5 Habits
That Get In Your Way
APRIL 13, 2024
Whether you're a veteran special forces trained and tested, fine art landscape photographer like me or just a casual hobbies there are certain practices that we all tend to consider common sense. However, what if some of these habits are actually hindering our performance? Right now, let's discuss some habits that you should drop immediately to enhance your skills as a landscape photographer. Without further delay, let's dive in!
Table of Contents
Habit #1 – Carrying your photo kit everywhere
Being mindful of where and how you carry your equipment is crucial, especially if it's not insured against damage or theft. Carrying a heavy bag filled with lenses, camera bodies, and a tripod can be exhausting and even lead to discomfort or strain. In fact if I filled my bag with all of the gear I could possibly use, it would way as much as a 60lb rucksack used by an infantryman in battle. Instead, take a few minutes to explore the area before unpacking your gear. If you've traveled by car, leave your bags inside and explore on foot with just your smartphone or light meter to assess conditions. This allows you to focus on the scene without constantly worrying about your gear.
Habit #2 – Relying solely on weather forecasts to plan your sessions
While it's important to consider weather conditions, solely relying on forecasts neglects the element of uncertainty inherent in photography. Embrace the adventure and don't shy away from shooting in different weather conditions, as it can offer unique opportunities for creativity. Consider investing in protective gear and exploring apps like Sun Surveyor, PhotoPills, or WeatherPro to help plan your sessions effectively.
Habit #3 – Believing filters will automatically improve your photography
While filters are commonly marketed as essential for landscape photography, they aren't a substitute for skill and technique. Instead of relying on a plethora of filters, focus on mastering post-processing techniques to achieve desired effects. Invest time in learning software like Lightroom or Photoshop to enhance your images and prioritize capturing high-quality RAW files for maximum editing flexibility.
Habit #4 – Working destructively in post-production
Avoid working destructively in post-production by altering the original image directly. Instead, adopt a non-destructive workflow by creating copies of your original image to preserve its integrity. Tools like virtual copies in Lightroom allow you to experiment with different edits without compromising the original file. This approach fosters creativity and enables you to refine your edits to achieve the desired result.
Habit #5 – Overpacking and carrying unnecessary equipment
Resist the urge to carry excessive gear to every shoot. Focus on essential lenses, a tripod, basic filters, and spare batteries to minimize weight and streamline your workflow. Avoid falling into the trap of "Gear Acquisition Syndrome" by limiting your equipment to a few versatile lenses. This encourages you to fully explore the capabilities of each lens and ultimately improve your skills as a photographer.
By shedding these habits, you'll be better equipped to elevate your landscape photography. What habits do you think are essential to break? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Until next time!