9 WORST HABITS In Landscape PHOTOGRAPHY

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In this week’s episode, I discuss the 9 worst habits in landscape photography. I don't want to speak for anyone else, but these are the 9 worst habits that have negatively impacted my landscape photography over the years. I've gotten a bit better at some of these and others I do just about every time I pick up my camera. Some of these bad photo habits I didn't even realize I was doing until someone brought them to my attention and now I can't stop noticing them. The first step in resolving bad photo habits is first to identify what they are and then work towards a resolution, but that's much easier said than done as I've been working on mine for years with little to no progress:)
In this video, I rank my 9 worst habits in landscape photography with #9 being the bad habit that is negatively impacting me the least and bad habit #1 being the habit that's negatively impacting me the most. Some of these are camera gear related, some are on-location issues and others are post processing related, but nevertheless they are all my worst landscape photography habits.
I'm curious, what are some of your worst photography habits?
If you enjoyed this video, please consider giving it a thumbs up and let me know what you think in the comments below - I guarantee I'll get back to ya.
Thanks for watching everyone!
-Mark D.
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[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

What's your WORST photography habit?

[@NotFinancialAdvice]

Watching you take pictures instead of me take pictures. :) I'm Kidding.

[@MarcinSporysz]

I'm guilty of pixel peeping on my tiny LCD screen, zooming in on max and getting angry because I'm expecting something that may camera+lens cannot provide - maybe I watched CSI enhance photos too much hehe ("csi miami enhance that license plate" in google).

[@pauloprocha]

Too much gear

[@stevemarineau8153]

My worst habit is not looking at the settings. I just look and go yup it's in focus and shoot only to find out the shutter speed was wrong or the exposure isn't right. Mind you I'm fairly new at photography but it still frustrates me that I don't take my time.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

@@NotFinancialAdvice Hahah - thats awesome!

[@Loopsrainforest]

Thinking I can do landscape photography when I'm on a trip with my wife & kids.

[@falxonPSN]

This is actually very underrated. The type of timing and patience you need for really good landscape work is not conducive to people waiting on you. It makes them uncomfortable and the stress of knowing that they are waiting makes you perform poorly and rush.

[@Miniaturegeek]

That's so true I wish I could like this comment a hundred times.

[@Shteuf]

Damn we all did that. Ultimately I tried to convert my girlfriend to photography. I think it's working :D

[@sirvival4742]

true story. tried it different times. i will not work at all.

[@karlthefirst8690]

Yassss. I don’t even have kids but just when traveling with friends or my girlfriend, I’m a bit of a d&%k when it comes to lollygagging behind everyone shooting and shooting. One solution is including the wife or kids as subject in the landscapes, but that trick only works for so long. Mostly when traveling I try to go out when everyone else is sleeping or having a late-afternoon nap. Being alone is ultimately the only solution for finding the space and time to find a really good landscape.

[@clearevil]

my worst habit is being too lazy to go out and take landscapes.

[@gobargober7136]

Same. But the real problem is when i want take photo, there are some external factor like some stranger think i get some picture for spyin' people or for something bad. And some people think, because i use smartphone and i am not worthy to get picture with my gear

[@Moriningland]

Me too

[@maggiedormer1208]

clearevil oh, me too. The spirit is willing....

[@glacieractivity]

My worst is your worst. I bring a really light tri-legged seat - and a thermos of coffee. And I have made it illegal to do anything before I have sat down. Sipping coffee. Forcing myself to "sense" the place. Reminding myself to "see" instead of "look". Reminding myself to listen. Reminding myself to identify distractions (I have had so tunnel-vision at times that I did not see "that crazy thing in the frame" before being back home seeing the plastic bag on monitor... Still imperfect - but it helps. At least the pulse from hiking has dropped. And it makes me walk rather than moving like road-runner on speed.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I love this!! I think I'm going to implement your approach moving forward - thanks for that!

[@warwizard217]

I agree with your comment and I think I need to use your tips.

[@christianrasmussen1]

I'm gonna adopt your approach

[@nlh835]

glacier activity I keep thinking I’ll do the same, feel and hear the scene.

[@gregkelly6618]

Great idea. Will do this tomorrow morning (provided I don't hit snooze 7 times).

