The biggest mistake i make is definitely not having my camera with me all the time.. also file management.. dump your card frequently and organize NOW not later. these aren't exactly shooting tips but are very important. Remember you will need space to store your photos so invest in external hard drives.
I had to chuckle at the spending big on equipment segment, and also the advice that basically said, take more shots (Low Shutter Count). It seems that there are a multitude of pursuits where people attempt to buy success. I coach archery and shake my head at some club members who buy bows sometimes as often as twice a year; and I tell those I coach that the quickest and cheapest path to improved success is meaningful practice to develop better technique (I guess the equivalent of increasing shutter count).
That reminds me of a story I heard from a friend: he went to a wine store and found that a very expensive and famous wine was anounced for a third of the original price. Even then it was an expensive price to drink, but he went for it just to conclude that, for him, after X amount of money he was not able to diferenciate the nuances of each wine, he does not had the knowledge and taste for it. And mind that here, in Brazil, when something is expensive, it's REALY expensive!
As a beginning photographer, it was great to hear about not getting caught up in the gear! This is something that I have caught myself getting sucked into instead of spending the time to take more photos. Thanks for the great advice!
Me too! I felt limited by gear so I invested time into getting a good deal, when I could be on the streets with a old camera in hand. Just got a brand-new looking second-hand camera a few days ago and finally learning about photography it self.
Mark, Bravo! Many photographers only want to show their best work. I applaud you for "opening your kimono" and sharing your mistakes so that we can learn from them. Thank you.
A friend of mine was the head of PBS for Wyoming. In five minutes, he taught me most of the points you made in your video. I didn't follow what he taught me at times, but he saved me a lot of bad shots. It was good to hear that advice again from you, and happy others heard it as well.
Another great video, Mark. I've been a photographer for almost 40 years, since 1982 and I STILL make some of these mistakes. I'm particularly guilty of "low shutter count" which I think is probably a hangover from film days - I used to shoot almost exclusively on slide film, expensive to process, and expensive to print.
I appreciate Mark for your honest confession about the mistakes you made in helping us to aware and improve and avoid those same mistake. That’s a great spirit of a tutor. We respect your opinions in this video. Great 👍 commitment to help us. 💐. You are choosing the subjects of unanswered questions and the ignored community of beginner photographers where we don’t find the solutions. Great work.
multiple multiple angles third Sky 2/3 land, third land 2/3 sky ...Move the camera left to right, right to left horizontal shot than vertical shots, as many different angles that you can angle view, down by the ground angle View. then you're not going to be disappointed at the end if you only took one composition photo. I typically shoot about 40 shops of one nice did you and pick the best two or three out of it
I hope people realize how important the point about gear is. I recently met some professional photographers who do a LOT of work that people have seen and they are exclusively using the Sony RX100 - a camera with a fixed lens and small sensor. That really shifted things for me as I realized it's the person using the camera which is far more important than the gear. Now my goal is to be someone who can take excellent photos with ANY gear! I think that is a very useful attitude for any photographer to take. Thanks for the video!
Shutter count is one of the hardest things to overcome when you first learned to take photos with actual film. I’m trying not to worry about the count anymore and try to shoot several shots of the same item, maybe just changing things a little and choosing the ones you like best. It’s a lot easier when you don’t have to pay cash for every mistake.
Hi Mark, I have been a photographer since back in the 70's after I got out of the military I was very depressed so when my cousin gave me a Yashica TLR, I spent a lot of time walking in the woods, taking pictures. I don't make much money but it's cheaper than a psychiatrist. Happy New Year!
Volume is definitely one of the best teachers. I had a friend who took his camera everywhere with him, but spent more time polishing his lenses than actually taking photos. He had to decide in his head if it would be a good photo, before he would take the camera out of the bag.
Its very refreshing to see someone openly showing their failures or short comings. Thats very encouraging to a duffer like me. I have thousands of photos that are near misses that i could never quite figure out what the problem was. Many look just like your examples and now i have some really good ideas how to correct it. thanks
Thanks for sharing. Many wise words there. If I'm allowed to disagree in one thing it would be about the timing part. Don´t let harsh light be a reason to not going out with the camera. You can always bring the macro or a long lens for close up and use the light to you advantage or finding places there it is cool shadow effects and if nothing works that day you had at least a nice day out, fresh air and some exercise. 😊
I started with landscape photography just several months ago. It is so exciting and encouraging to see exactly same "bad' beginner photos taken at the early days by a good photographer who you admire and learn from. Many thanks for sharing this.
I think for me the most common mistake is to not take enough time to analyse the image I shot and if needed (most times) to take an adjusted position or setting and try a few more. Good tips in this video!
Couldn't agree more on point nbr 1. I was always looking for the best equipment and new cameras hitting the market. I spent much more time checking out gear than practising photography until I realised that the equipment doesn't make the difference at least not at the level I am. Currently I ordered myself a ban to see videos about gear and concentrate on advice for taking better pictures for landscape photography with the help of people like you. Some very valuable points in this presentation. Thank you!
Thank you . I don’t care what your skill level is this type of content is useful, always revisit the basics to stay sharp . I really enjoy your channel.
Basically the first minute of the video is a lesson for life, not only for photography. Thanks for that Mark! I still find myself struggling with composition, “read the room” before taking the shot is very hard. Normally, I identify some distractions and I still leave them in the frame. The exercise in post is to know how to crop the photo to train the eyes for the next shot. Probably this is a baby step to get to the next one. Only time will tell! Cheers.
I'm very good at making all these mistakes! My biggest challenge and the one I think makes most of the difference in taking a good photo is slowing down and taking more time to concentrate on the subject at hand, I find myself rushing to the next great scene to get that perfect photo when in reality it's in front of me or I just left it. Great video Mark, Thanks
"I just left it" -- yeah that happens to me all the time! :D I take some shots, pack up my gear, move on and within less than 100 meters I see something else and - dang am I going to stop to get this shot as well? Unpack everything again for this potentially great shot? Or should I just forget it and come back another time?
