The 7 Photography Mistakes I See All Photographers do!

Mads Peter Iversen
12 Jul 202319:31
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe landscape photographer shares the most common mistakes he sees people make and provides tips to avoid them. He advises checking photo edges and removing distractions, being deliberate with shutter speed to balance textures, using central compositions for drama, not obstructing the visual flow, capturing the perfect moment by preparing and waiting for the right light, smoothly editing lighting transitions, exploring your local area for hidden gems, and carefully composing the foreground to complement the main subject.

Takeaways
  • 😀 Clean up distractions along photo edges in post to dramatically improve image
  • 🌄 Deliberately choose shutter speeds to control water texture based on desired effect
  • 📐 Avoid elements bisecting frame that break up visual flow from foreground to background
  • 🚦 Anticipate and prepare for fleeting moments of perfect light and subject alignment
  • ☀️ Ensure smooth tonal transitions between highlights and shadows when editing
  • 🗺 Explore local photo spots instead of only traveling to famous landmarks
  • 🖼 Use defined foreground elements to complement and frame main subject
  • 🔍 Central compositions with dramatic surroundings can be very eye-catching
  • 💧 Faster shutter speeds better freeze splash textures and blowing spray
  • ⏳ Blend multiple moments with long exposures for ethereal, mystical effects
Q & A

  • What is the first major mistake the speaker discusses regarding landscape photography?

    -The first big mistake is not being aware of the edges of your photos. You need to patrol the edges and clean up any distractions like branches, litter, etc. in post processing.

  • Why does the speaker recommend being deliberate about shutter speed?

    -The speaker explains that using different shutter speeds can drastically change the look and feel of a landscape photo, like showing motion blur in water or capturing detail. You should think intentionally about what effect you want.

  • What does the speaker say about central compositions in landscape photography?

    -The speaker actually likes central compositions even though some photographers find them boring. He says they can focus the eye and bring drama if your surroundings are dramatic enough.

  • How can you create a smooth tonal rolloff in bright skies during post processing?

    -You can use negative clarity or lower contrast selectively on just the bright areas to create a gradual transition to the darker midtones instead of a harsh clipped line.

  • What does the speaker recommend exploring close to home?

    -The speaker recommends landscape photographers explore their local neighborhood, because that is likely an area others aren't documenting as much and you can find hidden gems.

  • What causes messy or undefined foregrounds?

    -Not thinking holistically about the photo can lead to messy foregrounds with clutter, tracks, no clear subject, etc. Evaluate if the shot is worth taking without a defined foreground.

  • How can lower perspectives improve landscape photos?

    -Getting a lower perspective minimizes distractions in the background and midground. It can also make for more dramatic foreground subjects.

  • What causes missing the moment in landscape photography?

    -Not being ready with your gear and settings causes missing moments like fleeting light or short-lived action. You have to anticipate and prepare for transient opportunities.

  • How can waiting for light improve your landscape images?

    -The speaker shows how waiting just 5 extra minutes for light to emerge from clouds transformed several of his photos, adding drama and interest.

  • Why have clear edges in landscape images?

    -Having clutter or distractions along the edges pulls the eye and takes attention away from the main subject or story you want to show.

Outlines
00:00
📷 Clean Photo Edges and Deliberate Shutter Speed Selection

The paragraph discusses two common mistakes in landscape photography - not cleaning photo edges by removing distracting elements, and not being deliberate about selecting shutter speeds to capture water textures properly. It provides examples of before and after photos showing cleaned edges. It also compares photos using different shutter speeds and discusses artistic choices regarding long versus short exposures.

05:01
😌 Avoiding Visual Flow Interruptions and Capturing Fleeting Moments

The paragraph covers two more mistakes - allowing elements like trees or boats to divide and interrupt the visual flow of a landscape photo, and missing fleeting moments by not being ready with the right camera settings. It provides examples of bad compositional flow and improved versions. It also shares stories of capturing decisive moments just in time, emphasizing preparedness.

10:02
🌄 Wait for the Right Light and Use Good Post-Processing Techniques

The paragraph advises waiting for ideal lighting conditions that can make a big difference in landscape photos. It shares before and after photos showing the impact of lighting. It also discusses a post-processing mistake of not smoothly transitioning blown highlights, and ways to create believable edits that respect the natural light and atmosphere.

15:05
🌎 Explore Your Local Surroundings and Use Strong Foregrounds

The paragraph encourages landscape photographers to explore their local neighborhood and not just focus on traveling, as hidden gems likely exist nearby. It also discusses the mistake of undefined, messy foregrounds that fail to complement the main subject, offering comparisons of weak and strong foreground usage.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡landscape photography
The main theme of the video is providing tips and avoiding common mistakes related to landscape photography. The presenter shares examples of his own landscape photos and provides advice on things like cleaning photo edges, using deliberate shutter speeds, central compositions, capturing the right moment, avoiding visual clutter, and having defined foregrounds.
💡edge patrol
Edge patrol refers to checking the edges of your landscape photos in post processing to clean up any distractions or clutter, like branches or twigs poking in. Keeping clean edges makes the image look more polished. The presenter shows examples of photos before and after edge cleanup.
💡shutter speed
Shutter speed is emphasized as an important creative choice in landscape photos. The presenter advocates being deliberate in choosing speeds that enhance the shot, rather than always using long exposures. Using faster speeds can better depict motion and textures like running water.
💡central composition
A central composition places the main subject directly in the center of the frame. Though sometimes seen as boring, the presenter argues they can bring good drama and focus the eye effectively. He shares samples of his striking central composition landscape shots.
💡capture the moment
Several examples showcase the importance of patience and readiness in landscape photography to capture ephemeral perfect moments, whether it's fleeting light conditions, crashing waves, or a bird flight across the frame. This demonstrates being alert to action and decisive when it occurs.
💡roll-off
Proper tonal roll-off refers to smooth transitions between the brighter and darker areas when editing a photo, especially around highlights. Clipped areas should be gradually shaded off rather than having hard edges. This makes the lighting look more natural.
💡explore locally
The presenter advocates exploring local landscape opportunities near your home, not just always traveling to famous spots. Photographing lesser-known local areas can reveal beautiful gems and perspectives others may have missed.
💡holistic
In the context of landscape images, holistic refers to an integrated, complete look where all visual elements work together harmoniously. The presenter cautions against messy, undefined foregrounds that detract from this wholeness.
💡luminosity masks
Luminosity masks are a post processing technique mentioned briefly at the end. They provide selective control over different tonal ranges in a photo to target adjustments only to shadows, mid-tones etc. The presenter's Photoshop course covers them more fully.
💡sponsor
Sell Digital is mentioned as the sponsor for this particular episode. They produce print products like photobooks. The presenter showcases the photobook he made through them and provides a special discount code in the video description.
Highlights

Make sure edges of photos are clean and free of distracting elements

Be deliberate about shutter speed choices based on desired effect

Central compositions can bring drama if surroundings are dramatic

Avoid dividing photos visually with lines that obscure flow

Capture moments by being ready when conditions align

Have proper tonal roll-off from highlights to midtones when editing

Explore local landscape spots, not just famous distant locations

Have defined, interesting foregrounds, not just backgrounds

Clean photo edges using post-processing if needed

Use fast shutter speeds to convey motion and drama

Wait for light to maximize impact of scenes

Learn advanced editing in Photoshop course for landscapes

Find local hidden landscape gems that only you photograph

Lower perspectives can improve plain beach foregrounds

Negative clarity gives better highlight roll-off transitions

Transcripts

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