Common Beginner Landscape Photography Mistakes
As a self-taught landscape photographer, believe me, I’ve made ALL the mistakes, and continue to work on my photography skills every time I go out with my camera. But, that’s the beauty of landscape photography! You can practice as often as you have time for, and you DON’T have to show anyone your mistakes😂
#1. NO MAIN SUBJECT
Having confusing compositions is a mistake I definitely made!
If someone else is going to be viewing your photograph, their eye should be drawn to the main subject in the frame. If you have too many things for them to look at, they aren’t sure what they should focus on.
When you arrive at your location, take some time to assess the conditions and determine what would make the best subject for your photograph.
For instance, because seascapes are one of my favorite things to photograph, the setting sun or rising sun is often the main focus of my photographs.
CONFUSING—-WHAT’S THE SUBJECT?
THE AQUA OCEAN IS WHERE YOUR EYE SHOULD BE DRAWN TO…
#2. LACK OF DEPTH
When I was starting out, I was thrilled to simply capture a sunset! I wasn’t thinking about layers of interest in my photograph.
It takes time to become familiar with your camera and all of it’s capabilities:). Once you do become more comfortable with it, it’s a good time to begin working on your compositions.
The best photos often include a foreground, mid-ground and background. I started out with the ocean and setting sun… I didn’t really have a foreground element. (still don’t sometimes!!)
If you’re at the beach, look for rocks, wave lines, sand patterns or a pathway to include as a foreground element.
DEPTH: FOR-GROUND, MID-GROUND, BACKGROUND
#3. NOT USING THE LIGHT METER
I’m often out at sunset time, and I’m impatient! I begin clicking away BEFORE the sun has reached the horizon line and often would overexpose the sky, when I was starting out.
I did use the histogram, but it took me quite a while to also check the light meter, as well.
Now, as I adjust the shutter speed, aperture and iso to get the light meter centered, I’m learning how they interact with each other…I’ve also, begun experimenting with exposure bracketing, but that’s a topic for another day!
PRETTY HARSH LIGHT-NOT WAITING FOR THE SUN TO LOWER
#4. RUSHING
Your photographs will truly improve if you plan your photo shoot ahead of time and allow yourself extra time to scout the area for the best composition.
Walk around with your iPhone, looking at the screen, and try different compositions to see which one works the best, BEFORE, you just grab your camera and start clicking away, because your adrenaline is rushing:))
PATHWAY LEADING TO THE SETTING SUN…(I scouted around for this one!)
Hope you enjoyed these tips:).
Happy photographing, and remember to sign up for Coastal Photo Lovers (BELOW) to receive 15% off your first purchase!
xx Deb