I'd move low shutter count up the list, because it encapsulates everything else (except maybe the gear). You can't make mistakes if you don't take photos and give yourself a chance to screw up. Some of the best lessons I've learned have come from being excited about the shots while I was taking them, and then being disappointed once I got home and saw the results weren't what I was expecting. That feeling of disappointment--and wanting to avoid it--is a big motivation to focus on how to improve the next time you go out. Of course, clear explanations and examples like this video are a great way to learn what to look for... you won't improve if you don't think you've done anything wrong. Everything here is spot-on.
One thing I'm changing is that I'm actually getting slightly farther back rather than closer when I take some photos. In my zeal to go in close, especially with the foreground, I wasn't leaving myself enough space for cropping later. You don't want to go back too far and lose resolution and detail, but leave some room for cropping after you have a chance to study the image on a big computer screen. If you need to correct for parallax, you'll need extra margin for that, too.
Your point #1 is the most important in my opinion. I spent half of the year researching cameras and lenses (and you need that long if you want to know everything :) ). Just to find out that a new Fuji doesn't deliver much better images (and also image quality) than my 10 year old Nikon :) Got much more photos last year with my old camera because I spent more time in nature.
I'm subscribing to this. You have some very good points. the light part actually helped me because as I am in the "not beginner, slowly creeping into novice" the point about the lightest part being where you focus your composition, was something that helped. And thank goodness, you're not trying to sell equipment!!! Breath of fresh air.
You’re a good guy to show the images you’re not proud of. They’re better than you may realize. It’s clear to me that you had good instincts all along. I’m glad you now have the chance to focus on your art.
Definitely, "what am i looking at?" Is the mistake that I've made for the longest time... Big part of the learning process were your videos, so thank you very much for that!!
Number 5 (Shutter Count) is still totally me. I'm still trying to do less "reading about" and "more doing." Another is one of confidence in my abilities. I've grown a whole lot but realize I still have a lot to learn. I often see the glass half empty than half full. Great video to kick off the year.
Another great video ! I have definitely spent too much time over the past year making mistake #5. I have been doing photography for many years but lately have spent way too much time watching UA-cam, reading blogs and photography books and not enough time outside finding great photo opportunities. Thanks to you bringing this too my attention. I will be going out this evening with my camera and get back to what I always loved to do.
Yeah that's basically it in a nutshell, the only thing I would add to this is double checking you have everything you need each time you go out for a shot, just double check everything is in your bag. Great vid mate, cheers from Down Under.
What to exclude is always a mistake I make. in the examples you showed, how would you have done those differently, cropped more or not even used the subject or? Your videos have taught me the most - thank you!
I’m not really into landscape photography any more (my walking and alpinist days are gone). Nevertheless, your advices and tips are so applicable to many other types of photography as well. I applied your advices on several of my nonlandscape photos and got unexpectedly good results. Thank you, Mark!
This was the most important video I have seen over the last 3 years, after I retired, and have been learning exclusively on UA-cam to improve my photography (passionate amateur). My big mistakes are not seeing everything in frame (I corrected that by using a tripod for almost everything, it gives me time to see everything), worrying more about gear than taking images (I corrected that be being happy with my Nikon D300s and 28mm AiS, 55mm micro AiS, 85mm AF, and 180mm AiS lenses, and I have stopped dreaming about "what if"), shooting at eye-level (I can not do anything about that, arthritis has taken that away from me). You are putting out GREAT material. Thank you.
We always hear the famous saying to learn from our and others' mistakes. Not knowing what's wrong won't prevent us from doing mistakes. As a teacher I agree with you on knowing the mistakes so that we can improve our photography level. Besides your videos helped me a lot over the last year. Learning from others' mistakes will just shorten the way for us for reaching our learning objectives. I encourage to carry on with these videos. I really appreciate that.
At 12:40 you were little disappointed over the picture. I don’t agree. It’s warm and colourful at left, and the opposite at right. I understand your point, but i feel the WHOLE picture, all elements together, make that picture a really good one! You don’t always need a special focus point in a picture, sometimes it is the sum of all that makes a picture.
Thank you so much! I am a beginner photographer(a teen) and your videos are very helpful. You make them easy to understand, and engaging to watch. Thanks again!😁
Excellent advise, especially with regard to equipment... LOL. After working in the film industry for almost 40 years and now retired, I just now getting deeper into stills photography. I would say, watching this video, that photography is like painting, there are no "rule" that you have to follow with regard to orientation or composition. Some of your photographs that you are critical of, for a first time viewer they look very good. Not all but most. I thought that the photo of your wife sitting on the dock in the sunset was brilliant composition wise. Same can be said about Landscape vs. Portrait. working in the film business I sort of learn to "despise" Portrait photography, except human portraits of course, but landscaping photography in portrait mode now seem to focus the eye on the subject better. I find it to be true with drone photography as well.
Something I learned the hard way in my photography career,(even though I heard it over and over from very respected photographers)....always WORK the shot. Work the shot from every angle you can think of and safely shoot from. Work the shot until you can decisively say to yourself “yes there is something here” or “no,this is a nice or exciting scene to see...but there’s no photo here” in the old days of film,we had to think about every shot,but these days of digital? There’s no excuse not to fill a card if you really think there’s a composition. Imho AND YES! You are bang on when you say your gear doesn’t matter! your ability to see and just take the shot. That’s what matters.
Recently picked up a camera to learn again, been a good decade. Found your channel, thanks for the detailed videos! Definitely been a great help with getting back into photography.
I think I benefited from starting in mirror-less first since the idea of eye-level just didn't factor for me when my first camera didn't have an EVF. I'd want a photo and would look at the back and didn't like it, so I moved it and kept moving the camera until I got what I wanted. As for landscape vs portrait I think again many benefit from starting on their mobile phones. The cliche 'long road lined with trees' shot always felt like it demanded portrait. I think too many over do portrait these days because of phones, but at the same time, folks used to over do landscape because that's the default orientation of a DSLR. The equipment can change the thinking.
With mistake number 5 you totally got me. I bought a mslr back in 2017 and barely used it Till mid of 2019. I Was so concentrated of getting the theoretical aspects that I never went out and practised them. Since i finally Do i feel much more confident and can See a lot of improvements ive made with my composition and General editing. Great Video and very good Tips that every one should know. I Just would add like to not only get loser whole shooting but sometimes try to get higher. Helped me out in a few comps as well.
