Beginner Landscape Photography Habits to Avoid (wish i did sooner)
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- āđāļāļĒāđāļāļĢāđāđāļĄāļ·āđāļ 28 āļ.āļ. 2024
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In this weekâs episode, we discuss beginner landscape photography habits I quit that had the biggest improvement on my photography. I believe when you're a beginner at something it's inevitable that you're going to create some bad habits along the way. Perhaps the more important thing is how long is it going to take you to realize your bad habits and correct them. In this video, I'll review the 5 worst habits that I created during my beginner years with photography. And, my hope with this video is that some of my bad photography habits might resonate with you so you can correct them in a much quicker fashion than I did. I hope you enjoy this week's video and as always thanks so much for watching! - Mark D.
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ðĨQUICK QUESTION: What's been your worst photography habit to date?
Rushing a photo because someone is waiting for me to be done
Taking too long to get the composition âperfectâ. I like the suggestion to zoom out the composition for cropping! Great videoâ
Making "pushing the shutter button" the primary action when photographing. "Spraying and praying" that I will be able to find a good shot among the thousands of images captured instead of finding the light/composition first and then, and only then, pushing the shutter button.
Bad Habit #1, for sure. Now I almost always zoom out a bit after composing a shot. Thanks for the advice Mark.
I suffered from spray and pray only to get back and find that nothing was very thoughtful or compelling. I find myself slowing down and taking fewer pictures with more thought to composition. That and not including people in my compositions to better tell the story of the trip or adventure.
My worst habit was going to a particular place and already having a vision in my head of the final image, only to return home and be disappointed that I failed. Now I just go and explore and usually return with a few satisfying images that are not of what I had in mind.
InterestingâĶas someone with aphantasia (no sounds or images in my mind) this sounds wild to picture the picture before you take it.
My worst habit is assuming a marginal image can be âfixed in postâ. Your videos have helped immensely but sometimes if you miss the light, you miss the shot. Great video
Hello Mark. Iâm totally guilty of number 4 and 5! OMG, thatâs me! When we were in Newport Oregon, I hammered images all the time, âknowingâ that the conditions would improve and Iâd get that perfect image of my chosen composition. Same with tripod scouting. How dumb to walk around with my camera mounted to the tripod to save what, 15 seconds of setup?! What are L Brackets for anyhow? Jeez, walk the area, look for the best light, and shoot whatâs in it, and donât forget to turn around. Thanks for the great reminders! Cheers.
The thing that I learned to improve on the most is the specific processing as opposed to global processing -- My worst habit right now is thinking I can fix everything in post-- I need to try to do better on site - This is because I have been trying to get more involved with bird photography and that is such on the "fly" (LOL) type of photography and that is affecting my landscape work.
That Bali hut photograph is outstanding! I actually like the branch above the photo as a framing aspect. Good reminders. Selective masking is something I need to remember to do more often.
Great tip about allowing room to crop. For me the problem many times is not leaving enough leeway and losing import parts of my composition due to straitening. (Horizons etc.)
BTW, I actually preferred the top of the tree left in on the house photo ð âĪ
One way to get around "in camera" cropping is to also take a few shoots at different FLs instead of just shooting wider than what you anticipate you'll need. This gives you multiple options in post. So what I do is I get the composition I want (including the focal length and amount of "crop" I want t odo in camera), and I take that shot. Then I zoom out a little like mentioned, and take another shot (same overall composition, but zoomed out slightly). Then I may flip the camera (either vertical or horizontal) and reframe and take another shot. I may also do some other angles or compositions but at least when I get home, I have a handful of shots around a similar composition that I can work from.
As for compositions themselves, I would say do research, get "the shot" but be open to other shots and angles too. I've been to a lot of places and quite frankly, the "hero" shot is not always the one I liked, and I preferred a different angle, so I'd say to get "the shot" but work the scene (which I think people get fixated on just one shot when they are starting out and they are afraid to explore the scene a bit more -- zooming in and out, trying different angles, etc). Most people are shooting digital these days so it's not like costs you anything except a little time in-camera and in post to deal with "extra" images. I'd rather have too many than too few (and more variety than not enough variety of compositions) when I get home. I can always delete photos I don't need. It is a bit funny that you mention Mesa arch and moving around, and yes, people should move around after they've gotten what they feel is enough compositions from one spot or perspective (although getting the "best" spot for Mesa Arch is hard, and once you give that up, you will never get it back, and usually that's near the center of the arch right before and during sunrise as the sun peeks above the horizon and the warm glow on the arch is visible). But yes, I did the same thing (although I didn't take hundreds, maybe 50 photos, all bracketed) of basically the same shot (first time at Mesa Arch, need to go back though).
