A COMPLETE guide to MANUAL MODE landscape photography

Manual mode is for "experts", no! In this video, I will give you sort of a check-list and complete guide as to make you less nervous and make you worry less about photographing in full manual mode with any camera, when you do landscape photography. I visit a big beautiful dune in Northern Denmark during some gorgeous dramatic weather. I am sorry for a bit of lacking sound, but hopefully you get loads of imformation in this video about all the settings you should consider, when you photograph in manual.
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MUSIC:
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0:00 - Shooting full manual mode
0:55 - Focus mode
1:43 - Metering mode
2:27 - White balance
4:21 - Importance of MANUAL
5:38 - How I focus
7:55 - ISO, aperture, shutter speed, histogram, zebra stripes
11:25 - Manual or Aperture priority?
13:40 - Composition
15:54 - Drive mode, steadyshot, intervalometer
19:47 - Focus stack and aperture f/16
21:40 - Wide-angle, no Antarctica, editing, final photos
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[@walterwiniana]

Thank you Mads for this guide! I also enjoyed the ebook on composition in landscape photography 👍🏼

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you ever so much, Walter! I really appreciate it :)

[@stefanbuechs]

„Who needs Antarctica when you have Denmark“ - just great!!! I will visit Denmark in April… 😊

[@rafaelrezend]

Mads, you never disappoint with the Mads-style photos of yourself. Incredible. Hats off.

[@michaelreiningmedia]

Mads, glad you recovered from Covid, even though it meant missing Antarctica. I hope you pursue that venue in the future, I'm excited to see what you capture. That said, your channel is one of my top favorites for both the inspiration and the education. Thanks for your wonderful work.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you, Michael! Means a lot! Yeah, I hope I'll get there eventually. Nigel said we'll give it another go in the future :)

[@StefanOffermann]

Wow, that composition in the end with the clouds mirroring the lines in the sand, all leading to the man who made the shot... Just suberb! 🤩

[@ajwk]

Blue and yellow - a beautiful combination.

[@paulknight7789]

Hi Mads I loved that you added wind noise to two of the photos instead of your usual dreamy music. Gave it more atmosphere. Best wishes. Paul

[@pauloricardoferreira2841]

Simply spetacular your shots! You're such an artist!!! Best regards from Rio de Janeiro/Brazil.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you ever so much, Paulo!

[@alanhumbard8298]

Macs, I’m convinced your the master of KZbin photographer videos. The way you explained manual mode was excellently done. I’m sorry to hear about Covid and Antarctica but your expression at the end when you compared Antarctica and Denmark cracked me up. When a person can talk about a disappointment and still add a positive, well that tells me a lot about their character.

[@Robert-im3wi]

Hi Mads, lovely photos as usual. You really are one of my favourite you tube landscape photographers.

[@enjoythelittlethings3359]

Excellent !! I am blown away !!!

[@mrjiggawatt]

I used to never use Manual mode, but I've been forcing myself to do it, and I really like it now.

[@susanmeyer8885]

Thanks for a good video. So sorry you got Covid! We all really missed you on the Antarctica trip! You were the reason I knew of it and signed up. If you and Nigel and James do it again I would gladly go again! Hope to meet you soon!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you, Susan! Yes, it was such a disappointment and I felt so bad for not being able to go, when people joined due to me... I hope you had a great tour nonetheless! I am sure we'll do something in the future, so I hope to see you too :)

[@louspeed1]

You have shown that you don't need Antarctica with some amazing sand dune images. Who knew that Denmark had sand dunes!

[@scotty4418]

What a fantastic episode Mads. For anyone wanting to learning more about moving into manual mode, then this was a great summary of the key aspects. The images this week were simply gorgeous, the colours, contrast and lighting were stunning. You have a good eye for the abstract too as these were great to see. I was so sorry to see your news from Chile and hope you get the opportunity to go back as I know you would create some magical moments with your camera if you had the chance

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thanks a lot for all the kind words, Jim, and also for the conforting messages while I was in isolation. Hopefully, I'll be able to get back to Antarctica some time in the future :)

[@henk_101]

I have been there twice in the summer of 2020 and 2021. On that days there were not that much wind. A beautiful place. I really like the photos you took there. Thanks for the video.

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks again for sharing Mads....such a great tutorial video as I learn something every time I watch your work & listen to your comments... cheers from Australia 😀

[@MarkusSchoch]

Awesome what pictures you made out of this location and conditions! I will also stop complaining on my current isolation - thanks for showing another perspective

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thanks a lot! It really is an awesome place - especially after a bit of rain :D

[@dinufloriancosmin]

Thank you Mads for your awesome videos. I love your videos and your work. I really think that you are making a great job. Wish you a wonderful day.

