Landscape Photography | Conquering the Camera Settings

I travel to the Yorkshire Dales to capture some images and talk more about the camera settings I use for my landscape photography.
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Understanding basic camera settings for landscape photography seems to be the key to people feeling confident with their camera. Once camera settings are mastered then the camera becomes an extension of you and we can start to really focusing on getting the creative juices flowing. In this video I focus down onto the camera settings and explain my methods in more detail.
Since I started vlogging I have moved away from making photography tutorials for beginners. It has allowed me to simply document my work process and show you my methods. Along the way people have picked up photography tips and tricks. Having said that, people still want to know the practical techniques. Things like, how to shoot in manual mode on your DSLR or what is the exposure triangle, or more information about aperture, shutter speed and ISO. This is totally understandable and I think shooting in manual mode is something all photographers should aim for.
This video aims to give you the information about how I do landscape photography settings, including my metering and focusing methods, whilst maintaining the real world vlog type feel. In the video I am in the Yorkshire Dales, visiting Ribblehead Viaduct and climb up a small portion of the Whernside mountain.
My video photography blogs are designed to entertain and document how I go about capturing my work. If it provides landscape photography tips and inspiration along the way then please share it with your friends so more people can benefit from the content. If you enjoyed this photography vlog I would really appreciate it if you subscribed to the channel so you can come along for the journey.

[@mrkodee7557]

I think your videos are excellent! I am a 70 yr. old retiree and consider myself an advanced amateur who has watched many videos pertaining to landscape/wildlife photography, and I am very pleased with your presentations. Well versed, easy to understand, excellent content, and inspiring. I still learn things when I watch your videos, and look forward to see how you'll inspire me next. Keep up the good work and thank you.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Hi. Thanks for this lovely message. It really makes the hard work all worth while. I appreciate you taking the time to watch the videos too.

[@edvenuto9614]

The two most important things in photography are settings and composition. Only how you see the composition is what you want. Shoot how you shoot

[@benbarson2810]

Keep it up young man

[@holdenbraylen763]

I know Im asking randomly but does anyone know a way to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb lost the password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me

[@jaxenkarter4038]

@Holden Braylen Instablaster ;)

[@retirewithjames6745]

I am headed to Yellowstone National Park soon and am still trying to understand composition and settings for early morning and late evening sky. Your video was extremely helpful. I retired in the last couple of years and want to take my photography to the next level for my own enjoyment. Thanks for the help!

[@jooooly]

Just wanted to say I enjoy your videos. For me as a fairly serious amateur photographer your approach is more on the realistic level of people such as me. For example you understand that not everyone has an endless budget or as much time as they would like for what is after all to most a hobby. But you are showing how to never the less get fantastic results with technique and imagination. So thanks for "keeping it real".

[@sharathkumar83]

10:00 Exactly what he said about photography.....Everything that you use to achieve result is just a tool, people are more worried about settings, and what camera to get and getting things right, .... give priority to how you visualize, settings is secondary :)

[@mikeallen4081]

Thanks Adam. I am a 66 year-old beginner. I have enjoyed and learned much from your videos. Please keep your content coming!

[@salesdelpacifico8353]

taking pictures in manual mode is the best option to learn and understand photography, thank you for taking the time to make this type of videos that are very illustrative for those of us who started taking pictures, congratulations. H.Huppertz

[@MrPanthers23]

I look forward to Sunday's. Your video, Thomas Heaton releases a video, and then there's the NFL. Congrats on your Squarespace sponsorship. Love what you do

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks buddy. Very kind. Im honoured my videos form part of your Sunday viewing.

[@GaryGough]

Great video Adam. Totally true re taking control and shooting in Manual. It's the only way. So glad you pointed out the relevance of adding your personality and creativity to make the real magic happen. Very kind of you to add my video to your "recommended video of the week" such a kind gesture. Thank you very much 👍🏻

[@Firstmanphotography]

+Gary Gough My pleasure. I am sorry I haven't called you back yet. I intend and plan to but..........well there are lots of reasons/excuses that I won't insult you with but I intend to rectify it asap. ☺️

[@GaryGough]

First Man Photography - looking forward to it 👍🏻👍🏻

[@aravkumar8680]

+Gary Gough This was great, thanks, I have been researching "landscape designs ideas" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Ever heard of - Giyily Landscaping Yatty - (do a google search ) ? Ive heard some awesome things about it and my friend got amazing success with it.

