Landscape photography is often about knowing what not to do as much as knowing what works. Avoiding common pitfalls can help you produce stronger, clearer images right from the start.
Coming to you from William Patino, this practical video tackles common errors in landscape photography, offering clear advice on how to improve your process. One key point Patino emphasizes is the temptation to immediately set up your camera or tripod upon arriving at a location. While eagerness to start shooting is understandable, rushing to set up your gear can limit your creativity. Instead, Patino advises taking a few minutes to simply observe the surroundings first. Without the distraction of gear, you’re more likely to notice unique compositions or subtle details you might otherwise miss.
Another mistake Patino highlights is overusing wide angle lenses. Yes, wide angle lenses show vast landscapes impressively, but they can also overwhelm the image with unnecessary elements. If your photos feel cluttered or overly complicated, it's often because you’re capturing too much of the scene. Patino suggests slowing down, carefully considering your subject, and sometimes using a longer lens instead. Telephoto lenses simplify landscapes by isolating specific elements, making images cleaner, more intentional, and impactful. This way, you avoid taking the same wide angle shot repeatedly.
Focusing correctly is another issue Patino addresses directly. Beginners tend to stress too much about exactly where to focus, but the solution is straightforward. With wide angle lenses, focusing around a third into your frame typically works fine. Using smaller apertures like f/11 can help ensure your scene stays sharp front to back without complicating your technique. For tighter shots, simply focus on your main subject and make sure it’s crisp. This practical advice removes unnecessary confusion around focusing, helping you concentrate more on composition and less on technical worries.
Manual mode is another point of emphasis. Automatic and semi-automatic modes might seem convenient at first, but mastering manual settings will consistently lead to better exposures. Patino explains that relying too heavily on automated settings can lead to disappointing images. Understanding how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO interact allows you to adapt quickly to changing conditions and lighting, resulting in consistently well-exposed photos. His recommendation to learn manual mode helps remove guesswork from the creative process.
Finally, Patino reminds you about the importance of slowing down during editing. Rushing through post-processing or posting immediately after editing often leads to overlooked mistakes. Allow your edits to settle—returning to your photos after a short break with fresh eyes helps identify small tweaks that significantly enhance the final result. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Patino.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