In terms of gear, just having a full articulating flip screen instead of a fixed one helped me to get much more creative, as well as this metal frame you can put your camera on to quickly rotate it by 90° on a tripod. Or this small LED-Panel for about 20€ that I use to lighten macro scenes. It's often the smaller gear that made the most difference for me.
I couldn't agree with you more about expensive gear. I've been shooting with Otus lenses for a while and while they do help produce nice images, just getting out to shoot more often to hone my skills is what has paid off the most.
At the beginning I only used the landscape oriëntation for the same reason. When I "discovered" the portrait oriëntation, my images started to look more interesting, with less distractions going on. The only problem was that I now forget to shoot pictures in landscape oriëntation when it's needed 😅😅 What I'm trying to learn now is to make less pictures and take more time with every composition and check the photo on location if it is good.
I really enjoyed this video. I completely agree about mistake #1, although I think they all make sense- A camera is basically a box to capture the light. You don't step up to the next level of gear until your current gear is holding you back.
Outstanding lesson. As I'm becoming aware of much of what your discussing, I'm and to understand and hone the ideas, alleviating what doesn't feel right and focus on essentially everything you mentioned. Thank u
probably the most useful video of the many I've watched in this channel. Nothing like making mistakes to analise what not to do and how not to do things again. I believe I'm affected by all this mistakes but number 8 and number 1, and I would add about the #5 Low shutter count, spend enough time on locations to try to get the best shot possible, instead of rushing from one place to another.
Of all the errors, the last one is my Achilles, the gear chase. In 2015 I "up'ed" from a Nikon D90 to (at the time) top of the range (APS-C 24MP) Nikon D7200. Then in 2018 came the D810; ... FF, I had arrived., and the honourable 7200 was almost redundant. Until 2 months ago I sent the 810 to UK for service. The 7200 provided me with 3 photo competition winning captures. Now I like to think my skill base improved over the years, but the 'take-away' is I didn't need the 810 to get the snaps I wanted. Sure glad I didn't sell the crop frame.
I also gravitate to researching over doing....this year I've been a little better with picking up the camera alongside the research, and I've definitely seen results as I play around more. I think the biggest challenge for me is that when you spend so much time reading or watching videos to learn, it's hard to know what to actually focus on when you do get out! Which technique or compositional idea are you going to practice? So I found that I was almost hoping that the learning and visualizing were training my instincts enough to just get things more right, but not necessarily more intentional.
Mark Well done. I can identify many of your mistakes over the last two years-my Major mistake: Overbuying gear for landscape photography. Going with Squarespace soon after two years of watching three landscape photographers, you are one of them. I do not print my own images. If someone wants one of my images on Squarespace. Does Squarespace provide the image to the customer, or do I have to get another supplier of that image? Any Suggestions at this point? Thanks & Please !!! Help, Richard
Defiantly relate to allot of those mistakes, like going midday taking casual shots, edge patrol, leading lines and what am I taking a photograph of and why. The edge patrol I actually realised the first time when I cut off part of an important object and then I started looking around too see if I cut or placed things at the edge... I now I realised how common that mistake really is. Year searching gear, oh boy have I spend time looking at gear, reviews on youtube, article to pick the right stuff.. that time could easily been spend more wisely out in the field. I fortunately haven’t spend a ridicules amount on changing lenses because a review said this one is better, thank to remind me of why that isn’t the best way to spend you money.
When I'm on a photo trip, I'll often engage in conversation with young adults, (I'm 66), and I'll point out to them how much photography has improve by the advent of the digital age. Naturally they take it for granted. I started out back in the 35mm film days and I explain to them the limitations of shooting with film. The ISO is set, slide or negative. Set number of shots per roll. Cost and time for processing. Almost no editing without extra costs. Every photo is a hard copy. Photography has come a long ways and it is so much more versatile now.
These are all excellent tips. I took so many photos that looked like a background waiting for a subject. I would often be looking at two subjects on either side of the shot. Shooting from eye level I've certainly been guilty of as well, and using landscape orientation. Another one I might add is setting up the camera before going out for the shoot. I spent one afternoon getting some really good shots, but I wasn't aware that I had my camera set for smaller images. I was so bummed when I came home and transferred the images to find they had low resolution.
Am the one on the number one mistake right now. With Sony A7RIII and 24-70 GM am still obsessed looking for more expensive lens when I should be working. Thank you for this lesson
I haven't seen any of your videos before; I'm really impressed by your demeanor and presentation. You address some excellent points here. I'll subscribe, and look for previous videos. (The one two-word offering that struck - and strikes - me as most important is "be aware"...)
Great advice. My take away from this, coupled with my own limited experience, is to not become paralyzed by over-thinking composition or the "story" you want to tell. Take the picture! Don't lose the moment. You can analyze your image later and see what you could have done better.
Great video & tips....yes I am guilty of spending money & time on 'better' gear that I now don't use.. I find my biggest mistake is not having more patience...I am a bit 'happy snappy'..I am an old photographer still learning.. Thanks for sharing..
sloppyness when it comes to settings: I´ve not just once rushed towards taking the picture but neglected to check my settings (eg. shooting in RAW). Not many worse things than to realize at home that all pictures were taken as jpg´s.
So for a starter pack. What is it you would say was must have for someone that is just starting out? Like not the brands really I use Canon but im talking more about types of lenses or grips things like that
Thank you for sharing your learning experience. Showing your “first” pictures and explaining with those along side really helps and also encourages to grow.
Very useful tips! I enjoy watching your videos and the clarity of your explanation. As a beginner in photography I sure am going to remember and use those points.
The one that taught me the most came to me by accident. I was sitting down on the grass taking a break when I decided that that area "over there" looked interesting, and - out of laziness - I just shot it from that position. Couldn't believe how much better it turned out! 😲 Oh - and of course I was never fixated on gear...🙄😉 Thanks a lot, Roger
Hi there I've only watched a couple of your videos so far, as just found you but I must say i do lie how you explain things well. So thanks I really enjoyed this one.