[@TheJellymonty]

Of all the photography videos I've seen this is the best one. You explained everything so simply, I like that you show the settings and I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and am getting an A for my photography class thanks to you!

[@shaungoddard8417]

Great video, very useful. I am a novice who is self learning & trying to move into manual mode on my camera whilst capturing landscape photos, this video has been very helpful so thank you Adam

[@charleswoods2301]

Superb explanation of the camera settings for your landscape shots. Please continue to emphasize why you choose certain camera settings to get your beautiful photos. Thank you!

[@DavidSwarthout]

I loved the b&w version of the viaduct. I have always saved all my images in color but that shot got me thinking about doing some experimentation.

[@TheErajat]

One of the best videos I have seen on KZbin. Your video is simplistic which is how it should be. Thank u Adam for such a great video!! Great job.

[@cjbjcb5377]

Thanks yet a gain Adam, since you started telling us your settings and with this tottally on settings, I have understood so much more and have been enjoying seeing the differences in my pictures, thank-you

[@hrushikeshvasista4605]

This is the first video of yours I am watching as a novice. Your explanation is great to follow, not feeling overwhelmed. I look forward to follow your other videos. Thanks a ton!

[@paulinefollett3099]

Thanks for sharing your settings. I know it is not just about settings, but mastering them is crucial.

[@JulieElmes]

Thank you Adam. Now I wish I was there with my camera! Very much enjoyed your video, your enthusiasm and the images you made.

[@RoryOConnellphotography]

Well Done Adam, your dialoge was easy to follow and uncomplicated. I wish others would take your lead.

[@jessicabrown3049]

This was a great video. As a beginner this really helps me figure out why you choose your settings and helps me figure out what settings I want to use to accomplish getting what I am vision in my head.

[@stephenjuk3238]

Just discovered your work. I’m now binge watching EVERYTHING!

[@marieta.s]

Hi Adam, I have been watching and reading articles for years and most photographers say you have to shoot manual, but they would never explain how to do that. Eventually I figured it out,but your explanation today was so concise and it actually confirmed what took me a long time to figure out. Great video as always.

[@drewsbenmad]

Thanks Adam your videos are always informative , I have been using live view for awhile and for those of us over 50 with aging eyesight it has been a good way to get a well focused shot with the exposure where you want it. And don't forget a sturdy tripod will give you the results you are after.

[@Firstmanphotography]

+Drew yung Kwei The live view is a very handy feature. Especially when the camera is down low or dangling over some water where you can't kneel down to look through the viewfinder.

[@danielosorio9079]

I dont usually comment anything. But this video and the place you choce for your landscaping was trully beautifull and so i had to. It made me want go out and shot. Nice video and you kept simple, but enjoyable

[@wordpressenschede9277]

Although im not a big photographer person myself i really enjoy your videos and your tips and explanations. Thank you for your work and keep it up.

[@TJamesSisson]

Thanks again Adam! really appreciate these videos! I didn't know exactly what you meant by one stop up or down, but I think you're talking about over and under exposing the image so that more range of color and luminance is captured. I've done this in light room where we create HDR images. I'm so glad I got the RAW room. Still learning and I made some good money this month just on my snap shots still figuring out composition, but people are really loving my work already.

[@kingkenny2635]

Definitely a help with understanding my camera settings as a beginner. Thank you 📸👍

[@Firstmanphotography]

Awesome. Glad you enjoyed the recommendation.

[@denisefoote647]

My first visit and this has been so helpful to me. I have been fretting about my settings for landscapes for ages so thank you very much.

[@paulcain818]

That black and white viaduct shot was stunning. Great video, great tips. Thank you. Subscribed 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@DanielMooreDJ]

I totally agree the perfect photo is up to you every shot is different

[@anshultiwari1982]

Amazing video. I just felt as if I'm standing next to you with my camera.. and a personal coach is teaching me.... I'm a fan now..

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks. Really glad you enjoyed the video and appreciate the comment.

[@Tanuj1990]

Great Video, I learned a lot and your comment on finding yourself in the photograph is amazing. but need to master the technicalities to put yourself in the photo.