One scouting tip I've been employing, which is helpful and related to tripods, is if you have the opportunity, visit a location before you intend to shoot (so if you plan to do a sunrise shoot, go the previous day say in the afternoon or evening, or scout the previous morning) and sometimes I won't even take my camrea when I'm scouting, but rather just my smartphone, as i want o to focus on compositions and finding them during scouting, rather than being tempted to shoot everything. Yes, you might miss something without your camera, but you can be more focused on finding compositions and scouting, and less on the urge to shoot something because you're there with your camera. So you could either leave your camera at home, or leave it in the car, but I generally just go out with my smartphone or even a pocket P&S camera, but never my "real" camera or tripod.
One Habit for me is looking for Landscapes only instead of looking high and low for interesting shots, like a flower with unusual light. GREAT VIDEO!
I love these tips because they kind of help you get out of your head and appreciate the beauty of whatâs in front of you and enjoy the process of taking photos.
Glad to hear this - thanks Mark!
All great advice. I have been working to get away from the tunnel vision as well. It is so easy to get setup on a spot and the tripod seems to become glued to the the ground.
I have been trying to be better with the local edits since a video you had posted some time ago showing the benefits of this vs just global edits. I have also been learning to shoot for the crop as well. I was recently shooting a few NC waterfalls and found my images were set for what I thought would be the shot.. In the end I left myself no wiggle room for adjustments. Next day went back and shot a little wider and was much more happy with the results. Have 45 mpix on my R5 gives me a ton of resolution to work with some cropping in post. Much better than being 8 hours from home and wishing I had shot a bit wider when I am home post processing.
Thanks for covering "shoot for the crop"! Been doing that forever as it adds so much more versatility to the image during processing.
Ha, tunnel vision, I know what you are talking about! ð
I remember the advice you gave in another video about the variety of compositions to better tell the story of a location also changed my view about telling the story of a location. That is so handy!
I recognize many habbits I did! ð
This is incredibly off-topic but I always enjoy how you set up your backdrop in your office. The way the colors compliment you, the stuff on your desk, all of it. It helps my adhd brain pay attention better to what you are teaching us. I'd love to hear your thoughts on color theory and how you approach using color in your photos and videos.
I got fed up with being a digital landscape photographer. in my film days I'd be restricted to 12/24/26 exposures so would always be flexible with my approach. after I moved over to digital I fell into most of the bad habits you talked about in your film.
I then (mainly due to health reasons) started doing more nature / macro photography where by necessity I have to be more adaptable and flexible, and I find I enjoy my photography so much more. Now, when I go back to the odd landscape / seascape, I've completely ridden myself of those old habits :-)
Totally agree with you Mark, so much so that I crop to what I want rather than crop to fit a specific size, ie 30" x 19", then get the frame and mount to fit the print and never the other way around.
Using a monopod has helped with moving around but with a long lens you need to be careful
Thanks for your tip about zooming out a bit from your intended composition! I have not used that technique to allow better cropping and it makes so much sense now. I wonder why I haven't thought of that myself. Thanks again!
My worst habit is hammering...
Taking hundreds of photos of a composition when I could of found something better.
I leave room to crop because sometimes after making upright and/or straightening adjustments you need that room to get back to the tighter crop you invesioned. If you donât leave that room, something important will get chopped off in the edges.
Hi Mark, I love your tips covered in this and previous videos. On "on going hand held" I started taking at least one picture with my cell phone to geotag the place. That way, I find it easy to recollect where exactly I took the picture , especially if I am in a place with similar landscapes like the Himalayan mountains I visited last year and going again. Thanks for your teachings
I find your videos to be the most consistently helpful to my photography thought process. Not easy to keep coming up with ideas for these videos, and you do a great job of that. Loved this review video.
Worst habit: (besides not getting out enough) Putting the camera on the tripod too soon.
Love hearing this - thank you!
Man, I do all of these things. Iâm so glad I found this video. Thank you!!!!
Thanks Mark, That last one about the tripod really resonates with me; Iâve definitely done that and I am now getting out of the habit of putting down the tripod until I am absolutely ready. Iâve just managed to break my tripod, so will be going handheld for a bit now until I decide what to replace it with. I might find it liberating until the next time I want to do some long exposure.