[@Franc-ob5ng]

Manual its fun! Thank you Mads for your education videos!!!

[@marioboss79]

Hi Mads. It's good that you're already healthy and that covid hasn't done you any harm. As for the movie, as always at the highest level! And the last photo like a poster for the movie Dune. Amazing! Greatings from Kbh.

[@CookedLight]

Last shot is epic, stunning details to absorb 🤘🏻

[@robertnystrom289]

Spectacular! You have the posing thing down to a science. I'm a bit surprised f16 doesn't turn it into a soft blob (diffraction), but maybe with blowing sand that's OK!

[@andrewknowles6731]

Mads, so sorry you didn't make it, I am a firm believer that life balances out in the end so something amazing will happen to you in the future to make up for it. Wonderful and inspiring abstracts in this video, inspiring.

[@felixhernandez2238]

Mads thanks for the video, I always learn something from your videos, even on subjects I’m relatively comfortable with.

[@brianl.2184]

Always love your content… it’s such a great way to feed the creative side of my brain and provides a healthy alternative to focusing on all the insanity going on in the world. Glad you’re feeling better!

[@CluelessYoutuber]

Incredibly helpful video to refresh what I need to remember when shooting in Manual. I almost always shoot in Aperture priority to lessen the things I need to think about, but do use Manual when I want to apply a bit more judgment. Great to re-learn some concepts. Glad you are recovering from Covid!

[@badger67]

Stunning. I have always shot in Manual mode since the 80's with my old SLR's, as that is my comfort zone. I still use my DSLR as an SLR and take multiple shots with different settings. It's only been in the last 4 months that I have started using post production techniques. I suppose old habits die hard. Sorry you didn't get to Antarctica when you wanted to. Tremendous video.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thanks a lot, I am happy you enjoyed the video. I bet they are ;)

[@maryannortiz3208]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. The steps to follow make it simple to accomplish a landscape image.

[@monicakoemeter4271]

Thank you so much Mads for another great tutorial with really epic shots. Love the way you do your tutorials. Always very informativ ...and very much fun. Thanks for that. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thanks a lot, Monica! I really appreciate that 😊🙏

[@stevenvillmer1677]

Clear and compelling. Thanks!

[@tjsinva]

The wind noise adds some atmospheric drama like the photos. 👍🥂〰 Bummer about Antarctica. 😷

[@sheriadams2203]

Thank you for sharing these tips for using manual settings, very helpful.

[@petercollins7848]

Brilliant video as usual and compliments the video a year ago A or M. Beautiful photographs which demonstrate what can be achieved if you look carefully and with a creative eye. I use m4/3 cameras but most of what you demonstrate translates easily to those. Thank you.

[@johnwasenko227]

Super tutorial. It is a very clear and easy to follow guide to manual mode. The images are incredible. We are very glad that you have recovered from Covid. In Punta Arenas Nigel told us that you had tested positive in Santiago. We were very much looking forward to meeting and learning from you. Maybe in a future workshop. Bobbi and John

[@kevins8575]

The images were all terrific, but the last was my favorite. Sorry that you couldn't go on the cruise. I would have loved to see your antarctic photos.

[@Steve.Daugherty]

Mads I have to tell you, I'm always so amazed when a non-native English speaker uses phrases like "potato/potato" perfectly in context lol. Great job! Beautiful photos as per always! What a neat location for a photo shoot

[@johnbeattyphotos]

Love this episode and your images. thanks,

[@sven4199]

I really like the way you are explaining and doing your turorials. well done!

[@charlenenagel7962]

I really enjoyed this Mads. I usually shoot in aperture priority and now I feel inspired to play around with Manual mode. Thank you!

[@robertwhitemoto]

Having been to Antarctica in 2016, I was heartbroken for you when Adam said you had to bow out due to Covid. So glad you are better and my hope is you will get the chance to go again soon! Beautiful shots and a beautiful place. Thanks for the Manual Mode refresher !!

[@shannonsnow8298]

My heart aches for you about your trip! Hopefully there will be another opportunity to go. I love all of your videos and photos so get well soon and thank you so much!💛

[@vibes6462]

Superb presentation of landscape photography in a challenging terrain. The rationale behind the settings is very clear. The captures are mind-blowing. Its a Must-Watch for landscape photographers.

[@lloyddavies9228]

Reinforced what I knew … thanks. Accompanying images from the dunes were very much enjoyed. Hi from Vancouver Island . Lloyd🙋🏻‍♂️

[@mitzimckay7934]

Wow! Those last few photos were my favorite. Stunning!

