How Capturing Iconic Landmarks Will Elevate Your Photography!

There are both reasons for and against photographing iconic and famous locations. In this week's video I'll cover seven reason to photograph the famous locations.
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[@hywel3143]

Some very thoughtful comments here Mads, thank you! The bottom line for me as an amateur photographer is that I want to have fun taking pictures, a notion that is sometimes lost by those always chasing the latest gear, or agonising over which is the best post-processing software etc. If people find it fun to photograph iconic locations, then go for it - it is impossible to exactly copy someone else's photo of any location anyway, because the light will never be quite the same. I agree that it's far preferable to have your own take on any subject, though, rather than trying to mimic someone else's photo...

[@philiplee9283]

All good points - especially #3, shoot for yourself. Love your passion and the quality of your work.

[@andreasschaefer8613]

Chris Sale say the sentence: "If you want to take a beautiful photograph you have to stand in front of something beautiful" I think, that's it in any case, also when truly the beauty may lay in the eyes of the photographer.

[@llIlllllIll]

getting a (seemingly) unique photo on these locations is truly one of the most rewarding feelings. And even if you don't, these places are worth it to see with your own eyes

[@user-lw6iz7zy2o]

You can enjoy photography without being the best photgrapher known to mankind. For me it is just a hobby. Going places, taking pictures - gives going places a sense of purpose. And the iconic spots are iconic for a reason, that is usually the most beautiful scene in the area. I obviously photograph that when im there.

[@TimMer1981]

Like with most things in life: do what you love, what others think of your passion is almost always irrelevant.

[@florencequinn7720]

Well said Mads. All great points. Sometimes we need to be reminded of them....Being out in nature in beautiful locations always puts a big smile on my face not matter how the photos turn out although it is a big plus when they turn out well! Thank you!

[@taktickle]

Thank you so much for this. Sometimes we get held back by the thought of being unoriginal and having to always break the mold without knowing that there is still room for everybody in the mold to be creative in their own way. And yes, I also have to remind myself that not everyone is in my bubble and has the same algorithm of exceptional landscape pictures in their feed 😂.

[@TuckRob]

It's about process and enjoying the aspects of it. Relishing the activity and adventure if that's what got you to the location. For most of us who are not professionals maybe it isn't so easy to get away from the idea that the value of everything rests on a final image. Often it doesn't but sometimes bad ideas make good stories. My favourite photos are from my best adventures and the getting there was the main activity. The more I do these things the greater the likelihood of connecting to something special. Like observational drawing, photography is all about looking and having a design on what you see. It's being present and connected. Inspiration comes from that.

[@tonyjhughes]

Agree in the most part, one thing I will say, is that trying to recreate photos from other photographers in these locations gives me a target, something to aim for. The process to get that photo I have to work out for myself, and that’s how I’ve learnt a lot which I then apply to hopefully more original compositions that I seek out. Well, that’s the plan anyway 😂

[@tjsinva]

Good message. The iconic locations offer a challenge to put one's own spin on a scene. Even if you don't succeed, you've seen it up close and experienced the wonder of being in a place that most folks have only seen in National Geographic. There's always a lesson. Carry on. 👍🥂

[@christophmunch4796]

Well, I was in Scotland (Glencoe and Isle of Skye) two weeks ago for one week. I can only say: The iconic locations are iconic for a reason. They simply look best. It would have been a futile attempt and an utter waste of time to try and find "different" locations. That would only make sense if I already knew the area well, but not on a first visit. Weather and season (and of course my composition) can give the photo an individual touch. And we have to remember that some people like to photograph the moon or the milky way, which definitely look always the same!

[@georgemason2472]

I once talked to a photographer at Bandon, Oregon who said he'd been coming back each year for 30 years and it was never just the same. Great valid reasons to shoot iconic locations. As you say, there's a reason they're iconic.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Wow! That's a long time, but it's so true - especially around beaches :)

[@geoffscott5066]

All points perfectly articulated. You are the thinking man's photographer as far as i am concern. Great vid Mads.

[@jimbruton9482]

Very good video and discussion! One thing I tried about retuning to an iconic location was to go at a different time of year when the light and conditions may be different. It gives a slightly different perspective of the area and images (and hopefully less tourists).

