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If you’re a landscape photographer, then chances are you feel like you were left out in 2020. I know that I couldn’t really travel very much at all in 2020 and I felt as if a lot of my photography skills were dissipating in front of me.
However, I’m feeling really optimistic about 2021 as a landscape photographer. I’m thinking that I will be able to start traveling a little bit more, at least within my home state of California. So, I’ve been reading a lot of landscape photography tips in anticipation.
A few days ago I came across this video by David Johnston, who is a really popular landscape photographer.
In the video, he offers 5 tips for landscape photographers to use in 2021. Have a look, and gain some new skills for your 2021 landscape adventures!
Pick Up a More Creative Technique
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As a landscape photographer, I know that I feel myself falling into a rut at times. Johnston understands that. So, he recommends that everyone who is learning how to be a better landscape photographer this year should strive to pick up one new technique.
He mentions that this can be as simple as picking up a new lens that you vow to use in the field, or it can be a new post-processing technique. He mentioned that he has been using a new lens in order to be able to really see landscapes that he’s shot hundreds of times before in a new light.
Whatever you choose to do, trying out new techniques can provide the spark you need to emerge from a photography rut.
Limiting Gear
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Johnston points out that a lot of brand new photographers purchase a ton of new gear on a regular basis in order to rely on that gear to do their shooting for them.
I think we have all gone through a period of gear acquisition syndrome, but what Johnston is saying is that it is really more important to focus on beginner landscape photography tips than it is to focus on learning how to work new gear.
So, figure out two or three cameras that you’re going to be using regularly. Then, pick two or three lenses that you’re going to be using regularly. Then, do what very few of us can and don’t purchase anything new.
By limiting your gear, you are going to be forcing yourself to grow as a landscape photographer and you are going to be able to appreciate the landscapes that you’re photographing more.
Learn More:
Use Google Maps
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This is definitely my favorite tip that Johnston gives in his landscape photography tutorial. He suggests that you go to Google Maps and draw points all around your hometown. Figure out how far you can drive in any given direction in under 3 hours and map that point.
Eventually, you will have a huge circle, likely spanning multiple states if you’re in America, and every single point in that circle is a place that you can get to in under 3 hours for a day trip.
I know that especially during this pandemic I’ve been feeling like I’ve already photographed every city and every interesting national park that’s close enough to my home for me to drive to. It has definitely been an isolating year to be a landscape photographer. But, just by following this simple tutorial, it feels like there have to be dozens of places within 3 hours of my home that I haven’t photographed yet.
Just actually drawing the map on Google Maps got me excited!
Be Mindful
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I know that the “mindfulness” trend can be a little exhausting, since sometimes I just want to be upset about a certain situation, but being mindful while you’re shooting landscape photography is a really helpful tip.
I’ll find myself in the field thinking that my photograph would be perfect if…
Johnston’s point is that in order to get the best photos you’ve ever taken, you have to get rid of that thought process and accept the landscape the way it presents itself to you.
While I know that Johnston’s video is a beginner landscape photography tutorial, this tip is also just helpful to be able to have fun while you’re photographing. I’m always writing about tips and techniques and gear and I rarely get to focus on the fact that I have one of the coolest jobs in the world. Just take some time to enjoy being in nature.
Learn from Other Photographers
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Other people are already doing what you want to be doing, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be learning from them. Whether you’re watching YouTube videos like this one, listening to photography podcasts, or reading photography books, you are absorbing information.
Just make sure that you enjoy the work of whoever it is that you’re listening, watching or reading.
Learn More:
- Beginner to Advanced Landscape Photography Techniques
- Black and White Landscape Photography Composition Tips