Which of your beliefs about the kind of photography you enjoy ended up being an obstacle? What self-imposed limitations keep you from shooting more and learning more?
For anyone pursuing a new craft or hobby, there are always some assumptions we make based on our expectations of it. Some of them are proven correct and some are harmless mistakes, but there are some mistakes that can actually become hindrances to progress and further learning. For landscape photographers, there are some important misconceptions that must be addressed so that they don’t stop you from becoming the best landscape photographer you can be, and the most important one is probably also the obvious one. most natural of them.
Deep Cause
One approach that I personally disagree with in the way some instructors teach photography, regardless of genre, is that the process somehow begins with imposed limits and boundaries that are not always also apply. Many photographers are taught that photography is somehow strictly limited to what the camera captures at the time of shooting and that any form of editing or alteration has somehow been outside the creative process. of photography. While any photographer is free to set their own boundaries and ethics with respect to the art they create, it is imprudent that so many dictate that a photographer can and can do nothing to create art. In fact, this is the complete opposite of art. These boundaries that beginners often believe put limits on their creativity, imagination, and even freedom as artists, which is why breaking free. Those shackles are an important step beyond basic photography.
The biggest misconception about learning landscape photography
Most photographers who begin their landscape photography journey are exposed to and inspired by the works of notable landscape photographers or have the opportunity to try out landscape photography while visiting a location. or major iconic landmarks. A great source of inspiration is seeing places you only read about in books or magazines explained by an extremely talented landscape photographer. On the other hand, being able to see and visit such places can certainly inspire you to seek out more and learn how to photograph them yourself.
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being inspired by the world’s amazing iconic landscapes and hopefully one day you’ll be able to see and photograph them in person. However, many people tend to think that to be able to learn landscape photography, to be able to simply become a landscape photographer, you always have to go far just to shoot. At first glance, it is a seemingly harmless assumption, but if they continue to hold that mindset, they will encounter many obstacles and disappointments in their journey.
Distance is not equal to effort
An obvious point is that your ability to travel far to shoot does not determine and does not limit how you progress as a landscape photographer. The easiest argument against this is: “what if you lived right next to a national park or something like that?” Yes, living near a good landscape photography location would be a boon for anyone, but it’s not a rigid requirement. Conversely, maybe someone who doesn’t live near any iconic natural landmarks might even have the edge in terms of scouting out new places and finding unique ways to photograph landscapes.
Personally, I would say that learning landscape photography seemed difficult for me at first because I was quite “stuck” in the city I live in. I started learning landscape photography when I was still in school, and aside from the fact that it consumes almost all of my time each day, getting out of town is always a logistical nightmare. However, this challenge kept me looking for more nearby but unexplored places and definitely taught me how to photograph seemingly ordinary places.
The most important thing you need to start
One question I always ask landscape photographers is: “Where have you considered your playing field and how has it helped you progress as a landscape photographer?” Personally, I find that shooting landscapes in the city where I’m stuck is a good way to learn how to deal with environmental challenges. However, I also tried my best to look for places that I could easily visit within an hour of where I live so that I could be there for a few hours on rare days to shoot and find ways. new to take a picture of that place every time.
Another counterproductive thought about landscape photography is that you should only shoot one place at a time. Many experienced landscape photographers will agree that no matter how many times you return to a certain location or vantage point to shoot, the landscape, environmental conditions, and lighting will always be different from any situation you may encounter. been there. In fact, shooting the same place multiple times will prepare you for many of the environmental conditions and challenges that you may encounter in other places, and these experiences are sure to help you find unique ways for landscape photography anywhere.
Another important point to consider is that most landscape photographers, or most artists for that matter, are always evolving in terms of personal style and artistic taste. Any photographer you ask at this point will likely say that their photography style and preferences are very different now than they were five or ten years ago. Having a place you know like the back of your hand as your playing field is the perfect place to try new approaches with less chance of missing or wasted shots.
See the world but don’t forget what’s right in front of you
As landscape photographers, it can be said that we are all driven by a passion and curiosity for the world and nature. This goes hand-in-hand with the thrill we get when photographing these locations and creates something unique and visually stimulating compared to what could otherwise be an ordinary-looking location. It is a natural and certainly good sign that we have always longed to go far and wide to see the most iconic and majestic landscapes in the entire world. However, for anyone with limitations, be it financial or simply the ability to travel long distances, that should never stop you from packing up and shooting. What makes you a landscape photographer is the artistry you put into your photos, your passion for outdoor photography, and your curiosity to witness the universe. The distance you travel has absolutely no effect on that.