Thank you for making this video. I came up with similar conclusions after more than a decade of shooting. I wished someone told me these back in 2012 when I have started.
Thanks to your plain explanation for beginner like me with outstanding sample images
Great tips! I have done all of your "beginner habits".
I am still in the photo hammering camp when shooting sunrises or sunsets and the light is changing. I want to get the various light changes in that composition.
I have another habit challenge. The question is: Do I keep shooting the composition in front of me while the light changes? or Do I go find another composition? Bird in the hand or bush? That's a struggle specially in an area, that I know, with many great compositions! Just one of the challenges of photography! ð
Very helpful video Mark, will definitely try the zooming out before taking the shot.
Great tips Mark! One habit I had for several reasons was shooting images too tightly. This was partly because of my lens choices. But, I would come back and look at the images and get frustrated because the composition wasn't good. And, I'd think back to when I shot with my phone before getting a camera and the images were composed better. It took me a while to figure it out. But, finally I went back to my XF18-55 and just set it to one focal length and shot like that. Finally, when I started shooting at 23 or 35(35 and 50) I saw how much better the perspective looked than when I shot with my XF56 or XF90. But, when I first was able to afford those lenses(got them used at great prices), I wanted to use the all of the time! LOL! Then, my "better" phone images made sense. Wider perspective!! Thanks again for your tips. The big one for me is editing. At this point I only have the free version of Capture One. So, I can' do any masks. At some point I will buy something I guess. Not sure which tool yet though. Cool video! Have a great day.
There's a really interesting crop you could pull out of the picture you left up on the monitor while you were giving the final tip about the tripod. A little left of center, put the distant mountains / spires as the subject, and frame it with those bright, almost back lit rocks on the top and bottom....could be really cool @
Plus with the reflection of the rocks in the pool - if you'd noticed the sky in time, maybe you could have gone around the pool and gotten the sky reflected in it, which might have been amazing! Live and learn I guess. Looking forward to getting a good camera soon and practicing some of these tips!
Be present. Good lesson.
Something I now do and believe is so important is arrive at minimum 30 minutes before you think you need to be on location and stay at least 30 minutes past the time you think itâs ok to head home- missed some good opportunities arriving late or leaving to early.
Thank you Mark. Recently found and subscribed to your channel. Really appreciate the old habits you point out and explaining how to overcome them. The perfect composition ing with nowhere to go in process is huge for me. I always felt like I was wasting space. Lol. How can you waste free space? Too funny. Love your presentations, sense of humor, and introspective side. So down to earth, unintimidating, and fun. Awesome
An expert tutorial to improve the photography at fast pace. Thanks mark. ðð
Thank you!
As always, I learn from all of your videos. thank you Mark
This is amazing advice! I do seem to focus alot on one subject without really paying attention to other possibly even better shots around me. Thank you for this video!!
Great info! Thank you.
Good tips, thanks
Great tips, Mark! Learning to shoot for the crop has been very beneficial for me. I'm also getting better about doing a good scout-around before planting myself somewhere.
I just love all of your videos. You have a great way of teaching. Thank you
Great video, every point is a hit! Thanks.
Oh, man - shoot for the crop is so crucial. You nailed it! And why can't I remember to do that every time? I'm old...that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.ðĪĢ
Thank you Mark. Aa a beginning photographer I actually hit all the points you mentioned. Eye opening and good to know that I am not the only one who struggles. Thank you for being so open about it all!
Thanks for sharing Mark..... great comments & advice....my worst habit is being too quick to take photos... happy snapper & should be more patient & take more time to get the best composition.... cheers from Australia ðĶðĶð
TrÃĻs bons conseils. Merci !
Thanks for sharing what you have learned in your photographic journey.
Great stuff as usual Mark, thanks a lot!
Glad to do it my friend!
Thanks!
thanks for letting us know about this habits to avoid and well done for this great video
Great pointers Mark!
Glad you think so!
What I often do when I arrive on a location is quickly checking compositions by taking pics with my phone.
It's only once I'm satisfied that I get the camera out!
Great tips. I have done all of these things you have mentioned but have recently made some changes. I really like the first tip about composition. I've made this mistake and then get home and wish I had a little more of the image to work with. Anyway, thanks for the video.
Great video Mark. I can relate to every example you give. As a hobbyist (dreaming of one day becoming a professional ð) I'm always discovering how to do things better. Your straightforward videos are very helpful and relatable. I subscribe to your channel and always look forward to your videos. Keep up the great work!