[@n4Video_]

I have two. 1)Not taking enough time to just enjoy the moment and take it in. It's nice to be able to look at your images at a later date and reminiscence but sometimes I forget to pause and enjoy the experience when I'm there. 2)Never editing my photos and sharing them and/or never being happy with my editing and either discarding everything or not sharing them at all. I'm my own worst critic.

[@rogerfleming1121]

I'm your number 1)

[@edhovrud]

Completely agree on both and I have lately been working on being present, spending time just being in the moment. I may miss something but that's alright, sometimes it just best to have the memory in your head. I edit and share my photos but many times I feel like I should be working on prints versus sharing on social media. I enjoy sharing them but I think I'd learn more about my shooting errors if I would start printing. I've never had anyone tell me that a photo sucks, or even provide constructive feedback, they just praise. That's nice of them but I also need constructive feedback even if negative.

[@nlh835]

Ed Hovrud I agree with you, wholeheartedly! Experience the scene, forget the praises from social media, and just be present with the moment, discover and learn.

[@GONZOFAM7]

Me too. Sometimes it's just enjoy it.

[@camerashakeproductions9098]

Your face pressed up against that picture on the wall... priceless

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

camerashake Haha! Thanks man🤣

[@lauragonzales-lgphotograph1004]

That was funny 😂

[@L.Spencer]

He kind of looked like a different person from the side!

[@johnmurray5732]

My worst habit was thinking that I had to travel away to get great images.For the past 3 months I have been getting out regularly to local spots, finding new ones, and revisiting the same ones in different light and weather.It has been a real eye opener for me.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

John Murray I do the same thing sometimes - just forgetting to shoot local.

[@UncompressedWAVmusic]

6:25 thunder sound was so life like that I jumped up and looked around the room and since the window was closed I looked for something that had fallen like a bag of marbles, which I don't have. I did find a stack of boxes right behind me that may of shifted and risked falling on me so I adjusted that and that re-listened to your video and heard the lightning. Really funny!

[@mikethomas7138]

My worst habit, by far... not checking all my camera settings before i get started. Was auto focus off (from prior shoot). Why did I leave my iso as 2,000. I have taken many shots only to find out I have some really goods ones at a super high iso and that are pretty much junk

[@bobm2410]

Amen, Mike...me too

[@thedavidbrother2]

Taking silly pics at night at 3200, then forgetting to check settings. A classic.

[@Dave_en]

I think you should leave iso to auto and set the aperture to f/8 in aperture priority. Worry less about settings and just shoot away.

[@thedavidbrother2]

@@Dave_en Autoiso can also seriously screw up your photos....but if you set it to a sensible range, like 100-800, it can work out just fine.

[@Dave_en]

@@thedavidbrother2 I have old D5500 and on recommendation of a professional, I put it on auto and set the minimum shutter speed that I can easily get away handheld. The iso went to 3200 but I took some shots for learning. When I went home worried about noise, surprisingly those noise were in control. The key here is to get the exposure right. If you want cleaner image, use DXO software which can further clean your image noise. Previously I didn't have courage to go beyond ISO 800. But here we have to be clear that raising iso decreases dynamic range too. So avoid going beyond 3200 at any cost. Better use flash wherever applicable. There is no other way out. With slower shutter speed, the pictures are gonna blur. Using tripod helps in some cases.

[@pauldomsten8331]

The more I watch your videos the more I realize how similar of photographers we are... As you were listing those off I kept thinking, yep that's me....

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to hear I have some company!

[@pauldomsten8331]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto Congrats for reaching 30K subscribers!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Paul Domsten Thanks Paul - appreciate it👍

[@TheVRockzzz]

I have never watched a tutorial with so much value. Mark is one of the very rare photographer who is not afraid to share all the tricks of the business.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Soul Station Thanks so much🙏

[@mgmasoncreative3227]

I genuinely laughed out loud at "pixel peeping". Two years in, I do this. Probably because it was a habit I developed when I started submitting stock images to Alamy, looking for grain even on images I have no intention of submitting to them.

[@williamreymond2669]

Oh, how wonderful! I'm a beginner! I don't have any habits yet! Yet.

[@mikehines14]

My worst habit is taking a few shots of the first good composition and thinking I've got the shot. I've got to slow down, walk around a little more, find a few more compositions, take a few more pictures, focus on a few different areas in case I want to blend exposures, etc.