While I don't do landscape photography, I can attest to harsh lighting! When I first started, I ALWAYS shot mid-day, because that's when I had the time to take photos (and in the summertime, the sun doesn't go down until 9:00 pm in Michigan 😄). I've recently experienced shooting in "the good lighting" (sunrise and sunset), but I shot some photos mid-day yesterday. I thought it would be okay, since it was overcast, and I really wanted to take some pics of the city with snow on the ground. Well, I'm having a tough time processing them today, and most of them are crap. They're very bland and one-dimensional (gotta love overcast/a non-interesting sky and grey buildings. I don't know what I was thinking lol). My camera setting may have also been off, but there is def something to be said about sunset/pre-sunset lighting... even on overcast/cloudy days. lol
Great discussion and examples that illustrated the mistakes you pointed out. I'm afraid I'm guilty on all 8 counts. Like you, I can look at photos I took just a few short years ago and identify a mistake or an error or something that I did or didn't do that impaired or downgraded the composition. As time passes, I try not to repeat the same mistakes. I'm getting better, but still have a lot of room for improvement.
Number 5 resonates. I’m more likely to try to improve my photography by reading and watching than practicing. I’m waiting for that perfect opportunity, which, when it comes, I miss, because I haven’t practiced enough to get the shot I was envisioning!
I agree on #1 while realizing that good gear plays a role. For example, I am a big fan of fixed lens zoom cameras that I think aren’t available today at bigger sensors than micro four third. I enjoy those a lot but often times I wished I had a better more capable camera during the moment. I also agree with the other 7 factors you laid out. Another good video- thanks for putting it together, Mark.
Thank you for some great learning tips I would just like to say for the 1st 3 years of my photography hobby I used my cell phone and I got more comments on those photos than I did the 1st half dozen I took with a much more expensive full frame camera When it comes to buying camera gear the best advice I was ever given is the best cameras the one you have with you
Great video Mark! Right now i'm kinda of in a rut, not being inspired. Feeling that my photos are not good enough. But thé last days i think that the reason i'm feeling not inspired is that my shutter count is far too low! I have to push myself to go outside, take pictures, planning and timing my shoots. I hope i'll be shooting again with passion. Thanks for thé inspiring vids
Great tips. I was laughing at so many of your older images used to illustrate problems because they look like too many of my current photos! I really enjoyed the video. Thanks for doing these!
pretty new to 'real camera' photography.. first video of yours I've looked at (by recommendation of my brother in law).. took notes.. and I look forward to checking out more of your content. cheers.
We all made mistakes and I probably will make quite a few more. I got a g85 with my go to lens now which is the sigma 56mm and having fun with it. If you would have had 2 more rules you could have called it the 10 commandments of landscape Photography Mistake’s 😆. Thanks for taking the time to make such content, appreciated
My biggest regret was actually not upgrading my camera sooner. I shot with a sony a65 for quite a few years and was frequently frustrated by the poor low light performance and was constantly dissatisfied with my photos. When I finally upgraded to a full frame mirrorless camera it made a world of difference in the quality of my shots and I am producing images that I am happy with. I do have a question about edge patrol. Often times, I will try to frame my focal point with trees, leaves, and other interesting elements. I make sure that they aren't right on the edge of the photo, but pulled in a bit. Is this a mistake?
I've been using the same D3200 that Mark returned after two weeks. Had it for 10 years now. I've taken some great (well in my own opinion) shots with it, but there are absolutely limitations when you are using the cheapest camera a manufacturer makes. The last video I watched, he mentioned using auto bracketing a lot, just in case he needs it. A great feature to have that can remove a lot of frustration when actually out shooting. Those small quality of life features can make your time spent shooting a lot more enjoyable and that goes a long way to simply enjoying the hobby. Don't obsess over gear, but I can't fully agree with Mark when he says gear doesn't matter. I finally cracked and bought a Z5 that I am waiting for because I'm tired of missing those types of features. I don't know if my photos will turn out that much better, but I'm almost certain I'm going to be less frustrated some days.
Oregon Hebo Lake campground. It was like a Rain forest there. Mist so fine you couldn't see it but everything outside would get wet. Moss and trees all different . It was a different world. Next time your around these parts check it out. Not Alone though.
What’s the one photography mistake that has taught you the most?
The biggest mistake i make is definitely not having my camera with me all the time.. also file management.. dump your card frequently and organize NOW not later. these aren't exactly shooting tips but are very important. Remember you will need space to store your photos so invest in external hard drives.
Always not checking all my camera settings before clicking that shutter button. Workflow in the field is something I am always trying to improve upon.
My biggest mistake is also not always having my camera with me
Very helpful! Thanks Mark ✌️
Do you ever regret for switching from sony to fuji ??
I had to chuckle at the spending big on equipment segment, and also the advice that basically said, take more shots (Low Shutter Count). It seems that there are a multitude of pursuits where people attempt to buy success. I coach archery and shake my head at some club members who buy bows sometimes as often as twice a year; and I tell those I coach that the quickest and cheapest path to improved success is meaningful practice to develop better technique (I guess the equivalent of increasing shutter count).
That reminds me of a story I heard from a friend: he went to a wine store and found that a very expensive and famous wine was anounced for a third of the original price. Even then it was an expensive price to drink, but he went for it just to conclude that, for him, after X amount of money he was not able to diferenciate the nuances of each wine, he does not had the knowledge and taste for it. And mind that here, in Brazil, when something is expensive, it's REALY expensive!
As a beginning photographer, it was great to hear about not getting caught up in the gear! This is something that I have caught myself getting sucked into instead of spending the time to take more photos. Thanks for the great advice!
Me too! I felt limited by gear so I invested time into getting a good deal, when I could be on the streets with a old camera in hand. Just got a brand-new looking second-hand camera a few days ago and finally learning about photography it self.
Mark, Bravo! Many photographers only want to show their best work. I applaud you for "opening your kimono" and sharing your mistakes so that we can learn from them. Thank you.
Getting low: Easy to say when you are young. I can still get down low, getting back up is the issue.
This is where I find my tilt screen so useful. I was going to upgrade my camera but it didn't have this option so I decided to stick with what I had.
Can you link with your phone to view?
When I'm on the ground and trying to get up(from the ground) I need Viagra!
Greg
Thats funny!
