In photography, patience is often the difference between capturing a rushed shot and creating something truly meaningful. This is especially true for landscape photography, where the conditions—light, weather, and atmosphere—change by the minute. Waiting for just the right moment might seem difficult, but it can actually make the process more enjoyable and less stressful.
Coming to you from Ben Horne, this thoughtful video reflects on his journey through landscape photography and how his perspective on patience has evolved. Horne recalls a 2007 trip to Zion National Park, where he first encountered large format photography through the work of Michael Fatali. At the time, Horne wasn’t yet working with large format himself, but he was struck by Fatali’s approach—spending hours waiting for the perfect conditions to take a single shot. This idea seemed difficult to grasp at first, but it planted a seed that would shape Horne’s future practice.
Horne explains how he now follows a similar method, often revisiting the same landscapes year after year. In places like Death Valley, he describes setting up a composition hours in advance, waiting patiently for the light to reach the perfect angle. Rather than rushing from one location to the next, this approach allows him to immerse himself in the moment. He points out that modern social media has shortened attention spans, making it harder for many to embrace this kind of deliberate photography. However, he argues that slowing down not only makes the process easier but also reduces stress, creating a more enjoyable experience.
Horne emphasizes that patience isn’t just about waiting for the right light—it’s also about learning to enjoy the process of photography itself. When you aren’t rushing to find a subject at the last minute, you can focus on details like metering and composition without distraction. This, Horne says, leads to a more “zen-like” experience, where the act of waiting becomes part of the creative journey.
He contrasts this calm approach with the stress of running around trying to capture shots impulsively. Instead of feeling rushed and overwhelmed, Horne finds that patience helps him feel more connected to the environment, making each moment behind the camera more rewarding. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Horne.
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!”