Great tips Mark. My approach at Mesa Arch was identical to yours. Lots of photos from the exact same spot.
Thanks for another great video, I started a complete novice just a few months ago, now, after following your advice, I'm looking for compositions and creating pretty decent photographs. BIG THANKS.
All great advice. Another outstanding video. Enjoy your trip.
Thanks my friend!
As always very helpful information I have learned so much from your Pod casts. I would like to ask you where you got your ball head?
Great video like always Mark. If i miss a part of the photo or to zoom out, i enlarge a bit my photo using AI generate in Photoshop Beta ,than i crop.. ð
Fantastic video, packed with what is needed. I started motorcycle videos and walked away from my photography. I'm coming back. ... Bob
I love it! You just confirmed some of what I have been doing, but I always thought maybe I was doing something wrong from a pro perspective? But I forgave myself, since I am an amateur. :) I almost always zoom in for different perspectives, but often it is because I want a specific aspect ratio for my output needs (16x9 for my HS displays (wallpaper/screensaver) etc. Thanks!
Check. Check. Check. Check and check. Five good memos to self.
Great advice, Mark. I suppose we all make some of those mistakes to a lesser or greater extend. Thank you.
Thanks so much!
Second guessing myself in talking myself out of us my first choice. Thanks for the tips
Shoot for the crop. Yes, I find that sometimes I need more space around photos for other reasons, like using a photo as my photo on TH-cam. It goes against the film days, like for National Geographic, when they were responsible for everything in the frame.
I was on a workshop and the leader taught us to give the composition room "to breath" and image the imagine after the edit.
This was helpful I suffer from global everything! With help from your videos Iâm learning new Lr techniques so thank you
Glad to hear this!
I used to spend a lot of time getting the tripod level. Now I get it close as possible, but fix it at home.
You just described everything I do when I'm out shooting. ðð Real Estate photography forces me to live on my tripod and it has become my primary modis operandi.
... when i'm on location, i look behind my back and around me... i used to forget about that all the time.. also i need to learn taking pictures for cropping... thank you for that video...
Glad to do it and thanks for checking it out!
I am guilty of #2 for sure
Another very useful video Mark. This was exactly what I needed at this moment. My wife and I are flying to Ireland tomorrow for 8 days and I will be visiting some beautiful landscapes. I made some notes based on this video to help myself slow down and connect with the environment around me and to find the light first and then look for the scene/composition. I promise that if I take an award winning photograph that I will thank you in my acceptance speech. ð
Edit: I also bought a Hoodman Hoodloupe today. I believe that it will help me to slow down and focus more on composition before I press the shutter button.
I hope you enjoy your trip here! Its incredibly beautiful
Always look behind you.
Thanks
Thanks so much!
Mark, what is the waterfall at 1:40? I live in Knoxville and don't believe I've visited that one before.
Where you did your editing and had all those red spots where you edited a specific area on the photo, do you have a link to any videos you've done that show how to do that?
Mark, I am embrassed to ask where that waterfall is. I live in NC and the BRP is litterally next door, but I don't know that waterfall. Care to share? Thanks, Ron
I have an off topic question. What monitor are you using to do your Lightroom work in?
Haha, I'm a "Photo Hammerer" ð
ðĪĢ
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Okay, what is the red
I can't get the code for the free course. I have tried several times but nothing. I even looked into my spam folder.
Send me an email and I'll get it to you
#5 Tripod Scouting...nine times out of ten you shouldn't even need a tripod.
Sound advice from someone with experience.
Thanks Simon!
Hey Mark. Is 25 mp on crop sensor enough for landscape photography?
Yes, if youâre not planning on massive prints. You can print a 150 DPI 12mp file at ~20âx30â which would be a 50% crop.
I think so
Not taking the time to review the shot for focus & settings.
I have subscribed. I like the information you give. But, you talk too much. I understand you have to feed the algorithm. It does not need to take 4 min to say and explain shoot for the crop.
Though it may seem contrary to another amazing informative video. Last week I blew my my bicep and tendon in my right arm. Though I currently have use of it, soon it will be immobilized after surgery. I need to work on my tripod skills, not even mentioning triggering with left and setup. Last week I was inconsolable, the brightest light in my life is Photography and shooting my Labrabull Milo in the wild. Very rarely do I use a tripod in that situation, he is just too fast. So I handhold or monopod mostly.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Thanks so much!!!