Totally understand, yet age is bliss
A friend of mine was the head of PBS for Wyoming. In five minutes, he taught me most of the points you made in your video. I didn't follow what he taught me at times, but he saved me a lot of bad shots. It was good to hear that advice again from you, and happy others heard it as well.
Another great video, Mark. I've been a photographer for almost 40 years, since 1982 and I STILL make some of these mistakes. I'm particularly guilty of "low shutter count" which I think is probably a hangover from film days - I used to shoot almost exclusively on slide film, expensive to process, and expensive to print.
I appreciate Mark for your honest confession about the mistakes you made in helping us to aware and improve and avoid those same mistake. That’s a great spirit of a tutor. We respect your opinions in this video. Great 👍 commitment to help us. 💐. You are choosing the subjects of unanswered questions and the ignored community of beginner photographers where we don’t find the solutions. Great work.
Leaving home without memory card and/or battery in the camera.
That's a big one for me I need to start putting an extra card in my bag after I've left the one I usually use in the computer
multiple multiple angles third Sky 2/3 land, third land 2/3 sky ...Move the camera left to right, right to left horizontal shot than vertical shots, as many different angles that you can angle view, down by the ground angle View. then you're not going to be disappointed at the end if you only took one composition photo. I typically shoot about 40 shops of one nice did you and pick the best two or three out of it
Facts..
I hope people realize how important the point about gear is. I recently met some professional photographers who do a LOT of work that people have seen and they are exclusively using the Sony RX100 - a camera with a fixed lens and small sensor. That really shifted things for me as I realized it's the person using the camera which is far more important than the gear. Now my goal is to be someone who can take excellent photos with ANY gear! I think that is a very useful attitude for any photographer to take. Thanks for the video!
Shutter count is one of the hardest things to overcome when you first learned to take photos with actual film. I’m trying not to worry about the count anymore and try to shoot several shots of the same item, maybe just changing things a little and choosing the ones you like best. It’s a lot easier when you don’t have to pay cash for every mistake.
Hi Mark, I have been a photographer since back in the 70's after I got out of the military I was very depressed so when my cousin gave me a Yashica TLR, I spent a lot of time walking in the woods, taking pictures. I don't make much money but it's cheaper than a psychiatrist. Happy New Year!
Volume is definitely one of the best teachers. I had a friend who took his camera everywhere with him, but spent more time polishing his lenses than actually taking photos. He had to decide in his head if it would be a good photo, before he would take the camera out of the bag.
Its very refreshing to see someone openly showing their failures or short comings. Thats very encouraging to a duffer like me. I have thousands of photos that are near misses that i could never quite figure out what the problem was. Many look just like your examples and now i have some really good ideas how to correct it. thanks
Thanks for sharing. Many wise words there. If I'm allowed to disagree in one thing it would be about the timing part. Don´t let harsh light be a reason to not going out with the camera. You can always bring the macro or a long lens for close up and use the light to you advantage or finding places there it is cool shadow effects and if nothing works that day you had at least a nice day out, fresh air and some exercise. 😊
I started with landscape photography just several months ago. It is so exciting and encouraging to see exactly same "bad' beginner photos taken at the early days by a good photographer who you admire and learn from. Many thanks for sharing this.
I think for me the most common mistake is to not take enough time to analyse the image I shot and if needed (most times) to take an adjusted position or setting and try a few more. Good tips in this video!
Mark, low is so important ! It gives a look of magnificence to your photos. Nature is grander than we are.
Couldn't agree more on point nbr 1. I was always looking for the best equipment and new cameras hitting the market. I spent much more time checking out gear than practising photography until I realised that the equipment doesn't make the difference at least not at the level I am. Currently I ordered myself a ban to see videos about gear and concentrate on advice for taking better pictures for landscape photography with the help of people like you. Some very valuable points in this presentation. Thank you!
Thank you . I don’t care what your skill level is this type of content is useful, always revisit the basics to stay sharp . I really enjoy your channel.
Basically the first minute of the video is a lesson for life, not only for photography. Thanks for that Mark!
I still find myself struggling with composition, “read the room” before taking the shot is very hard. Normally, I identify some distractions and I still leave them in the frame. The exercise in post is to know how to crop the photo to train the eyes for the next shot. Probably this is a baby step to get to the next one. Only time will tell!
Cheers.
Great to hear you enjoyed it Sérgio!
I'm very good at making all these mistakes! My biggest challenge and the one I think makes most of the difference in taking a good photo is slowing down and taking more time to concentrate on the subject at hand, I find myself rushing to the next great scene to get that perfect photo when in reality it's in front of me or I just left it. Great video Mark, Thanks
Many thanks for checking out the video Craig!
"I just left it" -- yeah that happens to me all the time! :D
I take some shots, pack up my gear, move on and within less than 100 meters I see something else and - dang am I going to stop to get this shot as well? Unpack everything again for this potentially great shot?
Or should I just forget it and come back another time?
I'd move low shutter count up the list, because it encapsulates everything else (except maybe the gear). You can't make mistakes if you don't take photos and give yourself a chance to screw up. Some of the best lessons I've learned have come from being excited about the shots while I was taking them, and then being disappointed once I got home and saw the results weren't what I was expecting. That feeling of disappointment--and wanting to avoid it--is a big motivation to focus on how to improve the next time you go out. Of course, clear explanations and examples like this video are a great way to learn what to look for... you won't improve if you don't think you've done anything wrong. Everything here is spot-on.
Thanks a million - great to hear you enjoyed the video!
One thing I'm changing is that I'm actually getting slightly farther back rather than closer when I take some photos. In my zeal to go in close, especially with the foreground, I wasn't leaving myself enough space for cropping later. You don't want to go back too far and lose resolution and detail, but leave some room for cropping after you have a chance to study the image on a big computer screen. If you need to correct for parallax, you'll need extra margin for that, too.
Your point #1 is the most important in my opinion.
I spent half of the year researching cameras and lenses (and you need that long if you want to know everything :) ). Just to find out that a new Fuji doesn't deliver much better images (and also image quality) than my 10 year old Nikon :)
Got much more photos last year with my old camera because I spent more time in nature.