[@ChrisEdgecombePhoto]

Agree with your No. 1; I was on a workshop at the weekend and felt completely over whelmed with all the subjects available and I found it difficult to find compositions that worked. I ended up buying a 'view catcher' which the photographer recommended to try and help me search for compositions without the need to get my camera out and to help break larger subjects down into smaller interesting compositions. Thanks for the video.

[@freeandcriticalthinker4431]

Mark, here is one I see all the time from my better half. I have coined it “Post it Now” fever. Instead of taking your time and editing the pics to the best of your ability, But rather just doing a “quickie edit” and immediately slamming the “sub par” photo on Instagram, Facebook , etc. just for the sake of getting it up ASAP. It just leaves me just shaking my head. I think this is a serious problem that goes against the whole premise of photography or at least the photography that I was introduced to 30 years ago. Now, I can’t imagine there isn’t plenty of other peeps doing this as well eh?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Oh yes, I know there's many others that do the same thing - love the name as well!

[@insanebmxthomas]

I recently started my hobby in photography and im already guilty.. posted some of my best first milky way pictures on instagram without any watermark and some simple lightroom editing (while i have about 5 different exposures for all shots lmao)

[@JanieP53]

Guility with iphone but not my DSLR. For that reason, I did not set up the SnapBridge for Nikon.

[@rafaelzavala5375]

A lot of these hit home for me. Especially the “editing too quickly” issue. This often leaves me with nothing else to do until the next shoot, which is dangerous if I dont get out and shoot for a few more days or weeks. Leads to stagnation and a decline in my creativity.

[@MLC48]

Really funny because you hit the nail on the head with my bad habits, especially 'running around like a maniac on location'. I get overwhelmed with everything on location and want to take pictures of EVERYTHING all in one image. I'm trying to pick out a subject and only focus on that subject.

[@Just-a-Guy1]

I become redundant. I take the same shoat multiple times as if something about it is going to change. I'm not talking about reframing or recomposing a shot, which is acceptable and something I should do. It's almost a manic OCD kind of thing where I worry I didn't get the shot the first time I took the picture. Really stupid.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Lol! I'm glad I'm not the only one!

[@bjure8111]

Use it in a positive way and remove noise with them if you have multi exposures of the same thing :)

[@niftytwo]

Me too... Brian.. Just a bad habit Mate..

[@slowlyrusting4044]

We are all different, and yet, so alike. You mirrored so many of my bad habits, especially #8. I need to dedicate an entire weekend just to delete images that are so similar that I can't even remember why I "shot" them in the first place.

[@robroyig-robroyphotography9225]

Great video Mark! Yes, those habits are mine too. I think my top 2 worst ones though, and you touched on it, are forgetting to turn VR on my lens "off" when on a tripod (especially on zoom lenses), and then back on when I am hand holding...uggghhh. My second is not taking the time to visualize the pic, and removing the distractions from the main focal point. Many of my shots end up being "too busy", and if I just would have taken the time to visualize, and then remove, if possible, any "noise" from the shot. Thanks again Mark for all your vlogs. They are awesome. GO DAWGS!

[@whafrog]

Good list. My worst is sleeping in, definitely sleeping in. I procrastinate to the point of missing the best of everything by about 5 minutes. At least I'm consistent... Edit: I did manage to cure myself of one bad habit. On winter hikes I've made it a rule that I can't take any pictures in the first 20 minutes of hiking...it's surprising how long a tripod can retain heat even at -30, and more than once I've ended up hauling around a tripod frozen shut from just a bit of melted snow.

[@TarrelScot]

Come to Scotland! Sunrise after 9.00 am in Winter! (3.30 am in Summer though.)

[@BraedenRoesler]

I second this. I'm an insomniac and a night-owl, and don't sleep much at all and I'm never tired or miss it, but mornings I value my sleep and hate getting up and despise alarms. This is ESPECIALLY prevalent when I'm camping, usually for photo outings and I want to stay in that nice warm comfy sleeping bag for as long as I can, because where I live in Montana, it gets Damn Cold in the mornings.

[@error60091]

yup, probably mine as well... need that beauty sleep! lol

[@rosaliebischof1171]

I too share some of your bad habits! My worst habit (and I’ve really worked at breaking it) is trying to get the Perfect Image. All it did was stifle me. Since giving up this habit, my photography has really improved. I enjoy the process so much more.