[@timrosenburgh8597]

Enjoyed the video as usual. Some really good points Mads. Like you i don't see the problems with photographing Iconic locations several times as you can get different compositions each time. Look forward to the next one.

[@albert25hoo]

Hi Mads, your incitement to go to iconic locations just 'landed' properly in me. The last years I literally took your advice to photograph more in your home country or environment, because you know there te best locations. But the variation and challenges to experiment with compositional techniques is somewhat restricting me. So your experience of photographing iconic places and apply what you learned there to homeward bound locations inspired me: I like traveling (with light equipment: seen your video of a week ago) but through Corona and through being moved to a phantastic location with a big garden, and by getting older, I travelled a lot less, then years ago. But this video rised in me a great desire to pick it up and visit nice locations, even a special photo-trip, why not? Greets, Bert

[@chrishughes3736]

One of your very best videos ever Mad. As someone else said, not only do we get to see some of your best landscape photos ( and by the way some great portraits too! ) but we all have new impetus to get out there and do the best we can! Many thanks!!

[@andyblessett1951]

It's because you've got an 'evil eye' for the 'original composition'.....this is what makes you unique 👍

[@JohnPaul-ii]

Thanks for sharing all those iconic places Mads, especially as many of us will never be able to visit them in person.

[@laurenthuck4960]

Great video! Love your take on it. For non professionals, going to an iconic location is worth the trip even without photographing it. Taking a photo will also remind you of the trip and great time you had there, this in addition to the photo.

[@kristinaziegler6603]

Most of the photos of iconic locations that I see on general social media are taken with blue skies, middle of the day, and often over-saturated. I've been called a "pollinator" by my friends, looking for the flowers, the main event in the location. I like them, and I know I'm using different shooting techniques and processing than other people. And then I relax and start looking for small scenes and different viewpoints. Heading to Patagonia in April 2025 - can't wait!

[@randyhawks7549]

I have been a landscape photographer for over decade now and I'll keep coming back to my usual spots because they're aways different, nice pics by the way. P.S. I am sorry you had to take photos of other homo sapiens.

[@kerrygrim7934]

Excellent video and advice. Over the years I read a lot of advice, some as crazy as recommending not to photograph the iconic locations because it has been photographed so much already. Hogwash! If I am at such a location, why would I care if it were photographed a million times by others.

[@paulseymour7485]

Excellent points.

[@keithklodzen7270]

You make valid arguments. The main weaknesses are not everyone can afford to travel to iconic locations nor wish to be part of a tourism system that contributes to the slow destruction of those locations. Just look a your video. Are all those photographers crowded on top each other doing good or damage? I agree with the relatability argument. I don't necessarily agree with the educative argument. For myself I don't have the means to travel and shoot locally. I shoot what moves me.

[@aaroncarr5725]

Going to iconic locations when you are a hobbiest may be a once in a lifetime opportunity. Take the shot. I take tons of “post card” images because i am shooting for myself. I think too many people get hung up on they want to make a name for themselves. With AI getting better and better everyday, before too long no one will know what’s real and what’s not.

[@sridipnag1117]

Well said!

[@rolsonn]

Good tips to follow. A few places I go I try to find new compositions or capture in different lighting; great way to learn. Crazy people at a location before sunrise? Sounds like me.

[@robertwhitemoto]

100% my friend 👍🏻🙏🏻 you are my inspiration 👍🏻

[@niksiotv6204]

Thanks for the next valuable video 😃

[@scotty4418]

I definitely see it as part of the photographic journey of discovery Mads. I have images from well known lol captions as well as lesser photographed locations. Each bring their own emotions and feelings as I still have put in the work to capture my own reiterations and feel that sense of accomplishment none the less.

[@PoulLausen]

Denmark has a few semi-iconic locations: Møns Klint, Stevns Klint, Hanklit, Vadehavet, Skagen and most of the beaches and hinterland by the North Sea, the rock formations on Bornholm. And one last example, the dizzyingly high Himmelbjerget (not iconic but ironic 😉).

[@SteveHolmlund]

Especially for those still learning, I liken your point #6 to the compulsory figures Olympic ice skaters had to complete many years ago. The iconic shots are a benchmark for your skill set, even if your rendering is not that original.

[@KrisLuckPhoto]

I think its important to use iconic locations to get your dream shots, dial in compositions, settings, and other aspects of photography. But I also think its important you can be anywhere and still find good compositions and get good shots. some of my favorite photos are in places nobody has ever been or taken photos of

[@AccessiblePhotography]

Well said.