I'm subscribing to this. You have some very good points. the light part actually helped me because as I am in the "not beginner, slowly creeping into novice" the point about the lightest part being where you focus your composition, was something that helped. And thank goodness, you're not trying to sell equipment!!! Breath of fresh air.
You’re a good guy to show the images you’re not proud of. They’re better than you may realize. It’s clear to me that you had good instincts all along. I’m glad you now have the chance to focus on your art.
Many thanks Jim! Kind of you to say.
Definitely, "what am i looking at?" Is the mistake that I've made for the longest time... Big part of the learning process were your videos, so thank you very much for that!!
That means a lot - thank you Vicky!
Don't ask yourself "What am I looking at?" Instead, try asking yourself "What do I want my friend to see?"
great image at Dead Horse Point State Park at 7:20 ... I love that view and have a number of similar images from that same vantage point
I find not being patient is a big mistake of mine. I sometimes rush to get my shot and I miss steps like edge patrol.
Absolutely! I do the same
YES! Why do I do this? Ugh
My big issue also, I feel I am going to miss something further down the trail.
@@JonStallings Agreed! We need to block out the noise and focus on what we have in front of us.
That’s one of my biggest mistake.
Number 5 (Shutter Count) is still totally me. I'm still trying to do less "reading about" and "more doing." Another is one of confidence in my abilities. I've grown a whole lot but realize I still have a lot to learn. I often see the glass half empty than half full. Great video to kick off the year.
Another great video ! I have definitely spent too much time over the past year making mistake #5. I have been doing photography for many years but lately have spent way too much time watching UA-cam, reading blogs and photography books and not enough time outside finding great photo opportunities. Thanks to you bringing this too my attention. I will be going out this evening with my camera and get back to what I always loved to do.
Thanks for checking out the video Ron - it’s great to hear you enjoyed it!
Yeah that's basically it in a nutshell, the only thing I would add to this is double checking you have everything you need each time you go out for a shot, just double check everything is in your bag. Great vid mate, cheers from Down Under.
What to exclude is always a mistake I make. in the examples you showed, how would you have done those differently, cropped more or not even used the subject or? Your videos have taught me the most - thank you!
I’m not really into landscape photography any more (my walking and alpinist days are gone). Nevertheless, your advices and tips are so applicable to many other types of photography as well. I applied your advices on several of my nonlandscape photos and got unexpectedly good results. Thank you, Mark!
This was the most important video I have seen over the last 3 years, after I retired, and have been learning exclusively on UA-cam to improve my photography (passionate amateur). My big mistakes are not seeing everything in frame (I corrected that by using a tripod for almost everything, it gives me time to see everything), worrying more about gear than taking images (I corrected that be being happy with my Nikon D300s and 28mm AiS, 55mm micro AiS, 85mm AF, and 180mm AiS lenses, and I have stopped dreaming about "what if"), shooting at eye-level (I can not do anything about that, arthritis has taken that away from me). You are putting out GREAT material. Thank you.
We always hear the famous saying to learn from our and others' mistakes. Not knowing what's wrong won't prevent us from doing mistakes. As a teacher I agree with you on knowing the mistakes so that we can improve our photography level. Besides your videos helped me a lot over the last year. Learning from others' mistakes will just shorten the way for us for reaching our learning objectives.
I encourage to carry on with these videos. I really appreciate that.
At 12:40 you were little disappointed over the picture. I don’t agree. It’s warm and colourful at left, and the opposite at right. I understand your point, but i feel the WHOLE picture, all elements together, make that picture a really good one! You don’t always need a special focus point in a picture, sometimes it is the sum of all that makes a picture.
Thank you so much! I am a beginner photographer(a teen) and your videos are very helpful. You make them easy to understand, and engaging to watch. Thanks again!😁
Excellent advise, especially with regard to equipment... LOL. After working in the film industry for almost 40 years and now retired, I just now getting deeper into stills photography. I would say, watching this video, that photography is like painting, there are no "rule" that you have to follow with regard to orientation or composition. Some of your photographs that you are critical of, for a first time viewer they look very good. Not all but most. I thought that the photo of your wife sitting on the dock in the sunset was brilliant composition wise. Same can be said about Landscape vs. Portrait. working in the film business I sort of learn to "despise" Portrait photography, except human portraits of course, but landscaping photography in portrait mode now seem to focus the eye on the subject better. I find it to be true with drone photography as well.
Room, lights, background arrangements... a different level of setup. So pleasant to eyes
Something I learned the hard way in my photography career,(even though I heard it over and over from very respected photographers)....always WORK the shot. Work the shot from every angle you can think of and safely shoot from. Work the shot until you can decisively say to yourself “yes there is something here” or “no,this is a nice or exciting scene to see...but there’s no photo here” in the old days of film,we had to think about every shot,but these days of digital? There’s no excuse not to fill a card if you really think there’s a composition. Imho AND YES! You are bang on when you say your gear doesn’t matter! your ability to see and just take the shot. That’s what matters.
Recently picked up a camera to learn again, been a good decade. Found your channel, thanks for the detailed videos! Definitely been a great help with getting back into photography.
I think I benefited from starting in mirror-less first since the idea of eye-level just didn't factor for me when my first camera didn't have an EVF. I'd want a photo and would look at the back and didn't like it, so I moved it and kept moving the camera until I got what I wanted. As for landscape vs portrait I think again many benefit from starting on their mobile phones. The cliche 'long road lined with trees' shot always felt like it demanded portrait. I think too many over do portrait these days because of phones, but at the same time, folks used to over do landscape because that's the default orientation of a DSLR. The equipment can change the thinking.
With mistake number 5 you totally got me. I bought a mslr back in 2017 and barely used it Till mid of 2019. I Was so concentrated of getting the theoretical aspects that I never went out and practised them. Since i finally Do i feel much more confident and can See a lot of improvements ive made with my composition and General editing.
Great Video and very good Tips that every one should know. I Just would add like to not only get loser whole shooting but sometimes try to get higher. Helped me out in a few comps as well.
In terms of gear, just having a full articulating flip screen instead of a fixed one helped me to get much more creative, as well as this metal frame you can put your camera on to quickly rotate it by 90° on a tripod. Or this small LED-Panel for about 20€ that I use to lighten macro scenes. It's often the smaller gear that made the most difference for me.
