10 Years of Landscape Photography Advice in 20 Minutes

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

✅QUESTION: So we can compile a list here: What's the most impactful photography advice you ever received?

[@ehoffmann4758]

The concept of - if you look after your background, your subject will take care of itself

[@LenShigemoto]

“In photography, there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.” - Alfred Stieglitz "Photo is a small voice, at best, but sometimes - just sometimes - one photograph or a group of them can lure our senses into awareness." - W. Eugene Smith "A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it." Irving Penn

[@DougHamiltonArt]

1 - Paraphrase from "Art and Fear" by Bayles & Orland: "The job of the artist is to accumulate as many failures as possible in the shortest time possible in order to get the struggle with technique behind you." 2 - Federico Fellini: "There is something about the creative mind that feels compelled to narrate the world to other people."

[@matejzupancic98]

f8 and be there.

[@Narcoplexic]

Haven't become 'a professional' as I've not made a penny, though hopefully that'll change. As an artist, author, person with various sleep disorders, I try an in my art portray that difficult reality of having broken sleep/wake stability, I'm thinking a lot about trying to figure out how to capture such through photography and/or videography. At the same time, it feels like for me at least, it's gotta be fun and be of what I tend to do and/or have passions for. I like to be diverse, so I've been doing a lot of different styles and this I believe has allowed me to get much better at all of it. Birds, wildlife, landscape, street, sport and what I've done least of but want to do more of being, portrait.

[@triscuba17]

"Photography is not about the end result"-it is about the process, the journey to get the photography. It is about how you go to that point. this is so true!!!!

[@MarcusDolby]

Best advice I heard was to get out there and take photos. Only so much growth can be done reading, watching videos, etc. Experience is the best teacher.

[@markgoostree6334]

Yes. Time with finger on the shutter release... in a photographic scene... and observing . I have to keep telling myself this and finding a way to get out with my camera.

[@MrPhillipgraham]

Totally agree. I get out all the time come rain or shine and just take photos! 90% of my shots are rubbish but I still edit the last 10% as practice makes perfect right.

[@pgy8863]

This was, in my opinion, your best video ever. Without peer. Excellent advice, indeed.

[@KennethMcNaughtDigitalArts]

One of the most magical things I think photography brings us is that it is the closest thing humanity has made to a Time Machine. We can never get our time back but if we capture a moment on camera it can be revisited time and again and shared with others

[@jamesv.wilkerson30]

I love that you don't use a teleprompter. You come across as if you are talking to a classroom of people in your videos.

[@RonaldPlett]

What I like about Mark is that he doesn't treet us like if we've never used a camera before like alot of other KZbinrs do

[@bansalvijay]

Awesome! Never thought about photography the way you explained. Thank you!

[@MrPhillipgraham]

Whats impressive about your videos Mark is the fact you can do them in one take! Whenever I've recorded videos I have about 10 cuts in there! Thanks for all the advice have a good day.

[@marklowden286]

Mark, great video. As to your question - "What's the most impactful photography advice you ever received?" You covered it in your video - Photography is Not About the End Result. This concept took several years to sink in, but once it finally did, it was the driving force that has provided me with over 35 years of enjoyment on my photographic journey. I got that advice from a very established B&W printer in Michigan when I attended a weekend printing seminar while pursuing a perfect B&W print. Those were my days of wanting to be another Ansel Adams??? It was a very small attendance, and we each had what we believed were our best prints along with our negatives for critique. Mine were from several trips to the mountains in central PA, where I hiked and camped with my 4x5 view camera. I had several prints of nice freestone brooks, and a couple sunrise and sunsets of vistas with views of the mountains. I have to admit that this was sort of a last-ditch effort for me to learn what I was doing wrong with either my shooting technique or my printing technique, because although the prints were pleasing, they just didn't reflect what I was experiencing when I shot them. Turns out, I wasn't the only one with this problem. The weekend taught us that we all had done really acceptable jobs in the shooting, based on our negatives, and good jobs printing. Yes, he gave us a lot of examples of where we could have dodged differently or burnt certain areas more or less, but on the whole, what we presented wasn't bad. What was lacking in my prints was the morning mist in the air, the sounds of the mountains waking up, the smell of the coffee mixed with the pine scent while waiting for the sun to peak over the next ridge, etc. I didn't intend to be so long winded, but what he basically got through to me was, even if you never process your film, you still have the memories and the experiences, which is really what drives us in the first place. I was ready to give up on my photographic journey all those years ago, because I wasn't smart enough to come to this realization on my own.