[@zebraprinter]

Great video. Great video. I have always had trouble with getting settings bang on and have probably always done it the hard way around. I have just ditched my Sony mirrorless and gone with Nikon. I watched a tutorial on the Nikon to help me with setting it up but had to keep stopping the video and going back to try and get it sink in. Everything I needed to do I have now set up in 5 minutes thanks to your plain speaking video. Great stuff and I have now subscribed.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Barry

[@randyschwager2515]

Thanks for another great video! Excellent reminder of all things to consider related to exposure!

[@TiagoNatanael]

Thanks for this tips, especially the last one. Isn't the machine that makes the landscape photographer, but it's all about visualizing.👍🏼

[@sawyernelson2121]

Hey there Adam, I've never commented on a KZbin video but Reddit brought me here and I'll make an exception. I've just started out in photography (landscape specifically) and I understand exposure but still somewhat struggle with the relationship between the exposure settings when I'm out shooting. Your videos are very easy to understand and you give specific examples, thank you so much! I will use these videos to get better. Subscribed for sure.

[@Firstmanphotography]

+Sawyer Nelson Thanks Sawyer. I really appreciate you taking the time to come onto youtube and comment. I'm glad you found the video useful too and thanks for subscribing.

[@scotty4418]

With some time off this weekend, I'm hoping to get out somewhere to practice more so your video was great to reinforce the fundamentals Adam. Appreciate your advice and loved the images too

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks mate. Glad you enjoyed the images.

[@marinecb83]

Hi. I just wanted to say thank you for your video ! I just watched it and downloaded your ebook! I am a french erasmus student living in Norwich and I am going on a hike tomorrow with my Canon 600D and this video has helped me understand the importance of F16 etc (I am a beginner so sorry for the bad terms). Have a lovely evening. Marine :)

[@scotthughes290]

Hi, I have to say the waterfall shot imo is by far one of your best images. Stunning location up by Ribblehead.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Scott. Appreciate the comment. Especially as I had to risk bogs, slippy rocks and a slightly dodgy decent to the stream/river.

[@paraveterinary]

Thank you so much for your expertise and your wonderful video's. This is the second I watch, what a great start as the Yorkshire Dales have always been my second home! I am a 63 year old Dutch woman with an intense love for photography and are so fortunate to live close the the Wadden Sea (National Heritage). I downloaded your free e-book and will watch your other video's. Keep up the good work!!

[@sukanyapatra6467]

Thanks for explaining the settings so simply sort of re moves the fear of manual settings. I am in India and hoping to go up to the Himalayas soon.

[@CharlesKellam]

Superb my friend! Very informative and the passion behind resonates. I’m inspired. Thank you!

[@supernovafitness8980]

I will be starting a photography course at the beginning of the new year and this was a very helpful, enthusiastic and informative video. Keep going fella and thanks for the tips!

[@Firstmanphotography]

+Supernova Fitness That’s brilliant. Glad it helped.

[@howardallen5390]

Great shot of the viaduct. Thanks for sharing your process for getting the right exposure which is, as you point out, more important than the actual settings for a specific shot. I use a similar process that suits me for sunset shots. I use AV (aperture priority) and set F8 because that gives me the best result in terms of sharpness, I set ISO at 100 and then let the camera set the shutter speed. I use a 3 stop ND soft grad Lee filter (I plan to get more filters but this is the only one that I currently have). I then focus somewhere in the mid distance and take the shot. If I have foreground interest then I’ll take a second shot focused on that and blend in PS, if needed. I always take a shot of the sky to process separately, again as insurance if needed, and blend in PS. I always use a tripod and shutter release cable. Maybe I should try manual, but, and I agree with you again, you need to get out there and in Yorkshire we are lucky to have such great countryside on our doorstep.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Howard. Glad you liked the shot. Appreciate you sharing your methods.

[@RS.Outdoors]

Great film Adam. When out shooting I have always just used aperture priority but need to go out and practice more with full manual.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks mate. Landscape photography is perfect for practising shooting in manual. You usually have time on your side and the landscape does not move around like people.

[@noahandrew9096]

I am currently doing my Higher photography course and I am doing landscapes. This was very useful to me as I was struggling a bit with the settings :)

[@kreygscott]

Hi, good video. Just wanted to add that for landscape photography setting your camera to evaluative/matrix metering will allow you to achieve your exposure quickly which is vastly important especially with changing weather conditions and light variance.

[@tomclemons344]

Well done, Adam. I thoroughly enjoy your postings and I have learned a lot from your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Tom. Really appreciate your comment.

