One of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of landscape photography is finding the perfect location. The right location can elevate your photo from ordinary to extraordinary. However, choosing where to shoot can be a time-consuming process, filled with challenges such as overcrowded tourist spots, difficult terrain, or simply not knowing where to go. In this article, I want to explore the difficulties we face when finding the perfect location and provide strategies that have helped me overcome them.
The Overcrowding Problem
One of the biggest challenges in popular photography spots is overcrowding. Iconic locations like Iceland’s Skógafoss waterfall, the Grand Canyon, or even Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher attract thousands of tourists each day. And let's not even mention Mesa Arch. For a landscape photographer, this poses a problem—how do you capture the beauty of a place when it's filled with people?
One solution is to visit these locations during off-peak times, either early in the morning or late in the evening. Sunrise shoots often offer the best opportunity to avoid crowds while capturing incredible light. Many tourist-heavy locations see a significant drop in visitors early in the morning or later in the day, leaving you with more freedom to compose your shots. If you have an off-peak time of the year for these locations—many honeypot locations don’t—then plan your shoot around the time when you know there will be fewer people around. For places like Iceland, which in recent years has had a huge surge in photo tourism, never mind regular tourism, this might prove to be a challenge. So the key here is to weigh up the options and go at a time that suits both you and your needs, depending on the type of shots you want to get.
Another approach is to avoid the most iconic locations altogether and explore nearby lesser-known areas. For example, rather than focusing solely on the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, you might explore nearby coastal areas that offer different geological formations but attract fewer people. It’s always great to get a shot you can call your own, rather than a copy-paste shot that even the most haphazard and lucky photographer could stumble upon.
Doing Your Research
Finding unique or under-the-radar locations requires research. Many photographers rely on social media platforms like Instagram, which is both a blessing and a curse. While platforms like Instagram and 500px can inspire you with new locations, they often lead to oversaturation as thousands of others are directed to the same spots.
For a more personalized approach, try looking for information beyond social media. Google Earth is a great tool for exploring potential locations remotely. You can scout out interesting landscapes, get an understanding of the terrain, and identify potential shooting angles before you even arrive. However, it’s important to observe any restrictions with access, as it may not be very clear from looking at a map how you are going to get to that spot or if you have to pass over private land—or even worse, if your location itself is on someone’s private property. Street View can help you here, to take a look at the access routes and see if there are any visible signs as a bare minimum.
Local photography groups, forums, and blogs can also provide insight into lesser-known spots that aren’t overrun by tourists. These sources offer practical advice, including the best times to visit or specific challenges you might encounter at a given location. If possible, visit these places ahead of time to scout for compositions and evaluate conditions without the pressure of a photoshoot. If you can’t visit beforehand, another option is to ask the person who took the shot that inspired you. My personal advice is to ask via a DM, not in an open forum, as you will have more of a chance of getting a reply. Also, don’t just come straight out and say, "Give me the location of this shot." This approach is not going to work and will probably get you banned by the user if they don’t like that style.
I have created eight location guides for areas around Ireland that I designed to make it easier for people to find and photograph locations when they are visiting Ireland; you can check them out here.
Scouting: A Photographer’s Best Friend
Even with careful research, there’s no substitute for physically scouting a location in advance. Many successful landscape photographers spend hours, if not days, scouting potential shooting locations before they ever pull out their cameras. This allows us to get a feel for the environment, figure out the best vantage points, and understand how the light interacts with the landscape at different times of day. The location you want to shoot may not work at the time of year you are planning to visit. The light might be in the totally wrong position in the sky for that perfect sunset shot. So keep that in mind, and use apps (details below) to help you determine where the light will be for your planning time.
When scouting, keep an eye out for elements that will enhance your composition. Look for natural lines, interesting foregrounds, and unique features that could make your shot stand out. You should also pay attention to how the weather will affect your scene, as certain locations might look entirely different depending on the conditions.
Understanding Seasonal and Lighting Variations
As mentioned above, the same location can look completely different depending on the time of year and the angle of the sun. For example, a location that works well for sunset in the summer might be less compelling in the winter when the sun sets at a different angle. Similarly, seasonal changes can dramatically affect the appearance of a landscape. What might be a lush, green scene in spring could be barren and brown in the winter.