[@Peter-df1br]

Terrific Mads! Thank you!

[@Stelvio.1200]

Clear, and precisely explained!

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

As always great content easy to follow and provide a great base of knowledge

[@lindahenderson2113]

Thanks for the video, MADS. You taught me something that I was not using on my Sony - the zoom in button to autofocus on macro scenes. The sunset shots turned out better than “pretty good”. I look forward to the next one.

[@rosssayer6524]

Great information as always Mads, you got done really lovely images from those dunes. Thanks for sharing

[@nigelcaughey2119]

Amazing content in difficult conditions Mads. Sorry you missed Antarctica but really enjoyed this video and found stuff on my own camera I never knew existed after your lesson. Many thanks.

[@kstrohmeier]

Thanks Mads. The sand abstract is very compelling. I particularly like the play of the light. Amazing to see in such a relatively small scene.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you, yes, the abstracts were certainly begging to be photographed here :)

[@clivewoolley4492]

Finally someone has taken the time to go through the settings and explain what they do, well done Mads I feel more confident about the end results of my shots being right. thank you.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you, Clive! I am very happy to hear that :)

[@kittyclerico18]

What a stunningly beautiful place to take us to! Thanks so much for this video. This was helpful. Sometimes you really need to shoot in manual to get a good shot.

[@randyschwager84]

Thanks for the refresher course!

[@paulseymour7485]

Outstanding instructional and motivational video as always Mads Thank you so much.

[@hartsphotography]

stunning images well worth the watch for those alone

[@alanevans9246]

Mads, sorry to hear about Antarctica…😪. It will still be there next time! Glad you came through it ok! Loved the abstract sand shots. I have been working through what type of photography I really want to focus on and I have always loved natural abstracts. Your shots this day show this in all their beauty! Thanks for sharing!

[@CiroPerez]

OMG Mads!!! so sorry you missed Antartica... I have no words except I can fully understand the feeling. I met you in my 2nd attempt to go to Iceland as I missed the 1st try and needed to wait another year... just wanted to send you a big hug from your spanish friend

[@offbeatvandals6072]

Great video, lots of usful tips, thank you Mads

[@robinmartin1395]

Awesome photographs as usual! Good to see your doing well.

[@smartiefox256]

Hi Mads! Great video! I send this to some friends who started with landscape photography recently and this will be a huge step forward for them!

[@janroos7518]

Beautiful shots again Mads!

[@josephusewicz5233]

Wonderful video. Thank you.

[@kj3d812]

Great video, Mads! And so many gorgeous shots -- I can't decide which is my favorite. Love the abstract photos! I'm like you, in that I'm not partial to abstracts, but these are fascinating. It makes you wonder if you're seeing it up close or from high in the sky. A bit of mystery! 😀 The colors and contrasts of the warm sand against the cool dark sky are just breathtaking. Thank you so much for sharing both these amazing photos and your expertise in shooting manual mode!

[@valeriospositi8333]

Happy to hear you recovered fast from Covid, Mads! I'm sure you'll get another chance to go to Antarctica 😉 As you said, think positive: who needs Antarctica when you have Denmark? This country, your country, really got a little piece of my heart and your photos help to understand why. Such beautiful, beautiful shots, Mads.

[@jaynepainter9743]

Brilliant work just love the sand dunes shots thank you very inspirational 📷🙏

[@Stu_Whittaker_Photography]

Mads this was an awesome video. As always. I absolutely love the 2nd to last photo. Absolutely outstanding 👏🏻 👌🏻

[@richardbarnes1124]

Great tutorial Mads, thank you. Really love the photographs particularly the abstract work. Thanks again regards Richard.

[@JaypeaFoto]

Great video and well explained. Great photos as well.

[@vodkanarancs1]

Damn that long distance selfie is something I'll need to look into. It's dope!

[@albertpol8576]

Hi Mads, thank you for yet another video from Denmark. I admire your ability to create awesone foto's out of "ordinary" scenes in Denmark. I think it is much more challenging to come up with a composition when you are NOT in Iceland, Lofoten or Antarctica! Above that the pictures of Danish countryside resemble much of my own environment in Holland, so I find those photographs much more inspiring than those from (for me) unreachable sceneries ....