[@PhotoTrekr]

There's a reason those locations are "iconic". There's just something about them that makes them photograph well. I've been places where a landscape architect couldn't have arranged the mountains and lakes better. Being an amateur photographer I don't worry about what other people say. I just enjoy being in these places and trying to get the best shot I can. If someone can find places not already photographed to death or find a new take on already photographed places, great. But, enjoy the time you have there whatever the case.

[@mikebartow9415]

I agree. Taking photos of iconic locations builds your knowledge base and technique. If you remember this is what we do in our early school years. We don’t invent the wheel but learn basics and build on that. You photograph what you like. As far as the trolls go, visit iconic locations. Not doing so is like why get up,in the morning because it has been done before.

[@NORTRONGAMES]

i agree with your point of exporing unique compositions at famous locations. but not everyone have the luxury of visiting such places or living near exotic locations. making the best out of whats near you, makes you an efficient photographer.

[@jameswilliamson4508]

So great to see some of these amazing shots in one video. Great stuff as usual! Hope you're well mate. Sadly my camera is gathering dust at the top of a cupboard for now - maybe in another year or two!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Hey buddy, hope you are well! I hope you'll be able to get out and get a couple of photos from time to time :)

[@stanleyjacobson2617]

I will be heading to Slovenia in mid-April for one week. The icons of Lake Bled and St. Thomas church are at the top of my list. If I am fortunate and capture a good photo or two I will then move on.....I will never get back there (am coming from Minnesota) so the icons are at the top of my list and my time there is limited. Can't spend time scurrying around the country....alas.

[@louisburley1597]

I don’t care about uniqueness but I enjoy the popular spots. If I can’t compose a famous spot then it’s definitely me and not the place/gear xD. It gets me to just get out there.

[@Albertoabrian]

someday please explore Indonesia

[@stuartbell3666]

It's a bit like telling a wildlife photographer at the Masai Mara to NOT photograph the Wildebeest migration across the Mara River...really??? Great vlog Mads, and common sense content as usual, keep up the great work mate!

[@macimages4215]

My experience with the crowd at mesa arch made me stay away from the iconic locations.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

It's also the worst exprience I've had, but I won't let that hold me away from the other locations ;)

[@johnearl2303]

I take photos of what I like etc, if it’s already been done before by ‘every man and his dog’ I’m not bothered. I take them for me and I couldn’t care less what everybody else thinks.

[@paulwillmott8931]

I agree, but the majority of beginner or amateur photographers don't have the money to go to all those iconic places. I would love to go where these places are, but funds won't allow me, but you are right. I have learnt loads just by watching your videos, so keep on with the good work

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Then it's good I mainly make videos on how to shoot locally ;)

[@paulwillmott8931]

@MadsPeterIversen HI Mads, I'm not having a dig at what you do. You are one of my favourite photographers, and I enjoy the videos you do, so please don't take this as negative because it's not ment that way. Keep up the good work.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

@@paulwillmott8931 oh, I absolutely didn't take it that way. Sometimes I just answer short, and as we know, text on social media can easily be misunderstood ;)

[@JPMNRB]

Thank you for the video advise, I am considering getting a new Professional Camera for my trip to Norway but I am undecided between the A7S iii vs A7R iii. In your expert opinion is it worth the extra money for the S iii?

[@MadsPeterIversen]

The A7s series is mainly made for video, so unless that's your goal definitely go with the A7rIII :)

[@jamesvoiss7122]

Mads, I was looking through the post-processing course. It seems to indicate that it can only be accessed by apple devices (phone/tablet). It is not accessible via PC? That is what I use for my editing. Jim.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

It can only be downloaded to offline showing via an Apple device. You can totally access it through PC, but it's streaming like KZbin ;)

[@jamesvoiss7122]

Thank you. That’s helpful.

[@emanuelbief7088]

Some people just have “succes” doing trends

[@David_Quinn_Photography]

to copy is to be lazy, you must learn your own way of doing things or you will be called out.

[@kerrygrim7934]

Excellent video and advice. Over the years I read a lot of advice, some as crazy as recommending not to photograph the iconic locations because it has been photographed so much already. Hogwash! If I am at such a location, why would I care if it were photographed a million times by others.