A key skill in landscape photography is understanding how seasonal and lighting variations will impact your shot. Planning tools like The Photographer’s Ephemeris and Sun Surveyor are invaluable for predicting sunrise, sunset, and the angle of light at different times of the year. These apps allow you to plan shoots more effectively by showing you exactly where the sun or moon will be at any given time.
Additionally, learning how to work with different types of light is crucial. The golden hour, as you know, is when the light is soft and warm and is often preferred by many, but sometimes harsh midday sunlight can work in your favor. Understanding how light shapes the landscape will help you choose the right location for your shoot.
Accessibility and Safety
Finding the perfect location often involves venturing into remote or rugged areas, but accessibility is always a concern. Some of the best landscape photography spots are difficult to reach, requiring long hikes, off-road vehicles, or even climbing. While this sense of adventure is part of the appeal for many of us, it also comes with risks.
Before embarking on a trip to a remote location, make sure you’re well-prepared. Bring the appropriate gear for the environment, including sturdy footwear, a map or GPS, and enough supplies to sustain you in case you’re out longer than expected. Research the terrain and conditions ahead of time, and never underestimate the weather, which can change quickly and make a previously accessible spot dangerous. Here in Ireland, I always have a rain jacket in my bag, even when the forecast says it won’t rain—there is always the chance, and I have had to use it many times over the years.
Safety should always come first. If a location is too difficult or risky to reach, consider whether it’s worth the shot. Sometimes, it’s better to settle for a slightly less dramatic view if it means avoiding injury or getting stuck. You may find yourself thinking, "If I can get over here, then the shot will be a banger," only to find that getting there is risky, and if/when you do, it’s not as you thought and was a waste of time. I find using my drone for scenarios like this often helps, as it can do the heavy lifting without me risking life or limb in the pursuit of the epic shot.
Making the Ordinary Extraordinary
Not every landscape photography opportunity involves a famous location. In fact, some of the most compelling landscape images come from ordinary or overlooked areas. A field, a forest, or even a city park can become extraordinary when framed with the right perspective and in the right light. Don’t rule them out, as they can be a great place for you to also practice your skills, ready to be able to grab that banger shot when you are in an epic location.
As a landscape photographer, part of your skill set involves seeing the potential in everyday scenes. Consider how light, color, and composition can transform an otherwise ordinary scene into something visually captivating. By focusing on the known elements of a good composition, such as leading lines, symmetry, or interesting textures, you can create beautiful images even in the most unexpected places. I have a local wood that I can play in, and I have found that I have improved my skills and also managed to bag a couple of shots that actually worked.
Getting Local Insights
One of the best ways to find unique locations is by connecting with locals. Whether it’s a fellow photographer, a guide, or even a resident, locals often know about hidden gems that don’t appear in guidebooks or on social media. They can provide insights into the best times to shoot, offer access to private property, or point you toward lesser-known spots that are off the beaten path. The important part here is to ask. Thankfully, here in Ireland, I have yet to meet a local person who wasn’t a nice person to talk to, and once they get to know you, they will most likely give you that hint you are looking for. Even when visiting the US, I have found locations just by asking a local. Granted, the fact that I said I was lost and was also from Ireland may have helped, but nonetheless, I was still able to get access and info for some great spots.
When traveling to a new location, don’t hesitate to ask around or engage with local photographers on forums or social media groups. You’ll often find that they’re happy to share their knowledge and help you discover new spots that most tourists miss. But as mentioned above, use decorum and don’t come across as rude or pushy.
Finally
Finding the perfect location is often a mix of patience, research, and luck. It can take time to discover those special spots, and sometimes, the conditions won’t be perfect on your first visit. However, by being persistent and adapting to what you find, you can turn almost any location into a great landscape photograph.
Remember, photography is as much about the journey as it is about the final image. Cliché, I know, but I have found it to be true personally. The more you explore, the more you’ll develop your own eye for unique locations, and the more rewarding your photography will become.
