Landscape photography often comes with challenges that aren’t always apparent until you’re in the field, and knowing how to handle them can make all the difference in your shots.
Coming to you from Thomas Heaton, this engaging video takes you along on a rugged journey through Scotland’s Highlands, where he navigates everything from unpredictable weather to tricky compositions. Heaton starts by framing a lone tree against a misty, rain-softened backdrop, a shot that highlights the need to wait for the right atmospheric conditions to achieve depth and separation. For Heaton, paying close attention to background elements, like avoiding overlap between the tree branches and mountains, is essential. Small adjustments in framing and positioning can be the difference between a dynamic composition and one that feels cluttered.
As Heaton explores the landscape, he encounters obstacles that push him to rethink his approach. His plans to photograph along a river, for example, are interrupted by unattractive power lines, leading him to seek a different perspective on higher ground. This kind of flexibility is valuable in outdoor photography, where elements beyond your control often demand creative solutions. Heaton’s attempt to capture light breaking over the mountains showcases how patience and timing can enhance a scene’s natural drama. Using a polarizing filter to manage haze and deepen contrast, he focuses on shapes and textures, crafting images that are both simplistic and impactful.
One of the highlights in the video is Heaton’s discovery of a splash of color among red berries by the riverside, a stark contrast to the otherwise muted landscape. Here, Heaton illustrates the importance of choosing a focal point that adds depth without overwhelming the scene. While the setting itself is chaotic, the bright berries provide a natural anchor, helping the viewer’s eye settle.
A surprising moment comes when Heaton stumbles upon a striking shoreline composition of golden leaves floating on dark water, framed by a distant mountain. Balancing his exposure and shutter speed to avoid blurring the leaves, he experiments with various settings, ultimately deciding to focus stack the shot for optimal sharpness. His choice to individually capture the foreground, midground, and background shows how advanced techniques like focus stacking can bring clarity to complex compositions, letting intricate details like leaves and rock textures stand out without motion blur. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Heaton.
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!”