[@michaeldidomenico7]

Your explanation of your use of Manual was very helpful to me

[@Firstmanphotography]

+Michael Didomenico That's brilliant. Thanks for taking the time to comment and let me know. I really appreciate it.

[@dkbt1]

Thanks, Adam. Really enjoyed the tutorial and your enthusiastic personality. If I believe that I could spend a day photographing with someone based on their KZbin channel then I'm a subscriber!

[@matthewpstratton]

Great tips! A ton of people think that you need to stop down all the way to f22, etc but it's not necessary!

[@cynsha]

Thank you. I learn something new and great from all of your videos.

[@Treydmusicmedia]

Greetings Adam, This is second time that I've watched this video (first was back in September, 2017). I like your direct and simple approach in explaining your preferred settings. You have inspired me to take the leap away from Aperture Priority and explore Manual Mode when I shoot landscapes. Thank you!

[@tomwhite7895]

Adam, Manual all the way ! I found shooting in manual forces me to slow down and think about composition, focus and exposure. Way back in the last century when I started out in film everything was manual focus and the built in meters were not the greatest. It is easy to get lazy with the new fangled cameras these days ( even with my ancient Canon 5D ll.) See you did upgrade to the carbon fibre version of the Manfrotto 055. Will be doing the same soon. Keep them vids coming !

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Tom. The meters are pretty good these days and i think the days of point a golf ball at the scene are limited. The carbon 055 is very nice. I upgraded partly because I gave the aluminium one away and partly to assist my glass back.

[@34Media]

nice video mate well done , and explained. Always good to get another perspective to help

[@johnbentley1056]

Very informative video Adam and gorgeous scenery. Just one observation, please don't take it as a criticism, dropping your aperture to f22 often introduces diffraction because of the optics. This can in some lighting degrade and soften your image. I personally don't go below f16 and mostly shoot between f8 and f11 which, as you mentioned, is the sweet spot on most lenses. I use a Sony A7 and it allows me a native ISO 50 which is great for those crisp landscape shots. Thank you for sharing I look forward to your next video.

[@withkaushikroy]

I like your approach very much. Thanks for your splendid endeavour.

[@tompetersphotography]

Proper job adam👍🏻 raw and in control😝

[@derekrowan11]

Great video! Some really useful tips in here. Thanks.

[@aprilurquhart9690]

Hi Adam, what a great location and beautiful light and colours at this time of year. I very much appreciated you talking through the basics as I don't do much landscape photography. Glad you now have sponsorship, it must be a help in allowing you to continue doing what you do best. Another inspirational video. Thank you.

[@DuarteFamily1]

You are amazing Adam! I love all your videos you inspire me to get out more. Keep up the amazing work you are doing.

[@vanessasouthern1792]

Thanks Adam! Great tips. The main one is.... ENJOY the experience 😊

[@Yamanotefy]

The wide shot @5:54 reminded me on the film Open Range (2003), which was actually shot in Alberta (complete other continent, but nonetheless as stunning) ... such a nice episode Adam! I envy your beautiful landscape ...

[@thinkFishcatchFish]

Very informative and great that you show examples. So many people talk theory with no output. 👍

[@eltinjones4542]

Simple and effective advice. You didn't mention focus stacking - which I find a pain anyhow I've learnt through experience to use most of what you suggest 📷👍

[@rael1999]

Boss job Adam, thanks so much for going through this and posting it on line for us.

[@jllanesphoto]

GREAT video. Thanks for the tips, thanks for your help.

[@rogeryouncecreations]

A great illustration and explanation of the need to understand manual settings. Good job and great video. Keep it up.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Roger. Really glad you enjoyed it.

[@MotivationManifested]

Wow man this video Was great! Great info, and you're really passionate about photography - great vibe!

[@Streuth22]

Superb video. Beautifully presented. It is also a good illustration of what can be done without nd filters...I am trying to get the hang of Bracketing more now.

[@toddgrivetti7140]

Thank you Adam for a great video. Absolutely breathtaking scenery. I shoot in manual mode as well and love the "control" of the shot. I have used Av priority in the past and like this for some of my landscapes and wildlife as well. I do like both settings and do use live mode frequently to set up the shot as well allowing me to see the histogram so that there is less to do in post-production.

[@stefandlugosch5470]

Great Video. I am new into landscape photography and it really helped.

[@henrybrening]

Nice Job once again Adam! Thanks for sharing your process with us.