[@clobbohead]

A little story; watching Judge Judy as she's evaluating a wedding photo with some leafy green bokeh. A very nice shot, too. "I would not give a photographer one red cent for anything that was so out of focus!" Sorry it is off subject but Just had to relate it to your channel! Enjoying your videos immensely, Mark. Your laid back attitude helps one to relax which leads to better internalizing of a subject.

[@vbiddaisy6701]

I am guilty of changing lens and leaving the camera open without a lens. Now I just cover the opening with the cap that came with my camera. So easy and keeps my sensor clean.

[@JamesAndrewMacGlashanTaylor]

I use the camera body cap when I am changing lenses. Because....THAT'S WHAT IT IS FOR! LOL. That way you don't feel you have to do this silly dance with lenses, or feel that you have to rush when switching. I like my photography outings to be relaxed and controlled , even in the rain.

[@bethrobsonphotography]

My worst habit, #1 NOT playing/experimenting around enough with what my camera can and can not do. As a beginner/leaning into intermediate (At least I am off auto and on manual) but still having issues with the confidence to take crappy shots in the name of learning! #2 Not understanding and setting my own presets in LR. I seem to be doing slightly different settings for EVERY photo. Again consistency issues.

[@youngmulumba1888]

You can always copy the settings from a photo to the next photo you would like to edit.

[@Dannzzigg]

Great vlog, Mark! I share many of these bad habits. One other that you didn't mention is "not taking the shot". I spend too much time looking for the perfect shot and wind up shooting nothing at all. When I DO manage to realize I'm thinking that way, I try to change my perspective. Looking for a great sunset and can't make it work? Shoot an intimate scene of a single tree instead. A good shot of something you weren't planning on is far better than no shot at all!

[@GreenhornPhototaker]

Quickly becoming must watch KZbin, we'll done Mark! #1 resonates so well with me, lol

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Lou! Really appreciate that friend!

[@floorprincess]

That line about doing more weather forecasting than photography hit home!

[@sosomelodies659]

I use to switch out my lenses many times during a single outting and what always resulted was a sensor full of dust and artifacts that show up on the images. Now I use one lens 90% of the time and only switch out lenses when it's absolutely necessary for a composition. This allowed me to shoot faster and move on to the next scene thereby getting more images in overall, higher keeper rates, and lastly peace of mind knowing there's no sensor dust to ruin my images.

[@mallberry41]

Can relate to many of these Mark. Mine is not spending enough time to explore the location or just shooting the standard ‘ go to’ shot rather than thinking outside the box a little 👍

[@danielrao3120]

Hello Mark. I found this video strangely reassuring for the simple reason that I too fall foul of all the bad habits you expound including the one where I go to bed with the best of intentions and then, alas, when the alarm wakes me early in the morning ... well you know the rest. Even my best laid plans for a photographic excursion mysteriously go awry. On the positive side, I am determined to pursue my hobby and to get the best results I can. In recent years my "bad" habits show signs of withering under the strain. Thanks to you I sense I'm not alone. Many thanks for an excelled video.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Awesome to hear you enjoyed the video Daniel!

[@didibagallon]

I do pixel peeping too when I edit my photos but I do that to inspect an image after using unsharp masking or clarity enhancement. Looking at pixel level helps me determine if I have overdone sharpening when I see white artifacts, halos or ghosting around dark-light transitions. Sometimes they do destroy the details critical within the image.

[@christurner1324]

Great point on the lens changing. I know first starting out(and now) we get impatient and carless when switching lens. Usually I'm in a desert setting with high winds and sand, you already know where this is going.....lol

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Oh yes! Worst possible scenario for changing lenses!

[@gregoryjamesboyce]

Back in the 90s i was on a 7 day canoe trip using a Nikon F90 with Fuji velvia. I switched lenses the lazy way. Got home, processed the dozen or so rolls, and discovered a thread in almost every shot! This was before digital editing was easily available. Photo Disaster. :-(

[@spyghetti]

Like the sony walkman (in other vids) the swatch phone is awesome retro-tech. both you, friend and mom from the kitchen can listen in.

[@richardsoutdoorworld5284]

Loved the part of video where you walked up to the framed photo on wall and put your eye within a fraction of inch to the photo ! Now That was funny and made your point very well !