[@peterfritzphoto]

100%. It took me about 35 years of shooting to realise this.

[@Buzz-sb1pj]

This, IMO, is the bullet, "...the memories and the experiences....". It hit me travelling across Nevada from north to south along the Great Basin Highway. I was in my motorhome and I stopped for the night on at a highway department gravel lot on a side road leading to a distant small town. There were no great scenes to shoot pictures of but the scene offered so, so much more. The smell of the sage carried on the breeze, the sight of an eighteen wheeler travelling along the same road that I had but it looked like it was going so slow when I knew it wasn't The chirp of a lone bird that dropped by my impromptu campsite. And the silence, the quietness with only the sound of the breeze passing by my ears. It was at that moment that ruined me on photography for over six months. I couldn't shoot anything because I knew nothing I shot could reproduce the memories, the gestalt of what lie before me outside of the viewfinder. How do you convey the feeling of smallness and insignificance while viewing an enormous, majestic rock face that's stood sentinel for thousands of years?

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@Buzz-sb1pj So beautifully said. Truly.

[@Buzz-sb1pj]

@@peterfritzphoto When you sing from the heart a song to true the words come easily

[@HR-wd6cw]

I think the biggest lesson I learned over many years (and it's one that everyone "learns" at some point, some sooner than others) is that new gear (either faster cameras, higher megapixel cameras, or whatever) doesn't make you a better photographer. The only thing that makes you a better photographer is practice and trying new things (perhaps even getting out of your comfort zone a bit). I think this is something we need to ingrain in people's heads from the start like we do exposure theory and composition. This should be taught as well early on, so people can save themselves the frustration (and some money) in the long run. I do like your first one though, where going back to a beginner's mindset can really help. And this is also something I've come to realize too with my shooting. I'm almost super conscious about composition that I'll walk away from otherwise good opportunities simply because it didn't fall within what would be accepted as good composition (ie. exercising good compositional elements) when in reality, I should have taken the shot as some where real "moments" that I missed. And this reminds me of many people who would say "when you encounter a 'moment' capture it, worry about composition later" (and by 'moment' they mean a special moment that will never occur again, such as a mother giving her child a flower for example... capture it, worry about the composition later). The last one that I think really took me a long time to learn was to learn to enjoy the locations you're at, don't be so focused on photography that you miss out on the overall experience. For example, if you're at ARches National Park, don't forget to take a few moments to take in the scenery around you, without the camera for a moment, and really kind of live in the moment, for a bit and take it in. I have been on trips where I have great photos from the location but I couldn't really tell you much else of what I did or what I experienced because I was too focused on photography (which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but you do want to enjoy it and enjoy the location too, not just from a photographic standpoint though). And so taking the time to really kind of relax and take it in before you start shooting can really be a good thing, and you'll probably remember more about your trips aside from the photos you captured. And by this I'm not saying you should ignore photography, or you should slack off, be serious about it, but don't forget to "stop and smell the roses" as the saying goes.

[@milighosh9489]

*Photography is Not About the End Result* ~ So True!!!

[@rolsonn]

Mark, I agree! Photography's about our emotional journey. How we felt watching a scene, the memories re: how the predawn sunlight danced across the waves and sandy beach, etc.

[@stevebertrand2316]

Great advice Mark. I'm an amateur landscape photographer, have been for 10+ years now. I regularly watch your videos and always come away with a "golden nugget" of information that I use in my hobby. Thanks for doing this and all your videos.

[@billcooper1743]

I have been shooting for about 20 years and come up with quite a few of these on my own so it’s wonderful to get confirmation from a professional. I watch and learn so much from all of your videos. Thanks for being you and sharing with us.

