Beginner Tips
18 May
🏔️ Mindset & The Creative Process
The Discipline of Dawn: Becoming a landscape photographer boils down to two things: owning an alarm clock, and actually getting out of bed when it goes off. You wont get the shot if your snoozing in a warm comfy bed.
The Archer, Not the Arrow: Top-tier gear never guarantees a top-tier photo. It's the person behind the lens that matters.
Break the Mold (Intentionally): Don't let rigid photography "rules" dictate your art. However, don't just snap aimlessly out of laziness and call it "unconventional." The world is already full of lazy art.
Simplicity is Key: Keep your approach and your compositions simple.
Quality Over Quantity: True success comes from focusing deeply on a select few compositions and executing them flawlessly.
Take the Shot: You miss every single opportunity you choose not to take.
Be Authentically You: Never try to clone another photographer’s style. Focus on your own growth, keep shooting, and stay true to your voice.
Lead with Emotion: Before clicking the shutter, turn off your analytical brain and activate your emotional side. That is where the soul of the image lives.
Embrace the Journey: Don't get so obsessed with chasing the "perfect shot" that you forget to enjoy the actual wilderness, sights, and sounds around you.
Master Your Local Ground: Return to your favorite local spot repeatedly and shoot it relentlessly. It’s the best way to visually track your own improvement.
Print Your Art: Nothing matches the pure satisfaction of seeing your own work physically printed.
Shoot for Yourself: Focus on creating images that bring you joy.
Reconnect with Your "Why": Never forget the pure joy that drew you to photography in the first place. Don't get stressed out by social media metrics or overwhelming technicalities.
🛠️ Field Techniques & Camera Mastery
Own the Exposure: Shoot in manual mode. Master the relationship between Aperture, ISO, and Shutter Speed until it becomes second nature.
Embrace Exposure Bracketing: Use bracketing to capture the full dynamic range of a scene.
Look Beyond Golden Hour: Don't limit yourself to just sunrise and sunset. Learn how to capture striking images in every type of weather.
The "Change One Thing" Rule: Take a shot, analyze it, and ask yourself: "What single change would make this better?" Then, figure out how to execute that change.
The 15-Minute Scout: Resist the urge to set up your tripod the moment you arrive. Spend 10–15 minutes scouting the area, using your phone to test out compositions first.
🎒 Gear, Budget, & Practical Wisdom
Invest in Glass, Not Pixels: Prioritize high-quality lenses over high-megapixel camera bodies.
Ignore the Hype: As an amateur, don't fall for the marketing hype of the latest, most expensive gear. You can find incredible, professional older bodies (like a used Canon 5D Mark III) for a fraction of the cost and still get breathtaking image quality.
The Best Tool is the One You Know: There is no such thing as a "good" or "bad" camera. The best camera is simply the one you know inside and out.
You Don't Need a Fortune: High-end equipment isn't a prerequisite for producing beautiful photographs, my first camera cost £50.
The 2-Pound Investment: Buy a cheap, mat or chair to sit on. It will change your life when you're waiting around for the light to change and need a warm, dry place to sit.
Duct Tape Lifesaver: Always carry some duct tape in your kit and attatch to your tripod leg. It’s always ready for quick, on-the-go field repairs.
🚶♂️ Exploration, Comfort, & Growth
Slow Down: You are only competing against yourself, so take your time. One or two meticulously planned photos will always beat ten rapid-fire, rushed shots.
Ditch the Screen, Get Outside: Stop binge-watching YouTube tutorials and get out into the field. Pack a thermos, dress for the weather, and go shoot.
Practice Over Theory: You can read books and watch endless videos, but true improvement only happens when you actually practice.
Seek the Unknown: To capture truly unique images, step off the beaten path and explore remote, lesser-known locations.
Use Safety Apps: Keep an app like What3Words on your phone to easily broadcast your exact location if you ever get into trouble or distress.
Healthy Comparison: Never let looking at other people's work discourage you. Instead, study their strengths to fix your own weaknesses.
Prioritize Comfort: Dress appropriately for the conditions. Your footwear and clothing dictate how long you can comfortably stay out.
The Cardboard Cropping Tool: Hold up a credit card or business card to block out parts of your camera screen. It helps you quickly visualize how slight changes to framing and composition alter the shot.
Appreciate the Wild: Connect with the landscape first. If you don't genuinely appreciate the wilderness, that lack of connection will show in your final images.
Digital Location Scouting: When you stumble upon a great location, snap a photo with your phone. Ensure your location tagging is on so you have a perfect GPS record for future trips.
Be Fearlessly Audacious: Dare to start before you feel completely ready, and dare to make mistakes. Failure is just a fast track to learning.
Bloom Where You Are Planted: You can take incredible photos and learn immense amounts no matter where you live.
Protect Your Feet: Invest heavily in excellent hiking boots and quality socks. Landscape photography requires a surprising amount of walking.
The Virtue of Patience: Be willing to wait patiently for the light to shift, or be patient enough to pack up and return on a day when the conditions are better.