So you want to be a landscape photographer: tips and advice

Many people have the impression that being a landscape photographer is a glamorous career choice. It is perceived as a chilled out job with lots of travelling and plenty of opportunity for fun and adventure. Unfortunately, this is far from the truth because it can be one of the most challenging and stressful jobs. Yet at the same time being a landscape photographer can also be a rewarding career. After all, don’t we all want the chance to do something we love for a living?

I have compiled a list of top tips and advice for wannabe landscape photographers, based on my own experience.

1. Have patience

Patience is so very important. Good photography is all about lighting, and it can take many hours – or even days – to get the perfect light. It you rush and settle for what is there at the time, you might not be happy with the outcome. So being patient and taking your time is going to pay off in the end. This is certainly true if you’re using filters, which I do for most of my shots involving water movement and to capture the sky and moving clouds. Remember to take your time with each shot. And if the result is not as good as you hoped or expected, adjust the settings on your camera and start again.

2. Support from family and friends

I’ve enjoyed photography for many years, and in that time I’ve discovered just how important support from friends and family can be. Most of my holidays are usually planned with ulterior motives, and I spend a fair bit of time researching for possible photographic locations and beautiful scenery. If I am exploring an area with my camera, my family and friends suddenly become my assistant by default. I’ve also found that my loved ones are also my biggest critics, which only makes me strive to be a better photographer.

3.  Creative eye

Having a creative eye is an integral part of photography. Experienced photographers are able to judge what makes a great photograph. Alternatively, they can create something new and fresh from a popular location and add their own twist to it.

When I am out on location I have a visual in my head, in terms of what I need to do with lighting and composition so I can focus on making that vision a reality. Most times I will try to use unusual perspectives, lighting and textures to make the photographs more interesting.

4. Photography requires a reasonable level of fitness

To have landscape photographs that are different from what I’ve seen on social media, I sometimes have to walk, trek and hike to less popular but far more picturesque locations. And that means tacking rather a lot of my gear with me. On one such occasion I weighed my camera backpack and it was approximately 7 kgs. Although it might not sound much, for someone of my size I have added 15% to the overall weight.

On a recent trip to Mackenzie Falls in the Grampians, Victoria, the 2 km return walk to the base of the falls was long and steep. If you are not physically fit, in all likelihood you will struggle with the walk when you’re having to lug heavy camera equipment.

5.  A passion for photography

Passion for photography is one of the most important attributes. If you love and enjoy what you do it will make the job so much easier. My days tend to start early as I love to venture out early to photograph the sunrise. It’s the best way to start the day. So unless it’s a cloudless or stormy day, I rarely sleep in. Even on weekends! The single biggest motivator for me to wake up early for sunrise is the stunning photographs produced at the end of it. Let’s face it, who wants to wake up in the freezing cold and sometimes windy mornings for sunrises when a warm bed is more enticing?

6.  Knowledge

Although it is quite an obvious trait, I have known some professional photographers who have entered the trade without knowing half as much as they should. Yes, you need to know your camera inside out. But photography is all about continuous learning and fine tuning your skills. When I first started as a hobbyist photographer I subscribed to a few photography magazines just to learn more about camera settings and the tricks of the trade. You can also join photography groups or go out with the professionals for some on the field experience.

7.  Time

If you’re not a morning person and you enjoy a sleep in, then the world of professional photography might not be for you. If you can’t manage to haul yourself out of bed in the morning to go and photograph the sunrise, you’re missing out on a truly rewarding experience. At this time of the morning, not only do you get less haze, but it’s during the early hours of the day where you get to capture the sky at its most vibrant and dynamic. When the orange sun combines with the blue sky, it creates an array of vivid and interesting colours. In my opinion, there’s simply no better way to start the day, because it symbolises the dawn of a new life. As quoted by Gautama Buddha: “Every morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”

Of course, taking your shots and being happy with the results on the camera is only half the job. You still need to edit them, share them on social media and/or organise printing and packaging. Photography is one of the most time consuming professions, another reason why having a passion for it is a must.

8.  Love nature and the natural world

If you are not a nature lover, then landscape photography isn’t the field of photography for you. I have travelled to extreme climates, like the icy wonderland of Lapland for the chance to witness the phenomenal Aurora Borealis. I’ve hiked on unique glaciers in Franz Josef in New Zealand; cruised among majestic fjords in Norway and New Zealand and visited the Pilanesberg National Park in South Africa where I was fortunate to witness animals roaming free in their natural habitat.

9.  Have an eye for detail

A great landscape photographer pays close attention to detail to capture the essence of nature. Photography is considered a technical discipline. And operating an SLR can be challenging for people who have little patience for details. To take an outstanding photograph, the photographer must be able to visualise a shot, paying attention to lighting, shutter speed, lenses, filters, and composition as they work together to create a brilliant image. After having taken countless shots, photographers will sort through the photos, culling those with technical and visual imperfections. Most photographers will also edit small details in their photographs, before considering their work complete.

10.  Technical skills

A landscape photographer should possess excellent technical skills, such as knowing the ins and outs of their camera, lighting, filters, as well as photo editing software or applications like Lightroom and Photoshop. I sometimes get asked by other photographers to share camera settings and technical information for some of my shots. I am always happy to share my technical knowledge and do what I can to help my fellow photographer get the best possible shot.

My travelling gear

• Camera: Sony A7II, Sony A7III, DJI Air 2S
• Lens: Sony Vario-Tessar T* FE 24-70mm f/4 ZA OSS and Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS lens
• Filters: Nisi Filters – 6 and 10 stops, and circular polarising
• Tripod: Manfrotto Be Free
• Backpack: Peak Design 20L Everyday Backpack

Check out more of my photography work on Instagram. All my photography work is available for sale. Please contact me if you would like more information.