When it comes to landscape photography, few other genres offer both the rewards and disappointments it can bring. However, we should avoid the easy route of annoyance and instead get excited about our landscape photography, and here's why! I understand the struggle – the elusive perfect composition, the uncooperative weather. It's easy to become frustrated, annoyed, and perhaps even consider giving up. But before you dismiss the excitement, I have something to share that might just change your perspective!
Landscape Photography Is Built Different
Landscape photography often serves as the gateway for many into the world of photography. Typically, one's initial foray into this art form begins either with receiving a camera as a gift or purchasing one due to a love for the outdoors, right?
It's a fair assumption that only a handful of people get their first camera with the intention of shooting portraits, weddings, or wildlife. Most of us start by capturing the beauty of the outdoors. Nowadays, many of us begin and often continue to use a smartphone for photography. The capabilities of these devices are immense, and they're almost always at hand.
However, issues can arise when we set out on dedicated photography excursions. Maybe we anticipate a particular composition that ends up being non-existent, or our high hopes for the perfect weather and lighting are dashed.
Back to the Basics
Do you remember your first landscape photography trip? Was it a solo venture, or did you go with others? Or perhaps you just happened to have your camera with you when an opportunity presented itself. Regardless of the situation, try to recall the feelings you experienced before, during, and after. For me, it was a mix of excitement, nervousness, and wonder about what lay ahead. These emotions laid the foundation for my passion for landscape photography and likely did the same for many others, spurring us on to the next adventure, and then the next, and the one after that!
Mindset Management
It all boils down to mindset, and thankfully, that's something within our control.
Would you prefer to feel let down or disappointed by a photography outing, or would you rather embrace the feeling of having given it your best shot? I often talk with photographers, both amateurs and professionals, who feel frustrated when their outings don’t go as planned. However, the reality is that if they hadn’t been out there, they would have missed the chance to capture that potentially stunning shot.
The light in a scene can change rapidly, enhancing its beauty dramatically. But even if the ideal light doesn’t materialize, isn’t the scene still worth appreciating? Moreover, even in rain, there's joy to be found in being outdoors and experiencing the elements. And despite the weather, you might still capture a great photo, one rich in mood, drama, atmosphere, and emotion. These feelings might be personal, but when you look back at any photograph you’ve taken, I bet you remember the location, the time, whether it was cold or warm, calm or windy, and most importantly, what you felt in that moment.
This is why it's so rewarding to feel excited about your landscape photography. You're outside, breathing fresh air, getting exercise, perhaps enduring blisters, fatigue, and dampness, but you're there with a chance of success. The alternative is staying home, gazing out the window, and wondering how it might have been if you'd ventured out.
Landscape Photography Is a Feeling
If landscape photography continually frustrates you, that frustration might eventually become your default reaction. Even when you encounter beautiful light or conditions, it might be hard to muster excitement. Instead, you may find yourself yearning for perfect conditions, and anything less could be seen as a letdown. But is this really what you imagined landscape photography would be about?
On the other hand, if you head out filled with anticipation for what might unfold, and you do encounter light — even if it's just mediocre — your excitement can intensify. The thrill of the chase could propel you forward, leaving you bursting with enthusiasm right up until the final shutter click. However, there is a risk associated with high expectations, as they can lead to disappointment. Some believe it's better to keep your hopes modest, viewing any positive outcome as a bonus.
When you look back at your images, which emotions would you prefer to remember? For me, the choice is clear, and at the end of the day, those feelings are within my control.
Happy or Sad, You Decide
Observing other landscape photographers, I've noticed some common characteristics. Some are self-professed pessimists, or "realists," as they sometimes prefer to be known. These photographers often end up feeling disappointed unless they encounter perfect conditions. On the other hand, there are the optimists, for whom every shoot is either "epic" or the best they've ever had. Their excitement can be so intense that it might seem almost exaggerated to others.
Each of these outlooks seems right for the individuals who hold them, and you might find yourself relating to either, depending on the situation. However, the risk with the pessimistic view is that when those rare, epic conditions do occur, you might struggle to feel the excitement that originally drew you to landscape photography.
What About Groups?
I've noticed many workshop leaders who maintain enthusiasm regardless of the conditions they face. Is this excitement genuine, or are they amplifying it for the benefit of their participants? I believe it's a bit of both. If a leader shows frustration, it can negatively affect the entire group. Who would want to lead or participate in a workshop filled with annoyed people? I'd wager very few.
Conclusion
To sum up this discussion, I urge you to revel in your landscape photography journey. Embrace the excitement of venturing outdoors, and if everything aligns perfectly, that's wonderful. But if it doesn't, that's alright too. There will be other opportunities. The key is to associate positive feelings with your efforts and shots, motivating you to keep braving the elements and pursuing that perfect shot on another day.
Does this article strike a chord with you? Do you have additional insights from your own experiences, or have you ever felt discouraged to the point of not venturing out for dedicated shoots?
Let's keep this conversation going in the comments below.
Hi Darren! I agree that it's always worth venturing out, as there is always something to photograph, some connection to make, and if conditions are poor then often there is a heap of drama waiting to be discovered in Post. I also shoot (Canon 5Ds) with a particular crop in mind, and once again often find in Post that there is a particular crop that produces a pleasing composition. Ultimately of course, as you note, a photographer is guaranteed to capture exactly zero landscape shots when tucked up indoors! Thanks for the article. ;-)
Thanks Jake, everyday is a school day for sure and the experiences add more value each time :-)
Darren Spoonley asked,
"Would you prefer to feel let down or disappointed by a photography outing, or would you rather embrace the feeling of having given it your best shot?"
For me, these are not mutually exclusive. I often return from an outing knowing that I gave it my all; my very best effort. And yet I still have regret and disappointment if I do not get the caliber of images that I was trying to make.
I do photography for the images, not for the experience. The whole world of nature and wildlife photography, for me, is a very results-based endeavor. Hence, I don't go out just to "get out there". Rather, I carefully plan my outings to ensure that my time spent afield is done in a way that ensures the highest odds of success. And "success" lies entirely upon the quality of the images I come away with.
Often, I come home with no photos at all, because the scenes that presented themselves just weren't gorgeous enough to result in a truly satisfying photo. It's eye candy or bust, for me!
I realize that we have entirely opposing viewpoints about this, and I am okay with that. I do not find any fault with you for valuing the experience of getting out there just as much as you value quality images. Please show the same respect for my viewpoint, and do not find fault with me for being all about the results. Don't try to change my mindset, and I won't try to change yours. Deal?
Deal :-) at least you were out and not looking out the window wondering what if :-)
Good point!
But I have learned that with wildlife, a lot of research done on my computer in the comfort of my home can greatly increase my odds of getting the images I want when I go afield, by helping me know when conditions and behavior are going to be conducive to excellent image-making, and when they aren't. That way, I do not waste precious time and gasoline going out to make photos when the odds of making those photos are slim. I try to make sure that I only head go afield when the odds are tilted strongly in my favor, and my photography is done much more efficiently that way.
If you aren't excited you shouldn't "get excited" The excitement comes naturally if you love nature or even something like beautiful light. Unfortunately the last years the people i also see a lot of Instagram photographers who only care for the attention they get with their "trophy".
To me the landscape photographer is an explorer (i've been an explorer since i was 10) and the photography part of it is like making a puzzle: dealing with the unique circumstances and making your own photo out of those instead the one every one has made.
I fully agree with the explorer part, I also feel that if you aren't excited still go out as that excitement can occur when you least expect it :-)