8 Landscape Photography Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

In this post, I’d like to discuss some common landscape photography mistakes made by both beginners and professionals. Hopefully, these tips will help you in improving your landscape photography. So, let’s get started!

Crooked horizons

I am seeing this mistake in so many photos.  Despite the fact that it is so simple to fix, many photographers, especially beginners, fail to pay attention to their horizon line, damaging what could otherwise be a great photograph. Use the grids lines of the live view in your camera. If your camera has a leveling function enable it. Use the level bubble on your tripod if it has one. Check for a straight horizon line again when editing your images. To straighten it, use the tools in your software. It will undoubtedly enhance your image!

Using the wrong lens

Landscape photographers love wide angle lenses because they want to capture as much of the breathtaking scenery in front of them as possible. However, with so many distractions, this can occasionally result in a messy photo. So, when shooting a photograph, think about whether you should use a long or zoom lens to get rid of unwanted elements. Keep it simple and include elements that complement your image.

Watch the edges of your frame

Always look for cut pieces around the borders of your frame. These will make the image appear incomplete or as though something is missing. The viewer’s eye will inevitably get out of the frame.

Taking photos at the wrong time of the day

If the sun is shining, taking shots in the middle of the day will result in harsh shadows. You’ll get a black sky if you take shots at night. Photographing during the golden hour, sunrise, or sunset is preferable. The blue hour is also fantastic because the sky takes on a beautiful blue vibrant tone. Unless you’re into astrophotography, blank skies are usually dull. Look for gorgeous light and fascinating cloud formations!

Always look back

When you’re exploring a new location and going around, remember to look back! There could be an intriguing composition that you miss. Plus, if you see anything you like, take a picture of it. Never say I’ll get back later. Later on the light will shift and the conditions will change. So seize the moment and snap a photo!

Arrive early at the photo shooting location

Take lots of time to get to know a new location. I prefer to arrive at a new site two hours before sunset. This allows me to look around, find compositions, and tune them. You don’t want to be late, have a beautiful sunset, and then start rushing around like a headless chicken looking for a composition.

Plan your photos

Get information about the location you wish to capture using the internet. When is the best time of year to visit? Look up photographs of the magnificent mountain you wish to visit and see how it looks at different times of the year and day. Find out when and where the sun will rise or set.

Use your phone

When you arrive at a spot, don’t get your tripod out right away. Instead, use the camera on your phone to look for compositions. You’ll have more freedom to explore and look for a fantastic shot this way.

Final words

So, next time you want to get out and take some photos keep those landscape photography mistakes in your mind. I bet these tips will help you get a better photo! Which of these mistakes do you make? Do you have any other mistakes to point out that should be in that list?