[@somnathguria754]

Fantastic.... Video.. ❤️👍🏻👍🏻

[@bartjes2509]

Thanks for sharing Mads, back in the film days I had an Olympus OM--1 with just a light indicator in the viewfinder. Settings were all manual and I loved the photos I could make with that. I did an entire cross continental holiday shooting mainly with my 50mm f/1.4 prime. Nowadays I use Av mode mostly, sometimes Tv mode and use custom modes to quickly switch from sports to landscape (when I spot an interesting bird flying my way f.i.). Manual mode or exposure locking (* key on Canon) is also handy when shooting panoramas by the way

[@richardka-ko4471]

I am sorry that you missed Antartica. But as always Mads, your videos are a great source of inspiration and it increases my enthusiasm to get out there even more. Thnx

[@treyfoerster8759]

Nice review of the basics, which we all need now and then.

[@Stillfilm1]

Sorry to hear you didn't make Antarctica Mads, but your health is more important. Who needs Antarctica when you have Denmark - well said. I could imagine that blowing sand was snow and ice at times. Another great video, thank you.

[@anthonyplancherel8274]

Fabulous photos and great video. So sorry about the trip. All the best!

[@kqschwarz]

Your images and post-processing are both fantastic. I cannot believe the amount of blowing sand. I would have been afraid to take my camera out of the bag in those conditions. You are braver than me and were rewarded with excellent images. All the best. I am going to look into ordering your post-processing course. Thank you.

[@stuartbraithwaite1297]

Outstanding content and instructional video. Thanks Mads, you will have to come down to New Zealand sometime.

[@chrishall6364]

When there’s enough light, I usually shoot hand held in aperture priority mode (unless I’m taking a moving subject, or a long exposure). Once my camera is on a tripod in poorer light, I invariably shoot in manual mode using live view. That’s just the way that seems to suit me.

[@PMCN53]

Yes, i add to the other comments about your miss fortune catching Covid 19 traveling to Antarctica 🙁 It must have been so disappointing to get so close & then have to miss out. Hoping you have recovered . Hoping you get there in the near future. You always give great advice. i only ever shoot in M mode, it’s now second nature. Love the dune image near halfway 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 All the photos are great Mads👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@emanuelbief7088]

Very usefull, thanks!!!

[@mushinman1]

Thanks for the video!

[@Wildwillow76]

First of all, glad to see you're well Mads and sorry you missed Antartica! Loved these set of photos especially towards the end they're absolutely brilliant, texture is through the roof. I want to also say thanks for the Maps, I purchased your My Maps for Iceland for when we visited Iceland earlier this month which helped out so much, now booking up the Faroe Islands for April I've also purchased your My Maps for the Faroes too, Hugely grateful. All the best, Mark

[@igrenade11]

Thank you! I was actually looking for this exact tutorial today!

[@sandrobedinobrecht8509]

I'm pleased to hear you're feeling better. At the end of the day, that's probably the lesson you should look at right at the beginning. To capture an ideal image and beside the composition (which you can do better by reading your highly appreciated composition books 🙂) in the best possible way, you need to a) know your camera and lenses well, and b) use the best possible settings in manual mode. This also speeds up the editing process.

[@wildwestie4949]

Mads, how fitting that you didn’t make Antarctica. Really sorry to hear that. I really loved this video and have been looking forward to something like this for ages. I particularly like to see how you get yourself in the photo when the camera is out of remote control range. Thanks!

[@milescowton]

Exceptional presentation again. Stunning images Mads.

[@martinsanders5097]

Great video as always

[@1_Tim]

Glad you are over Covid. Excellent video. Awesome photos!

[@MarkRomine]

Gorgeous dune shots!

[@glynparry6598]

Hi Mads thanks for the video.

[@AmadoWildlifeVideos]

At last a Dune that is easy to follow!

[@valk-photography]

Superb video Mads ! I regret that you've missed the Antartica trip. The last 2 pictures are stunning, love the textures and leading lines.

[@jackmatthews9390]

Well, change these wonderful shots to bnw and it is Antarctica. Lovely work Mads.

[@leojphilip732]

Beautiful video, and those abstract shots are 🔥

[@Jack-se2iz]

Beautiful photos, Mads. Very sorry you had to miss the trip, but your health comes first. If you do get there, your photos will be gorgeous. You’ve convinced me to try A mode for my landscapes, instead of M. But, for birds and other wildlife I will try S mode as the critters need to be sharp. Thank you so much, and heal quickly! Greetings from Oregon, where the Sandhill cranes are currently passing through, and the snow geese and swans have just flown north.

[@lisasimpson9343]

What a bummer about Antartica and COVID. These things happen for a reason I always think. Loved the dune images and the abstract. I think I need to try more abstract, so thank you for that. I nearly always shoot manual, except if I'm photographing an event where things are fast moving and pets portraits I use shutter priority. But landscape I'm always manual.

[@markkokincak]

Fantastic video 👌👌👌