[@paulcommerford1802]

Mark, what you call sensory overload translates to me as enthusiasm and excitement. You clearly love what you do so its arguably not really a bad habit; more just your nature. If you lost that same enthusiasm you may also lose the motivation to get out of bed and go out on a shoot in the first place. Love your honesty!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thats a good point Paul! You have instantly made me feel better about that one, so thank you for that :)

[@inthewildwithdannon2278]

You are not alone. I do at least 1-4. Especially pixel peeping and sensory overload. Thank you for your wonderful videos and tips. I look forward to them each week. Keep up the great work.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks buddy! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@kosmonparran4495]

I definitely have done almost all of the things you mentioned numerous times especially #1 lol!! but one other habit I wish I could start doing again like I did when I was new to photography is experimenting, as well as being open to whats in front of me rather then trying to create what I want to see.

[@loganfessler3347]

Most of those habits would disappear if you switch to shooting film but others would come about..lol When shooting digitally use a 512 mb card it'll force you to slow down and think more about each shot - Break the spray and pray habit. My worst habit is taking the shot and thinking the lighting wont get any better..most of the time it doesn't but occasionally if I waited just 5 or 10 more minutes...always working on patience.

[@framed-tales]

Hi Mark! Congrats on 30K. The biggest thing about your videos is that everything is discussed clearly so that a reasonable person can understand and can engage himself/ herself in the comments discussion. Actually, many other helpful tips/ experiences come up in the conversations! Keep producing good works!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Abu Sufian Mohammad Asib Thanks so much for this🙌

[@dwarren1586]

I'm with ya Mark almost everything you said lol I live just on the other side of the mountain from you my biggest is allowing the mountains to be my only composition I'm absolutely in love with these things lol but to grow I need to focus on the foreground more ...its what I'm working on now ...great videos brother keep them coming!

[@waterman308]

I feel like I just sat through a Photographer's Anonymous therapy session. I do all of that stuff. I also tend to get 'tunnel vision' where I try to see the composition in the same way I've seen my other photos - trying to make the new location fit what I'm used to seeing instead of seeing the new place, new color, patterns, textures, light, for what it has to offer. Really great video thanks.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

waterman308 Haha! Yes, it was like a therapy session!

[@johnstaples1606]

Brilliant.. just starting out and there's loads of things I've learned from you.. This is great to set someone like me on the right course. I've got a lot of places I can go to photograph around were I live (Liverpool UK) and all of you advice is invaluable ... Cheers!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to hear the videos are helping you out! Thanks John!

[@alokmehta4707]

Thanks for summing up so many critical points. I never realised that I am guilty for them from a long time!

[@celinemorisset5533]

Thank you Mark! As always great advice. At this point I have yet so much to learn. I can't even come up with top worst habits... give me a little time to figure myself out and I'm sure will come up with a few... This is good food for thought. Cheers!

[@niksiotv6204]

I can relate to most of your worst habits. Especially last one 😅 First day on beautiful location is always the worst. This year I am struggling with not making so big panoramas and generally overcomplicating photos. Instead of shooting one single frame with a little bit worse lens often I do big HDR panoramas, additionally with focus stacking and then in post-processing sometimes one frame was in another white balance than others, isn't pin sharp or whatever. This is one of my the biggest struggles.

[@patrickpichler8140]

Same here, running around every time on every place 😄

[@DCW96161]

Situational composition rut. Finding when I download the images from a trip that I was so taken with a particular sky, weather pattern, landscape feature, sun light, or negative space composition (which is my greatest weakness) that I seem to have completely failed to notice so many other possibilities surrounding me. I try to be conscious of it when I’m on site, but I still talk myself into making sure that I have the perfect iteration of whatever it is that has me so fixated before I move on.

[@CrochetFiberArt]

Sensory Overload - OMG! At least now, at 63 years old, I don't do the second part for me - which I call Spin and Shoot. You would have laughed at my 20 year old version of sensory overload combined with spin and shoot. However, there was one time, about 5 years ago, I looked out my window, saw a bald eagle in a dead tree over looking a lake with the continental divide just behind. I grabbed my point and shoot, whirled around the corner to the deck, and started shooting. I caught him in the tree and 11 shots of him taking off and going into flight. That was one time I wish I would have had a better camera, lol. ** Thank you for all the information you're sharing, and your wonderful way of presenting that information.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Crochet Fiber Art Thanks so much for watching the channel and for the fantastic comment - it’s very much appreciated!