[@eiremic]

I LOVE the pieces of the puzzle analogy. Hobbyist photographer, mostly wildlife, but your hints about framing, what to include/exclude have been invaluable as I have followed you for years. Pieces of the puzzle, an ‘ah ha’ moment. Many thanks.

[@stephenschmid492]

I love your final point, Mark! How the photograph generates in us a very different emotional reaction compared to a viewer just viewing it for itself. Maybe in between those two extremes is a photo of somewhere you've been to and love, even though you didn't take the photo.

[@chrisedley2839]

Best advice I’ve received is related to visual storytelling. Stories have a beginning, middle and end… if you capture one of those three leaving the viewer wondering about the other two, you’ve succeeded in telling your story. Also if you’re left wondering what is going on here or your photo is a perfect “caption this” image. Then you’ve got a visual story.

[@robertshank3442]

I’m a beginner photographer. My post retirement gift to my self. As you state, the personal story that led to the particular shot as the shooter is the most enjoyable part. When showing a photo I shot, I find myself energetically sharing the back ground to it. I can tell in detail its story. I appreciate your perspectives..

[@joeyrobertson4926]

Like many others the best advice I have received is to keep taking photos. No better way to learn about photography and your camera than to get out and practice what you have learned from others, books, or videos. Your videos have been extremely helpful. Thank you! 📷

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great to hear - thanks Joey!

[@asimeshpal]

You can’t perfect photography is the best piece of advice I received.. Thanks a ton .. It really unlocked a different mindset in me which will surely help me in the long run ..

[@jesusalvarado6074]

Can’t give you enough “Thumbs Up”! Thank you for sharing your learning experience!

[@deenugent473]

You are absolutely right about remembering exactly where you were when you took a photo. I remember how tough of a hike it was to get to the Devil's Bridge in Sedona. Now that I posted that photo, I remember the journey and every bit of the process and it's very rewarding! ☺ Thank you for these awesome tips Mark.

[@DonDicker-hv6rd]

Thanks for all the time you are spending doing your videos Mark. I have recently retired and now have much more time to devote to photography. Your help outlined in them is priceless!

[@projetcaribou7249]

You totaly right when i look back at my photo it trigger the memory of the moment and that is amazing

[@lxhk3595]

Confirming all your great tipps. Would like to add this, study the masters, both photographers and painters. It trains your eyes how good pictures work, and it directs you towards your own preferences.

[@jimwhite1050]

Thanks again Mark for a great video. After 50 years of taking pictures, much improvement is still needed on my end, but I wanted to say #17 is really important and it was driven home to me recently after I put albums of my favorite photos as the screen saver on my desktop computer which I can see when I am in my recliner and look up from reading - my other favorite hobby. I always see a photo that reminds me of the journey it took to take it, but others will just see photos that they might like or not. Sometimes I just get lost and watch the show for a while and I realize how blessed I've been - especially when I see photos pop up from Iceland. Thanks again...

[@JasonTeale]

I really like how calm and friendly you explained everything. Even as an experienced photographer, this video offered a lot of good information

[@glenblaven]

Thanks Mark. These are the types of deep insight only years of experience can reveal. Really appreciate you sharing this .

[@kevinstott296]

Fantastic video! A lot of great points. I have learned much what was said through lots of trial and error. When I started, it was all about the gear, sharpness, and getting “nice images”. I failed to see that photography was about chasing the light, storytelling and evoking an emotional response. It should be thoughtful, purposeful and an art form.

[@MoharnabSaikia]

When you mentioned about a photograph having so many memories connected with it, you just completely summarized the reason for my love for photography. Slowing down to soak in the moment for a photo helps me keep that memory alive longer I feel. :) Love your videos and photos!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@stuartbell3666]

What a great vlog Mark. I’m sure most can relate in some way to each of those “light bulb” moments, I know I can! A famous person once quoted; “you can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus”. This photography mantra goes with me everywhere! Thank you Mark Twain and thank you Mark Denney!

