As a landscape photographer, I've often found that some of my most valuable lessons come from moments of failure. Over the years, I’ve encountered countless setbacks—blurry images, blown highlights, and misjudged lighting conditions. While these moments can be frustrating, they’ve ultimately shaped my skills and perspective.
In this article, I’ll share how embracing failure leads to growth, creativity, and a deeper understanding of my craft. I am going to share some of my early work in this blog, warts and all, I embrace these failures, so I have no problem in showing you some of my many mistakes, which have actually helped my photography.
Embracing Failure
When I first started taking photography seriously, I had a vision of what my shots should look like. However, my early attempts often fell short of my expectations. I remember one particular trip where I was so excited to capture a stunning sunset. I set up my camera, only to realize later that I had forgotten to adjust my settings from my previous shoot, I was so excited to see what was in front of me. The results were disappointing, with images that were either underexposed or washed out.
This experience taught me the importance of embracing failure, even at that stage. Instead of being discouraged, I learned to view these setbacks as stepping stones. Whenever I encountered an issue, I asked myself, "What went wrong?" This mindset shift has been crucial in developing my skills.
Now, of course, learning from these mistakes is vital; if I didn’t, then I would keep making them, so I encourage you to do the same often, even if you have been a photographer for years or just starting out, reflect and figure out what exactly went wrong so you can avoid it next time.
Learning from Mistakes
Every mistake presents an opportunity to learn. For instance, I shot a landscape in the wrong mode, resulting in grainy images. Instead of sulking over the lost opportunity, I took a closer look at my camera settings. This incident prompted me to create a checklist for my shoots—now, I double-check my settings before hitting the shutter button.
It’s important to remember that mistakes don’t define us as photographers. They are simply part of the learning process. Embracing this mindset has made me a more confident photographer. I look at it similar to learning to ride a bike I guess, at first, you will fall, but you try again and fall again, but you do not give up, and soon you're off to the many places you went exploring on your bike with a new sense of freedom
The Importance of Experimentation
Failure often opens the door to experimentation. When I started trying new techniques, I quickly realized that not every attempt would yield perfect results. Long-exposure photography, for instance, was initially a challenge for me. I ended up with a few shots that looked more like abstract art than actual landscapes.
These failed attempts, however, pushed me to refine my technique. I learned about the effects of different shutter speeds and how to use filters effectively. I went through a phase where it was f22 everything to try and get that elusive 30-second shot, but I soon realized the errors of my ways. As I practiced, I gradually improved, leading to some of my best work.
Growth Through Critique
Getting feedback from peers can be daunting, especially when it highlights our mistakes. Initially, I feared showing my work to others, worrying they’d only point out my flaws. However, I soon realised that constructive criticism is invaluable for growth.
Joining a photography group where we shared our work—and our failures—was a turning point for me. It helped me see that we all struggle and that everyone has had their share of “blurry phases.” This camaraderie fosters a supportive environment that encourages learning. It’s important to remember that you are not alone here.
Celebrating the Learning Process
Every photographer has a unique journey filled with challenges and triumphs. Rather than fixating on perfection, we should celebrate the learning process. Each failure teaches resilience and encourages us to tackle future challenges head-on.
For instance, learning to shoot in challenging lighting conditions can be daunting. However, through practice and experimentation, I gained the confidence to adapt and improve my skills. The shot below of the boat was one such occasion when I finally started to figure things out and was over the moon with the result. Looking back now, I think this image was a turning point for me.
Connecting with Others Through Shared Experiences
Sharing our failures can create connections with fellow photographers. When I discuss my mistakes, I often find others relating to those experiences. It’s a reminder that we’re all on this journey together, and it’s perfectly okay to stumble along the way.
In a photography group, we once held a “worst shot” contest. The laughter that ensued brought us closer together and reminded us that we were all in the same boat. These shared experiences help build a supportive community where we can grow together. Everybody gets it wrong, however, most won’t ever share these shots intentionally anyway, they might think that it’s the next award winner, but through constructive advice, this can be helped to improve every time.
Reframing Failure as a Positive Force
Ultimately, we need to reframe failure as a positive force in our photography journey. Instead of fearing it, we should recognize it as an essential part of growth. Each mistake brings us closer to mastering our skills. Some of the best photographers have portfolios filled with “not-so-great” images before they found their unique style. Of course, as mentioned you won’t see most of these, but for me, I have no problem in showing you, particularly in this article, and I would recommend this approach to you wholeheartedly.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the power of failure and mistakes in landscape photography should be embraced rather than feared. They teach us resilience, encourage experimentation, and foster connections with others. So, the next time you face a setback, remember that it’s all part of the journey. Embrace those moments of “oops,” and watch how they lead to your best work yet.
I’ve put together a video on this subject as part of my "Essential Landscape Photography Skills" series—check it out above!
Hungry for more? Grab my free e-book, "Essential Landscape Photography Skills", by signing up for my newsletter. It’s packed with insights to elevate your skills!