[@mmcalifornia8600]

Wow, great self reflection! I bring my dog everywhere but sadly she's an added stress that makes me rush. Definitely an uneasy feeling to rush photography or anything artistic.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

mm California Indeed - that’s for certain!

[@ravineelakantan6417]

This is one of the best you-tube channels on photography that I ever watch...they are replete with practical tips and best practices...all put together crisply and concisely...very instructive and inspiring...thanks very much.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Ravi Neelakantan Thanks so much for this! You made my day🙏

[@stefankuhn6887]

Unfortunately I see all these habits when I am shooting 😢. But like you I am aware of these habits and that gives a chance to overcome them. Very good video 👍🏻

[@ohanzeetokala]

My worst is just not getting out enough to take photos or it's just not knowing what I'm looking for but I'm slowly working on getting out more and finding new places near me I can go

[@msgaltman3075]

Number #1 for me is always questioning if my image could be better as I work with it in post. I have decent technical ability with PS and LR, but having technical skill isn't the same as knowing what you want out of an image and the SIMPLEST way to get there. You know...which of the 8 different ways to add contrast should I use on THIS image. I've finally gotten paste the habit of over-cooking my images and have embraced being subtle in post....but even being subtle presents me with too many options. So, like so many other things in life, I'm hoping that with time and practice, I'll start putting images up on my wall that I don't question and just enjoy.

[@davesusko3517]

Mark, I appreciate the “not chimping enough” comment. When I first heard that bit of advice to NOT chimp, I had some “yeah but” thoughts running through my head about composition, framing, etc.

[@TheFreedomFreak]

The pixel peeping one speaks to me on a spiritual level. If an image doesn't meet my ridiculous standards for sharpness on a 27 inch monitor, I deem it unworthy of occupying disk space, even if it, by no means, deserves such treatment from an objective point of view.

[@donhendricks3190]

I hadn't "identified" these bad habits for myself... but ... yep, tbh, it's me on nearly every single one! Some great points to consider for correcting these. Thanks, Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Don Hendricks Thanks for checking out the video Don!

[@jcben]

I can't stop asking why you put this phone on your desk. Preparing a 80's parody of bbc news ? Just kiddin, your videos are great.

[@Snouselientje]

Now I cannot ignore XD

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Jean-Claude Ben Haha! I just found that last week and totally forgot about the brand Swatch! I used to live their watches back in the day.

[@EnterSpacebar]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto I didn't even know Swatch made telephones!

[@GhostRyder2008]

That thunder startled me since we've been having thunderstorms in SLC, UT the past couple days lol

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Haha!

[@Dunja0712]

#5 gave me anxiety haha! :) I never do the "lazy lens change", mainly because I'm too terrified of cleaning the sensor on my own. But, I can relate to all the other mistakes up to a point, especially the first one, about editing too fast. Oh, and sleeping in. I'm so not a morning person! :)

[@TheMoodyPhotographer]

Totally agree, especially number 9 😅

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Haha - yep that's a big one for me as well!

[@MrRenoman2011]

Thanks Mark I have done some of these myself thanks for reminding me what I do! Great video Lol

[@lindseymillar8522]

Your bad habits are my own, definition guilty of all of them. Over thinking paralysis is probably one of my worst habits. Trying to decide where to go, what to shoot, when to go there, what are the right conditions and so on. Sometimes I stress myself or question myself to the point of not even leaving the house. I hate it when that happens.

[@BraedenRoesler]

When changing lenses in the field I usually do leave the body on my tripod or strap, but instead of taking the lens off then going and getting the lens and getting it ready then putting it on, I'll grab the new lens first, slightly un-twist the lens on the camera (just enough for it to not be locked, but not enough for it to disengage), then take the body cap off the new lens (in my hand), take the old lens off the camera, holding the rear element down, put the new lens on, then put the body cap on the old lens, and the entire process takes about 5 seconds max as when you do it a few times you can kind of do multiple things at once.

[@ShaneBaker]

Good video. Thanks. I can relate to 6 of your 9. All too familiar. I would add one of my own: a tendency to assume that at sunrise or sunset, the show's over when it's only beginning. I recall having literally packed up on the assumption that it wasn't going to happen that morning, and turning around to see the most amazing light. I grabbed my camera and tripod and ran to the beach to grab a few shots!! Stupid me!