I couldn't agree with you more about expensive gear. I've been shooting with Otus lenses for a while and while they do help produce nice images, just getting out to shoot more often to hone my skills is what has paid off the most.
Low shutter count and excessive researching - GUILTY! 😬 Thanks for the nudge, honesty and the examples…you continue to inspire, Mark. Thank you! 👍
I'd love to see a video where you take us out to the field and show us your process/what's going through your mind as you do it!
At the beginning I only used the landscape oriëntation for the same reason. When I "discovered" the portrait oriëntation, my images started to look more interesting, with less distractions going on. The only problem was that I now forget to shoot pictures in landscape oriëntation when it's needed 😅😅
What I'm trying to learn now is to make less pictures and take more time with every composition and check the photo on location if it is good.
I really enjoyed this video. I completely agree about mistake #1, although I think they all make sense- A camera is basically a box to capture the light. You don't step up to the next level of gear until your current gear is holding you back.
Outstanding lesson. As I'm becoming aware of much of what your discussing, I'm and to understand and hone the ideas, alleviating what doesn't feel right and focus on essentially everything you mentioned. Thank u
It looks like Jordan Lake, Maine at 5:00 minute mark. Good video Mark!
probably the most useful video of the many I've watched in this channel. Nothing like making mistakes to analise what not to do and how not to do things again. I believe I'm affected by all this mistakes but number 8 and number 1, and I would add about the #5 Low shutter count, spend enough time on locations to try to get the best shot possible, instead of rushing from one place to another.
Yes, that’s a great addition as well!
You absolutely right.
I made all this mistakes.
Thank you very much Mark.
Of all the errors, the last one is my Achilles, the gear chase. In 2015 I "up'ed" from a Nikon D90 to (at the time) top of the range (APS-C 24MP) Nikon D7200. Then in 2018 came the D810; ... FF, I had arrived., and the honourable 7200 was almost redundant. Until 2 months ago I sent the 810 to UK for service. The 7200 provided me with 3 photo competition winning captures. Now I like to think my skill base improved over the years, but the 'take-away' is I didn't need the 810 to get the snaps I wanted. Sure glad I didn't sell the crop frame.
Thanks!
I also gravitate to researching over doing....this year I've been a little better with picking up the camera alongside the research, and I've definitely seen results as I play around more. I think the biggest challenge for me is that when you spend so much time reading or watching videos to learn, it's hard to know what to actually focus on when you do get out! Which technique or compositional idea are you going to practice? So I found that I was almost hoping that the learning and visualizing were training my instincts enough to just get things more right, but not necessarily more intentional.
Always enjoy your videos Mark. Never watched a video of yours that wasn't time well spent
Mark Well done. I can identify many of your mistakes over the last two years-my Major mistake: Overbuying gear for landscape photography. Going with Squarespace soon after two years of watching three landscape photographers, you are one of them. I do not print my own images. If someone wants one of my images on Squarespace. Does Squarespace provide the image to the customer, or do I have to get another supplier of that image? Any Suggestions at this point? Thanks & Please !!! Help, Richard
Thank you. Mistake number one applies to me. So will do as you suggest and look at actually taking more photos with what equipment I have,
Defiantly relate to allot of those mistakes, like going midday taking casual shots, edge patrol, leading lines and what am I taking a photograph of and why. The edge patrol I actually realised the first time when I cut off part of an important object and then I started looking around too see if I cut or placed things at the edge... I now I realised how common that mistake really is.
Year searching gear, oh boy have I spend time looking at gear, reviews on youtube, article to pick the right stuff.. that time could easily been spend more wisely out in the field. I fortunately haven’t spend a ridicules amount on changing lenses because a review said this one is better, thank to remind me of why that isn’t the best way to spend you money.
Really enjoy the soft, gentle delivery of helpful information. Thanks.
When I'm on a photo trip, I'll often engage in conversation with young adults, (I'm 66), and I'll point out to them how much photography has improve by the advent of the digital age. Naturally they take it for granted. I started out back in the 35mm film days and I explain to them the limitations of shooting with film. The ISO is set, slide or negative. Set number of shots per roll. Cost and time for processing. Almost no editing without extra costs. Every photo is a hard copy. Photography has come a long ways and it is so much more versatile now.
It's such a fun, free feeling to be able to take 1K photos on a trip and then dump 95% of them!
What taught me the most about landscape photography was using a 4x5 view camera. Able to look at the viewfinder and having to slow down.
These are all excellent tips. I took so many photos that looked like a background waiting for a subject. I would often be looking at two subjects on either side of the shot. Shooting from eye level I've certainly been guilty of as well, and using landscape orientation. Another one I might add is setting up the camera before going out for the shoot. I spent one afternoon getting some really good shots, but I wasn't aware that I had my camera set for smaller images. I was so bummed when I came home and transferred the images to find they had low resolution.
Am the one on the number one mistake right now. With Sony A7RIII and 24-70 GM am still obsessed looking for more expensive lens when I should be working. Thank you for this lesson
I haven't seen any of your videos before; I'm really impressed by your demeanor and presentation. You address some excellent points here. I'll subscribe, and look for previous videos. (The one two-word offering that struck - and strikes - me as most important is "be aware"...)
Great video! Another big mistake beginners (or experienced landscape photographers with bad taste) make is over-processing their images.
Great advice. My take away from this, coupled with my own limited experience, is to not become paralyzed by over-thinking composition or the "story" you want to tell. Take the picture! Don't lose the moment. You can analyze your image later and see what you could have done better.
Spending time searching for the best gear will never end...
I'm so into photography these days and glad that i found your channel 😎
Great video & tips....yes I am guilty of spending money & time on 'better' gear that I now don't use.. I find my biggest mistake is not having more patience...I am a bit 'happy snappy'..I am an old photographer still learning.. Thanks for sharing..
sloppyness when it comes to settings:
I´ve not just once rushed towards taking the picture but neglected to check my settings (eg. shooting in RAW). Not many worse things than to realize at home that all pictures were taken as jpg´s.
Thank you for teaching landscape photo. Your videos help me so much to improve my Photos.