[@PMCN53]

That is such a good and comprehensive advice session! My 16yo grandson has been drawn to the wonderful world of photography. I've had a couple of days with him giving advice and doing a couple of early morning shoots. He's very enthusiastic and this VLOG session is one that I will share with him ASAP (Tonight). Nothing like experience in learning about the never ending learning line of photography is there. Cheers Mark!

[@Prosab-id6so]

I'm a beginner photographer. I enjoyed the video. I like how you explain lightroom. The hardest part for me when editing, is not making the picture look fake.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for watching!

[@RobertMintonPhotography]

Thanks for sharing this Mark. I have been in this hobby for 60 years and still picked up some ideas from this!

[@jerrykita8767]

Mark, one of your best videos ever. Many of the principles I've incorporated into my photography. Many of those I've learned from you. I've also noted those where I have more to learn. Story telling is probably at the top of that list.

[@tonyp1340]

Absolutely one of the best videos I have watched about not just photography per se, but the philosophy of what makes a photo, and how to make a photo mean something. So many 'lightbulb' moments I hadn't really thought about. Your presentation is always motivating in some regard but, for me, you excelled in this one. To answer your question about 'impactful advice'? I think watching this video answers your question. Thanks Mark 👍

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Amazing comment Tony - thanks my friend!

[@zZola_Photography]

I love all of your photography business videos. The last point is something that I have struggled with for a long time as I have a hard time discerning what is an image that somebody else would be willing to pay for VS simply an image that I have an emotional attachment to due to the experience. I have a hard time separating those 2 things.

[@Andrewp1949]

Great advice as usual Mark, you have now given my photography life an extra 10 years...

[@davidkrye]

Once again you gave us some invaluable advice and insight on how we should think about our photography. When I am out taking landscape photos, I try to think about many of the things you just mentioned. I just got back from a photography trip to the Grand Tetons. I learned so much about lighting and how important it is and how it will affect the scene. Keep up the videos. They do make a difference.

[@richardsmith5021]

Your last point was an ah ha moment, a wakeup call if you will. I don't think I'll be as disappointed when someone doesn't show as much interest or excitement in my photos as I do. But also, becoming a better "storyteller" will help to convey to others what it is I'm trying to tell in the photos. Thanks.

[@forestchaput]

Love that 3rd tip about "finding your style" Mark!

[@jremi]

Thank you, Mark for this great list of advices! I could relate to every single one of them. Not because I knew them all, but because I know just enough about photography to understand exactly what you are talking about and what I need to do to improve. This list will be my learning template from now on. Cheers!

[@Mark-re8oq]

You clearly saved the best for last. That had to be difficult and it''s not something that I tend to share with everyone. Although my photography is largely "selfless", my very favorite shot's always reward me every time I view them and like you mentioned, I'm transported back in time and my senses are once again overwhelmed, just as they were when I was inspired to take the shot. The gift that keeps giving :)

[@jamesv.wilkerson30]

keep crushing it for 10x 10x 10x more years.

[@timbelber7342]

Mark, another great video. Your last point really resonated with me....I was luck enough to photograph gorillas in Rwanda. I show the photos to friends and they 'ooh and aah' ( and a few ughs!). I look and remember the excitement of the hike in, the awe of the moment we first saw them, being the mud (joyously!) to photograph them and the camaraderie with the other folks on the way back. I think from now when I print an image I'm going to write the story on the back. Thanks!

[@andreasbininda6226]

100% agree about style. I tried so hard to find a style. I never knew where or how to look for it. Then I found out, that it wil develop, but no one really told me. Everybody is just telling, you need style. But no, it will come automatically. I also had big troubles about that storytelling stuff. I can rembember your video in which you say that thing about telling the story in 3 pictures. That was one of your best tips I ever got! I also like the puzzle tip! Yeah! Photography is not only about the picture!!!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@genevievelaurin3860]

Wow. That was a great concentrate of useful and actually applicable advice. Some of those tips, I will have to work on, others just comforted me in what I had already figured out. Thank you for taking the time to really think this through, it gives a very efficient, useful and interesting result.

[@abdoouda]

Best video on youtube related to photography. Thank you!