[@Azn_Bran]

Identity crisis. I love landscape and consider myself a landscape photographer but when you open my photo library its 90% photos of the family. It's the, "I can't get off into the wilderness alone" effect. Its difficult to explain to people when I try to tell them I really am not into portraits when it's all they see, lol.

[@Saltycures]

I get the sensory overload thing too, but I kind of embrace it! Just feel so stoked! I had that this evening when walking a new beach at golden hour and I came upon seven huge sea turtles scattered across about a half mile of deserted beach. Couldn’t help myself! But I agree, that stoke does have its downsides and you can get super scattered

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

SaltyCures Yes - the stoke!! It’s a blessing and a curse🤣

[@arigreench]

Hi Mark, one interesting thing to add. The sensor plane mark (top of the camera on the left side of the viewfinder) is aligned to the white dot lens alignment. So, if you have the camera on a tripod, just align the white dot on your lens with the sensor plane !!!

[@sorenmelchior]

Watching your video ... both your #8, and #7 I can give you a tip on how to fix both of those issues. Slow down... compose the image before you shoot your image. This means checking your corners. I come from the film era, and if you have ever shot with a film view camera you develop some habits before you snap the shutter. And that's really examining your image before you take the shot. You always check your edges, the balance of the composition, and recheck your exposure before taking the shot. With digital camera's we often get a little lazy and snap happy, but with a view camera... and it costing $10.00 or more an image for film and processing costs, it causes one to double check everything. Because with transparency film, you don't have easy post processing to fix your errors in exposure, so you have to get it right the first time. I still take out one of my 4x5's on occasion to keep myself focused on good habits. It's a slower more meditative process, and it helps all my photography in both film and digital in the long run.

[@gizmobowen]

Not a habit but a comment on the saying on your shirt. Sometimes when laying in bed with a thousand things going through my mind I sometimes try the following mantra. Breathing in I think, relax. Exhaling, I think let go. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't but it's good when it does. Luckily I don't have any bad photography habits, so that doesn't stress me out (LOL).

[@irajnaghash]

Planing what you want to do and taking some note and sketching if possible, Checking related tools before moving home

[@johnpouw3352]

I think the sleeping in habit applies to any occupation Ha ha. So much of that is so true, especially the pixel peeping :)

[@AbhinavanandSingh]

Loving the finesse and refinement you're developing with time. Each successive video of yours shows such wholesome additions to you being an artist! Best wishes

[@MickeyGooner]

My worst habit: fear of missing out so I tend walk to much in an area. For example: day before yesterday I walked 12km because in that area I wanted to scout more locations. As a result I came home with nothing good enough... I must focus on one good location and try something instead of walking like an idiot 😂

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

LOL!

[@niftytwo]

I do exactly the same Mickey...

[@johnscratchley3288]

Watching this vid. I saw a lot of my bad habits. One of my worst is #9 but others certainly come to light. I'm one that has a tendency to rush things. Thanks for pointing out the errors we both share.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

john scratchley Thanks John! Happy to hear you enjoyed the video!

[@pauloricardoferreira2841]

It is very good to know that even a competent and experienced photographer like you is capable of suffering from some issues like me. Thank you very much for this video. I thought that only newbies, like me, committed these kinds of bad habits.

[@brokenrat2176]

Well, that's me. Thanks for reassuring me that I'm not the only one. 👍

[@MattShockley]

This was VERY helpful and it made me laugh because I can definitely relate to so many of these. I think you and I are very similar in our approach’s and instincts. You are certainly steps ahead of me in experience and it’s nice to hear your perspective

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Matt Shockley Thanks Matt! Appreciate ya watching!

[@FapesMcRules]

Inhale problems Exhale solutions and then take the shot! Very good work! Cheers from Greece!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

O_Mageiras Love it!!

[@thomasjayprince]

I share a handful of these bad habits and had a few good laughs during this video! I really enjoy your photos, channel/videos, and style of teaching. Thanks for all the work you do.

[@skymedic48]

Well, I do many of those. Pixel peeping, same lens...always reach for my canon nifty fifty, and definitely sleeping in.

[@dejvidphotography4568]

Good Video Mark! I found myself in almost every habits that you said. I really rushing when I´m looking for composition, it´ sad.. I really need to calm down and relax

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

TheBeast Many thanks! Glad you enjoyed it - you’re not alone, after reading many comments it appears that rushing might be the most common bad habit.