So for a starter pack. What is it you would say was must have for someone that is just starting out? Like not the brands really I use Canon but im talking more about types of lenses or grips things like that
Thank you for sharing your learning experience. Showing your “first” pictures and explaining with those along side really helps and also encourages to grow.
Very useful tips! I enjoy watching your videos and the clarity of your explanation. As a beginner in photography I sure am going to remember and use those points.
I like that you are clear and concise.
The one that taught me the most came to me by accident. I was sitting down on the grass taking a break when I decided that that area "over there" looked interesting, and - out of laziness - I just shot it from that position. Couldn't believe how much better it turned out! 😲
Oh - and of course I was never fixated on gear...🙄😉
Thanks a lot, Roger
G'day Mark
Thanks for giving us your suggestions and experience.
I'm going to take a look at them when I next go out taking photos.
Havagooday
G'day
Hi there I've only watched a couple of your videos so far, as just found you but I must say i do lie how you explain things well. So thanks I really enjoyed this one.
While I don't do landscape photography, I can attest to harsh lighting! When I first started, I ALWAYS shot mid-day, because that's when I had the time to take photos (and in the summertime, the sun doesn't go down until 9:00 pm in Michigan 😄). I've recently experienced shooting in "the good lighting" (sunrise and sunset), but I shot some photos mid-day yesterday. I thought it would be okay, since it was overcast, and I really wanted to take some pics of the city with snow on the ground. Well, I'm having a tough time processing them today, and most of them are crap. They're very bland and one-dimensional (gotta love overcast/a non-interesting sky and grey buildings. I don't know what I was thinking lol). My camera setting may have also been off, but there is def something to be said about sunset/pre-sunset lighting... even on overcast/cloudy days. lol
The best camera Is the one you have. Thanks for your insights !!
Great discussion and examples that illustrated the mistakes you pointed out. I'm afraid I'm guilty on all 8 counts. Like you, I can look at photos I took just a few short years ago and identify a mistake or an error or something that I did or didn't do that impaired or downgraded the composition. As time passes, I try not to repeat the same mistakes. I'm getting better, but still have a lot of room for improvement.
Number 5 resonates. I’m more likely to try to improve my photography by reading and watching than practicing. I’m waiting for that perfect opportunity, which, when it comes, I miss, because I haven’t practiced enough to get the shot I was envisioning!
Haha - that feeling completely resonates with me!
I agree on #1 while realizing that good gear plays a role. For example, I am a big fan of fixed lens zoom cameras that I think aren’t available today at bigger sensors than micro four third. I enjoy those a lot but often times I wished I had a better more capable camera during the moment. I also agree with the other 7 factors you laid out. Another good video- thanks for putting it together, Mark.
Happy to do it and a big thanks to you for checking it out!
@@MarkDenneyPhoto Sure thing! Hope your 2021 travel plans bring you to WA State for some incredible landscapes.
I kept reasons, elements, distractions, light and shapes in my head the last time out. It helped. this helps too, so thank you.
That’s great to hear man!
Thank you for some great learning tips I would just like to say for the 1st 3 years of my photography hobby I used my cell phone and I got more comments on those photos than I did the 1st half dozen I took with a much more expensive full frame camera When it comes to buying camera gear the best advice I was ever given is the best cameras the one you have with you
Keep these videos going Mate. Great work!
Thanks Pedro!!
great video, we make a lot of mistake until we improve our photos and you are helping us with this, thanks Mark
Thanks so much!
Great tips. Edge patrol is SOOOO important.
Thanks so much - glad you think so!
Great video Mark!
Right now i'm kinda of in a rut, not being inspired. Feeling that my photos are not good enough. But thé last days i think that the reason i'm feeling not inspired is that my shutter count is far too low! I have to push myself to go outside, take pictures, planning and timing my shoots. I hope i'll be shooting again with passion.
Thanks for thé inspiring vids
Great tips. I was laughing at so many of your older images used to illustrate problems because they look like too many of my current photos! I really enjoyed the video. Thanks for doing these!
You bet and thanks for checking it out!
pretty new to 'real camera' photography.. first video of yours I've looked at (by recommendation of my brother in law).. took notes.. and I look forward to checking out more of your content. cheers.
We all made mistakes and I probably will make quite a few more. I got a g85 with my go to lens now which is the sigma 56mm and having fun with it. If you would have had 2 more rules you could have called it the 10 commandments of landscape Photography Mistake’s 😆. Thanks for taking the time to make such content, appreciated
I really like your videos! You're the only youtuber i know which is explaining all the details based on examples. This is very helpful! :)
Thanks so much - really appreciate that!
Amazing work! Encouragement, tips to get between and a bit of be careful but do enjoy wrapped in on session! Nice!
Excellent video, love to see critiques of old "bad" photos as they help amateurs like me better understand our own mistakes.
My biggest regret was actually not upgrading my camera sooner. I shot with a sony a65 for quite a few years and was frequently frustrated by the poor low light performance and was constantly dissatisfied with my photos. When I finally upgraded to a full frame mirrorless camera it made a world of difference in the quality of my shots and I am producing images that I am happy with. I do have a question about edge patrol. Often times, I will try to frame my focal point with trees, leaves, and other interesting elements. I make sure that they aren't right on the edge of the photo, but pulled in a bit. Is this a mistake?
I've been using the same D3200 that Mark returned after two weeks. Had it for 10 years now. I've taken some great (well in my own opinion) shots with it, but there are absolutely limitations when you are using the cheapest camera a manufacturer makes. The last video I watched, he mentioned using auto bracketing a lot, just in case he needs it. A great feature to have that can remove a lot of frustration when actually out shooting. Those small quality of life features can make your time spent shooting a lot more enjoyable and that goes a long way to simply enjoying the hobby. Don't obsess over gear, but I can't fully agree with Mark when he says gear doesn't matter. I finally cracked and bought a Z5 that I am waiting for because I'm tired of missing those types of features. I don't know if my photos will turn out that much better, but I'm almost certain I'm going to be less frustrated some days.
Oregon Hebo Lake campground. It was like a Rain forest there. Mist so fine you couldn't see it but everything outside would get wet. Moss and trees all different . It was a different world. Next time your around these parts check it out. Not Alone though.