[@D0209962]

"F8 and be there". Certainly getting out and being there is crucial. It is sometimes too easy not to make the effort and thus maybe missing out on opportunities that don't present themselves often.

[@thomasdean2472]

Great video Mark. I could relate to so many things you mentioned. I especially liked your comment on how you react when you look at one of your photographs vs someone else. I think all photographers carry the "moment" of taking the photograph with them.

[@projecxxSTL]

Thank You Sir Mark for sharing these valuable information! 🙏😊 More Power and God Bless! 👊👊👊

[@markwayne8502]

Outstanding video, perhaps one of your best. Every point you discussed was so important and especially the last one, photography is not the end result. Thanks for sharing this with us. 🙏

[@ksnmurthy4476]

Tons of information and valuable experience under 20 mins Mark. Amazing 🤩

[@gilbertduran8708]

Love your video. A lot of good info as usual. I specifically liked the perfection point & you will never get there. Many times I have taken the perfect pic, edited for half hour and think I have a more perfect pic then a week later when I see it & I tweak it again. There's one thing I would add, don't give up on your image, maybe we can't edit the pic to get to where we want because we aren't the Lightroom guru we thought we were but maybe looking at it a different way, B&W is the perfect example. I've gotten some nice images doing that. Thanks for your info it's always useful. Great points.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great to hear you enjoyed the video!

[@rolf_siggaard]

Loved this, very insightful and informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@roblebby3765]

Excellent video Mark! I feel smarter and very encouraged to continue on the path I am on, similar to your path of years past. Thank you!

[@noelleenboyers9120]

Brilliant video. So freeing, especially the part about "finding a style"

[@janaka861]

Mark, really wonderful distillation of the journey of photography. Thank you so much.

[@tomtomdrum12345]

The best youtube video i have seen in years Mark. Actually made me subscribe. And i only have subscribed to 3 other you tubers. Cant wait to watch more of your videos. You have a great persona. You would make a great teacher.

[@mikkiscott9995]

This was such a helpful video to me, Mark. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with us.

[@BoubakAy]

Thanks for this great list of advices! And congrats for getting to where you’re at today 📸

[@adriantippins3605]

Great stuff Mark. Wise sage advice as always, and it's great that you're sharing it with the world. I hope to see you in the Lakes if you make it across the pond anytime. Do stay in touch.

[@ssdronography]

Just when I thought you couldn’t make a more helpful video, you drop this banger! Best advice I ever received was to just go out and shoot.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Hahahah thanks a million!

[@RVNmedic]

Thanks Mark.I knew many of these things without even realizing it. I'm more of a wildlife photographer but it all applies. thanks fro the reminders. Shoshin.

[@timking1964]

A remarkably generous video Mark. Thank you for giving so much thought, time and effort to all those who you’ll probably never meet. Me? I’m a beginner, and old enough to hope I’ll stay that way. As per your final point, my favourite, though not necessarily my best photo, was one in which only I can imprint the simple pleasure of its capture. It’s a wonderful way to spend our days.

[@celinemorisset5533]

Wow, thanks Mark for lots of good information with your 17 tips. Much enjoyed! Bravo for a great 10 years.

[@joerichard171]

Wonderful video Mark, you are a gifted educator and story teller 👍

[@jamesgolando8862]

Mark, great video. Your effort in making this one is obvious and the information is spot on, for me the underlying message is the beauty of photography is that it is a very personal journey.

[@maureenmarshall1070]

Great video as usual. Always a learning curve. Thanks.

[@JesusCardenasGarcia-x4e]

An amazing video! Thank you for sharing this information!!

[@DaveBerthiaume]

Great summary, Mark! Especially that last point. Hope you're doing well.

[@charlesfisher2134]

You have so much knowledge sir, thanks for teaching us. Great job.

[@PavoTreks]

Great tips Mark, I need to level up my photography and it all makes sense. I really like the idea of Shoshin and beginner's mindset and I definitely need to level up my Lightroom skills to become editing Jedi 🤺

[@dennisjones5579]

Such great wisdom grasshopper! I greatly enjoyed the video. So much great, practical advice. Your point about stop focusing on new gear, learn the gear you have really hit home with me. However, I'm sure I'll watch it a number of times and take notes. Thank you for sharing your thoughts in such a pragmatic way.

