As cheesy as this opening line sounds, landscape photography is an endless journey of learning and discovery. Mistakes are not only inevitable but also invaluable—they often teach us the lessons that make us better photographers. Drawing from my personal experiences and missteps, here are five common mistakes to avoid in your own landscape photography.
1. Not Allocating Enough Time
Rushing to a location is one of the most common mistakes I make—even now. Whether it’s a portrait session or a sunrise shoot, giving yourself extra time is crucial. When you rush, creativity suffers. Time buffers allow you to deal with unexpected hurdles like traffic, tricky trails, or simply finding the right spot.
For sunrise shoots especially, aim to arrive early enough to set up in the dark. Often, the most magical colors appear long before the sun breaches the horizon. By arriving early, you give yourself the opportunity to calmly compose and adjust without stress, enhancing your chances of capturing something truly remarkable.
2. Focusing Too Much on Gear
There’s a saying in photography: "The best camera is the one you have with you." While high-end gear can enhance your work, it’s easy to fall into the trap of obsessing over what you don’t have instead of mastering what you do.
I’ve found that knowing my equipment inside and out makes me a better photographer, regardless of its limitations. Even if you don’t have the perfect lens for every scenario, patience and creativity can help you adapt. Instead of fixating on the latest gadgets, focus on using your current gear to its fullest potential—you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve.
3. Chasing Trends Instead of Passion
It’s tempting to replicate popular styles because they seem to guarantee likes and attention. I made this mistake early in my career, only to realize that true fulfillment comes from shooting what you genuinely love.
Photography isn’t just about the image—it’s about the story, the journey, and the connection between the photographer and the subject. Find what resonates with you, whether that’s serene landscapes, bold abstracts, or quiet moments in nature. Your authenticity will shine through, and your work will stand out precisely because it’s yours.
4. Not Fully Exploring a Scene
When faced with a stunning location, it’s natural to want to capture a shot immediately. While that’s fine when the light is fleeting, taking the time to explore a scene often results in more compelling compositions.
Subtle shifts in perspective, focal length, and framing can transform a good photo into a great one. Look for leading lines, balance foreground elements, and experiment with different angles. Remember, patience is often the key to unlocking the full potential of a location.
5. Not Revisiting Great Locations
Finding a unique composition is one of the hardest parts of landscape photography. Once you’ve discovered a fantastic spot, it’s worth revisiting it in different seasons, lighting conditions, and weather.
Returning to the same location allows you to refine your composition and capture its evolving beauty. While it can be tempting to chase new landscapes, don’t underestimate the value of deep exploration of familiar ground. Some of my favourite portfolio images have come from revisiting old haunts with fresh eyes.
Final Thoughts
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If you enjoyed this blog post, you might enjoy this on location video where I delve into these topics in more detail.