[@bio7021]

Pixel peeping one was my favorite 😂😂😂

[@zvonimirhoic1716]

LOL you teached me how to properly switch lenses on my a6000, i always juggled with them feeling silly :P Thanx for that. A grat and very helpfull video :)

[@buyaport]

Nice video. Not spending enough time on a spot is perhaps my worst habit (because there are so many others...). I only partially agree with #9 (quick edit). As perhaps everybody I am exited to see the pictures when I come home. What I now do is to make a "virtual copy" when doing the first edit. So I can try out several edits (and synchronize them if some are good). My tip: Shoot film from time to time! It always improves my digital photography. Another one (very cheap one): Make a pencil sketch on location. You will sooner find your "perfect" framing (and it is relaxing, too). One doesn't need to be good at drawing to do this (after all, a mountain is just a triangle, a hill maybe a half circle or a house a rectangle). One should a least give it a try!

[@stevewickmagician]

I have started choosing locations based on weather. I have limited days to go out so I have to try and make the best of what ever is available. Also I sometimes get over excited and forget to chimp. which has left me very disappointed a few times

[@wolfgangl5590]

Thanks for having shared your worst habits making me reflect my behaviours. #5 (lazy lens changing) = leaving my camera on the tripod without a lens while changing it. Your video made me think of an easy containment: if I am too lazy to remove the body, I can at least mount the body cap during lens change - especially when being outside. Maybe something to consider??

[@BarryWardPhoto]

I do every single one of these! Great video!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Barry Ward Much appreciated Barry - thank you!

[@AronRadford]

Great video, in all your videos are great, you have such a down to earth delivery that is very relaxing to watch. Keep up the great work 👍🏼

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Much appreciated Aron! Glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@ryanlio9611]

Def agree on chimping.. I came back from Iceland with blurred pictures in one of the locations. I was positioned in a flowing stream whilst trying to do a 2sec exposure. When I'm back home, realised my pics where blurry.. possibly due to the strength of the river stream being too strong for my tripod camera setup, resulting in camera shake.. lesson learnt..!!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Ryan Lio Same thing has happened to me on multiple occasions

[@goateyephotography808]

Those are happening to me, too. Well, not number 5, but the others, I'm totally with you in the exact same order. It's not my worst habit, but the one I dislike the most: Number 6. Basically everywhere you are hearing "Ah no, that's bad light, do sunsets!" - I guess the only reason why this is all over the place is because sunsets/sunrises aren't *good* light, but *easy* light. I got photos where the whole fore- and midground are completely irrelevant (they are just silhouettes with nothing special in it) due to the awesome sky in the background. But my definitely *worst* habit is: being afraid to post photos in public, like instagram and so on. Which is basically nonsense, but still...

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thats a great point regarding silhouettes and sharing your photos - it can be a struggle sometimes.

[@billbell1796]

Great video Mark, I also have many of those bad habits. This was a good reminder. Thanks

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Bill Bell Thanks Bill! Appreciate ya watching!

[@jeffurbahn694]

For lens changes on the tripod (assuming its not extraordinarily windy or wet out) just tuck your new lens into the elbow of you arm wedged between your arm and body, take off the current lens, swap lenses in your hands, attach the new lens, place the back end lens cover back on the lens you just removed, and then bam, you swapped your lenses without changing your composition and only exposed the sensor for 2-3 seconds. Thats my common practice!

[@matsfotografi]

Great video as usual! One of my bad habits is waiting to long to pack my gear. I know that if I try to do any kind of logistics at 3:30 in the morning I'm goibg to fail miserably! Every piece of gear, boots,clothes must be prepared the night before, still I sit back and say that I'll fix that in the morning...

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Mats Bergstrand I do the same thing sometimes and almost always forget something when I wait till the last minute to pack.

[@peterjay274]

My worst habit is forgetting to reset my camera before shooting. I have many worst habits though, light snob, lazy etc. :) Excellent video.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Peter - glad you think so!

[@5amskateboards291]

Gotta say, I LOVE the Swatch phone.

[@paulhammond5507]

Great video Mark I’m definitely guilty of most of those so now I might think more as a result of your advice thank you 👍

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Really appreciate it Paul!

[@TypeR-]

My worst habit is bringing too much gear...like a ton of lenses, filters, batteries, cards, tripods, an extra camera body, etc., and not needing most of it. But I'm paranoid that if I don't bring it, then I'll definitely need it.