[@richardpesce5325]

Great collection of ideas Mark! Thanks

[@carolbrucecollett]

Thank you for sharing your insights. Very helpful.

[@garymc8956]

I think your last point is the best, for me.

[@SeanPDurham]

Really good video - totally engaging all the way through: you touched on all those points that make a good photographer, solid learning practises, and especially the idea that we should focus on the photography and not the newest, latest tools that we could upgrade to. Beginners mind, composition as puzzle, and keep post processing in the background, make the photo the centre of attention. Above all, I love the way you touch on artistic techniques without it turning into a quagmire of ideas difficult to understand. I've always liked your videos and presentation, that little bit of corporate presentation technique that you retained, helps a lot :-). Great stuff, Sean

[@jillbinney4683]

Brilliant Video, full of amazing info. Thank you

[@hawiianpwr]

One of the best videos you’ve made so far. Thank you

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

WOW - thanks so much!

[@Johnmichaelartist]

Thank you, this is valuable info for a beginner. I'm bookmarking this video :)

[@jimbarth506]

Great Advice!!! I especially like the points of focusing on the gear I have, perspective, and shutter speed. Embracing the journey is definitely important. Thank you!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@luisefrenburciaga211]

Mark thank you for sharing your wisdom!!! 📸

[@AnthonyN71]

I have been following your channel and the videos for a long time and have thoroughly enjoyed and learned a ton of useful information from everything. But this particular video hit home on alot of topics that I have been thinking about lately. I want to say "Thank you" for a wonderful video and sharing what you've hold dear to you about your photography journey. As you stated about looking at a photo, I too can look at a photo and remember everything about how and why I took the image and photography IS a very personal journey. One that I enjoy and I do treat it as a newbie just learning. That attitude changes your whole entire perspective. Thank you for a wonderful video and look forward to meeting you in Grand Teton in a few weeks.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Anthony! Look forward to meeting you as well my friend!

[@rannikkolainen_]

One of your best videos, Mark!

[@KellyBaker-h9b]

As always, another great video Mark!! Thank you!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank you!

[@samking7178]

This was a great video!! I thoroughly enjoyed and learned from it. Thanks!!!

[@kvsonyt]

Amazing! Inspirational! Thank you

[@GrenvilleMelonseedSkiff496]

Thanks for this excellent video … practical, inspirational and very enjoyable … well done! 📷😄

[@lenslifeforme]

Thank you, very well done, most useful 👏

[@hiroki958]

always enjoy your videos, thank you. from japan!

[@888chop]

Some really great tips to reflect on!

[@hylkeheidstra2274]

Awesome video. Very recognisable eventhough I dont see myself as a pro photographer...

[@dronepilotcontractors4094]

Great advice! It really made me think!

[@manueldinisphotography]

(1) Learn to see, (2) Practice Practice and more practice, learn From your mistakes and (3) enjoy the process, the later relates to your point about what people see in your picture compare to what you see, I recently went to Watson Lake in Prescott AZ to scout for an area that I can take a small group of beginners on a workshop (a suggestion/question on this topic later) and in the process took a series of pictures that, so far, I consider some of my best, however when I look at them I see me hiking, getting lost in my way back and then had to leave because of the pouring rain that came at time I was trying to get some macro shots. In regards to the workshop, how do you suggest one approaches learning how to create workshops, conducting them, etc, I haven't found anything specific online, is that a process that you find your way through, making mistakes and improve until you get to a point that you discover your style and grow from there or is there another way. Thanks for another great video. MD.

[@michaeledwards1027]

The masking tutorials you have provided. My editing has gotten much better and faster.😅

[@PH-gm2qe]

Great video. One of the best!

[@troymclean9301]

Thanks Mark! Very helpful video for me as a newbie to photography on what to focus on….no pun intended 😊

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great to hear!

[@RichardBO9]

Like drinking from a fire hydrant. I will need to watch this multiple times to capture all of the truth presented here. Thanks for your efforts.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Richard!