscapes, I will be bringing the
Sigma 16mm F/1.4 , Sony FE 24mm F1.4 GM and the FE 200-600mm F5.6-6.3 G and a 2x teleconverter and possibly what ever else you think I might need for this adventure lol.
So with all of that in mind I am looking for advice on what camping gear to get to help me survive in 4 season weather from extreme elevation, from Deserts, Forrest and Snow, I am looking for ultralight stuff and money is not an issue because I will be saving up for 4 years to go on this trip, I am looking for quality things that will last the whole trip.
Great video and Great advice! For me taking the time to plan my photography is the biggest issue I hope to get better with. I am also trying to slow down the process and really enjoy and soak in the environment I'm in and the composition I'm trying to create! Keep up the great work Mark!
Phil Constans Appreciate you Phil! Glad you enjoyed this week’s video!
Shoot more is hard with medium and large format film photography ! But all the others apply very well, I always like to stay after the sun is already set even for "bad" sunsets sometimes you get amazing light! For the perspective tips, it's the best thing with the hasselblad I tend to find really good composition lower on the ground. An another tips, would be to not always shoot with your wider lens !
Clément Rabec - Photographie Argentique That’s all great advice!
Hi Mark!
Great advices, and glad to see that I'm doing all of them, which should means that I'm on the right way.
Thanx!
Sergio C.P. Thanks Sergio!!
Hey Mark, once again a very comprehensive video, so thank you for sharing. Could you give a little more insights (maybe in a separate video) in your planning phase of a shot...say, which tools are used and when, which critical aspects to think about when approaching location...I assume this could be very beneficial for many followers
Can't tell you how many times I got back and looked at images and said to myself, that should have been in portrait orientation. #2 for sure.
Jeff Studley I do the exact same thing!
Good stuff, Mark. Thank you. If I were to add an 11th one I'd say: go back. Return to a location under variable conditions. This is most practical if you have a favorite location nearby. Photographing that location at different times of day, under different weather conditions, seasons, etc., is a great tool for learning how to approach a scene and tell a story. There's an old, rusty Allis-Chalmers tractor sitting in a field a mile from my house. I have shot it a dozen times or more over the last 2 years from every possible angle, under multiple conditions. Sometimes I just stop by and walk around it without my camera - talking to it - trying to extract the best conceivable composition. I feel it mocking me as I have yet to be satisfied with all the elements at any one visit. But the challenge has been fun and an extraordinary learning experience. Perhaps you have experienced something similar? That would make for a good video!
Kevin O'Donnell Thanks Kevin! Agreed that would make for an interesting topic for a future video👍
As always - informative, precise and quality content. Thanks, Mark for putting your quality time to make such awesome videos which are rare even in paid platforms....!!!
Swaroopsankar Sivadasan Many thanks for the great comment - really appreciate it!
Great follow up to the bad advice video, very much enjoyed.
Mass Distraction Glad to hear it - thank ya!
I learned the "turn around" lesson years ago while looking at wildlife. Hubby and I were looking way, way, way off into a field at some elk. We heard a stone or twig behind us and turned. There were several elk no more than 15 feet behind us just wandering by. We always turn around now.
Linda Ward I bet that advice really helps when it comes to wildlife photography!
Great information! Thanks!
Thanks for this! Always enjoyed taking photos but just realized it's becoming more than that! Still an iphone photographer (yikes lol) but looking into a camera to buy soon. Appreciate the advice for everything leading up to the photo so that I can get better at that while waiting on getting an actual camera
Thanks mate, great video!
Appreciate you checking it out Roberto!
best advice i got was and still the best one everyday : test , test more, and test again ! ;)
Advice i learn: Your not taking shots, your taking moments of life
Dominic Hinse Love it! That’s great👍
Thank you! Your advice as always is very helpful. I have been following your channel for several months and you helped feel there is room for anxious landscape photographers who like to plan every detail ahead of time. You mentioned several landscape photographers you follow. Who do you recommend following and looking at their work to learn more? Thanks Tamar
Thanks, really great advice and help.
