5 Landscape Photography Tips for Beginners

Landscape photography is an astounding genre that every photographer has experimented with at least once in their lives. Professionals get to travel the world, collaborate with magazines like National Geographic, and meet other like-minded individuals during their travels. It’s no surprise, then, that this genre has shaped the way we look at the world and its inhabitants.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a professional to take amazing photos of nature. If you simply want to experiment, there are a few things you should keep in mind to take fantastic landscape photos. The tips below will help you find the right locations, use the right equipment, and be in the right state of mind during your shoots.
 
 

Create Achievable Goals

Whether you’re planning to take landscape photos on your next trip or are seriously thinking of becoming a landscape photographer, it’s important to have goals. Achievable milestones will keep you motivated and grounded; if you know what you want and how to get it, there will be virtually no room for confusion. Ask yourself what you’d like to achieve through landscape photography. Then, using your newfound answers, create small steps that will lead you to big achievements.

In addition to understanding your creative needs, you should have the proper equipment. A few things you should have are:

• A very sturdy tripod
• A wide-angle lens to capture as much of the environment as possible
• Several filters to experiment with effects

Shoot RAW

Landscape photography relies on shapes and colors. If you shoot in JPEG, you won’t get to preserve those details fully. RAW photos will allow you to capture as many details as possible without ruining your images’ quality. They’ll also make the editing process much, much easier. For instance, if you find that one of your favorite RAW photos is underexposed, you’ll be able to restore its highlights and shadows within minutes. The results won’t look unnatural or noisy. This may not always be the case when it comes to JPEG photos.
 
 

Scout for Locations

Spontaneous travels may lead you to breathtaking locations, but there’s no guarantee that you’ll find them at the right time. Find your favorite locations before you take photos of them. Once you know where you want to go, plan in advance. When is the weather comfortable? When is the lighting ideal? Professional landscape photographers tend to arrive at their locations shortly before sunrise or sunset, as those times of day create the most flattering light.
 
 

Be Mindful During Photo Shoots

It’s very easy for photographers to get lost in the beauty of a moment and forget to truly live in it. Take breaks during your shoot. Enjoy your surroundings and acknowledge the importance of quality over quantity. You don’t have to take photos all the time. Being grateful for both creativity and nature will keep you inspired and relaxed.
 
 

Take Photos from Different Angles

It’s so easy to choose a single spot and safely take photos there (I’m definitely guilty of this). Instead of spending hours on one angle, move around. Explore the area and experiment with different points of view. You may find an appealing angle that will not only open your eyes but give you a chance to take incredible photographs. It’s not easy to leave the safe road, but it’s certainly worth it.

Landscape photography is a rewarding genre that has helped many artists find inner peace. The most beautiful thing about it, however, is its accessibility. You can start taking photos right at this moment. You can practice no matter where you are. With continuous practice, you’ll discover a world that will provide you with two options: take photos for fun or take photos for a living. Either way, it’ll be an incredible journey for you.