9:00 I need that bracket. 😄 great video 👌🏼👍🏼
David Stella Thanks David! It’s an L bracket from Really Right Stuff.
@@MarkDenneyPhoto thanks! I see it's linked in the description. Thank you :)
Me too... Looks much easier than making sure your ball head doesn't collide with your legs and all that mess!
Hi Mark! My process and its enjoyment through my first steps as a more serious landscape photographer has led me here, to your videos (sorry for the delay haha) and I love them, I find them so meaningful right now, so in summary I have received most of my landscape advices from you and I'm really greatful for it. Nevertheless, there's been a question I haven't been able to respond beyond the limits of common sense and it is: Is it safe or advisable to go to the planned locations by yourself, without much experience outdoors and safety information? You see, I am from and live in Mexico and it's been a doubt that contains two main dimensions: the safety in terms of outdoor knowledge and expertise and, second, the insecurity nationwide. I understand if you can't answer my question in much detail, but really any information would be helpful. Thanks a lot for the value you provide in the videos and keep up the great material!
Hey Mark, I’ve been a fan for a long time. I’d like to give you a little advice. Start producing photography videos! It just seems like you’ve been talking about photography and your tips. Get out of your studio and capture some gallery art! Make some on location videos! Post processing! Printing! Oh, you may not need to upgrade to the r4 but you should upgrade the r3. Take care my friend and continue growing, I wish you well Sir.
Just go out and enjoy the nature experience and bring your camera. If there are some good pictures too, it is a bonus. Don't expect every picture to be a top notch one, but if you come home with one "keeper" then it is good.
I wouldn't consider myself a beginner, but I still love watching videos like this 'cause fundamentals are always valuable regardless of the topic, whether it's one of my hobbies (i.e. landscape photography) or something work related. Not everyone starts from the same fundamentals, so revisiting them often to see if anyone has other basic advice to share can come in handy. Great video :)
Unrelated question about gear: have you tried taking the Atlas Adventure pack on carry-on with the frame in? Is it actually 25" tall with the frame? I've been looking for a travel+camera backpack where I can "one bag" through airports & flights and use a packable daypack once I get to a location, but every time I look at photography-specific backpacks, it seems like my best bet is buying a carry-on compliant hiking backpack and using a Tenba camera case insert. The Atlas Athlete bag looks more suitable at its smaller size, but I'm not sure if it's quite large enough -- any idea if it expands from 20-40L or is it 20-50L?
Two words.... Thank you
Four words...Thank YOU for watching!! :)
A good reminder of things I knew, but often forget. A suggestion: drop the green and red backlights. Plus the two lamps. I find them very distracting. And lose that pot plant, I find myself waiting for your left hand to knock it flying.
Thanks Mark
Appreciate you watching Jorge!
Hi Mark, another very helpful video. Way too often I forget to try a vertical composition unless it really jumps out to clear away what I don't want in the photo, One question though. I have heard other photographers expound how important it is to have the distance in focus, and to not worry so much about the for-ground focus (sharpness). Just to be clear, were you saying to make sure the for-ground is in perfect focus, or to try to make sure there is something of interest in the for-ground. One well known author went so far as to say the every good photo has a for-ground, middle ground and background. I try to look for that and it has helped my compositions, but I don't believe the "every" part. I like what I like.
Thanks,
John
GREAT TIPS!!
I know it sounds simplistic...
Trust your instinct.
Go through your day on the lookout for shots.
I drove by a cluster of big oak trees shading a large area with a single fire engine RED Maple tree back lit by the sun contrasting the under oak shadows. This was in a residential greenbelt!! Not Yosemite or the Grand Canyon.
Thanks so much! Trust your instincts - great advice as well and something I need to work on!
@@MarkDenneyPhoto I'm just a "jpeg snapper" at this point but I really want to turn into a "real photog" next year. Will be spending LOTS of time watching your videos.