[@steve4018]

First time seeing First Man...great suggestions on landscape photography and will look at others! Some comments on focus area selection would be helpful but great shots!

[@Firstmanphotography]

+Steven Sous Thanks Steven. Really appreciate you taking the time out to comment. I'll mention focusing in an upcoming video.

[@derekwillson2538]

Thanks for today, useful technical tips and some lovely images, I have been concentrating on my photography in the past 6 months (its my primary hobby now) and I am using the same settings as you most of the time, I need to polish my shot selection and composition to keep moving forwards, looking forward to your next instalment, cheers Del.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Del. Shot Selection and Composition. Sounds like a good title for a video!!! Mind if I use it??

[@derekwillson2538]

Crack on fella! I look forward to seeing it soon! regards Del.

[@garyclayton4652]

Job well done Adam.

[@darrenblight9854]

Hey Adam, Great video and content. Thank You. Cleared up aperture for me. I've always shot at F8 regardless of foreground interest or not. Don't know why I just assumed it would ensure everything was sharp with it being the sweetspot of my lens (24-105L), however definitely now going to try out F16 when I have foreground interest. So thank you!

[@Firstmanphotography]

f/8 will work on a lot of occasions. A great way to really develop your knowledge of aperture and depth of field is to shoot some portraits (family/friends etc). Particularly at fast apertures, eg f/2.8 and below.

[@JasonEdwardsPhotography]

Another great tutorial. Went to thirlmere today to practise and I made silly mistakes because I was panicking about very quick glimpses of sun and I was rushing. Going to try f16 cos I was using f11 . 10to20mm lens though but foreground very close. You made it simple using the 3 apertures and gave me a good grounding

[@Firstmanphotography]

Don't be hard on yourself. Those types of conditions can test the very best of us.

[@JasonEdwardsPhotography]

First Man Photography thank you

[@ralphpullen8007]

Another of your great videos, thank you.

[@trevormalcolmson2002]

well in mate, I’m a total newb and you’ve made me want to get out and crack on, well played sir!

[@Pablodavo1]

Thank you Adam. I'm quite new to photography and I'm constantly watching your videos for advice and would you believe it they really do work. Lol. Thanks for this particular video. Its really helpful in mastering the exposure triangle and like you said, you can get to the point where you don't have to worry about it anymore as you've got it sussed. Great content, love what you do. Many thanks.

[@PSTUTORIALSTV]

Really well explained video Adam, its great for beginners out there, and I couldn't agree more..Manual mode, I know a lot of fellow landscape photographers use AV mode, but I prefer the full control of M

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Ben, glad you liked it. Its each to their own I suppose but there are limitations to Av. You do right shooting in manual.

[@PSTUTORIALSTV]

First Man Photography your absolutely right Adam, its what each person prefers. I have just got back from a landscape photography trip to Greece, its stunning, I highly recommend it, if you ever travel around outside the UK 😊👍

[@JohnHaswellPhotography]

Congrats on the square space deal. The only way is up now! Great video on settings. Aperture is a strange one really as I used to always use between f13 and f16 but then you hear about camera sweet spot and hyperfocal distance and people using f8 and f9 for true sharpness throughout.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks John. Appreciate the support.

[@JonBovi17]

Best tutorial for landscape photography, now im your fan

[@andymcdonaldphotography9409]

Great video Adam. Thanks for the histogram tip. I had never though of displaying it on the viewscreen when taking the shot. After a bit of googling I now have it on. :)

[@Firstmanphotography]

+Andy McDonald Photography That's great stuff Andy. Really glad the video helped.

[@darrendraper2828]

Great Photo's, great video and great inspiration . Thank you. I am spending too much time focusing on manual settings of my camera ,so your advice will help me alot.

[@garywakeley]

Adam, thanks for sharing your ideas and thought process. The explanation of the manual mode process is concise and demonstrated with precision. A very enjoyable and well presented video. top marks from me. Kind regards Gary

[@yantv7801]

Very helpful and inspiring for a beginner like me. Thank you for the wonderful tips!

[@Firstmanphotography]

Glad it helped. Really appreciate your comment.

[@GaryMaddockGreene]

Spot on Adam. Thank you very much. You continue to inspire me fella :) Got your mail in the week thanks. Still trying to organise the date.

[@Awwshik]

wow you are a very good photographer that you had teachs a very good lesson now i am in daily practice of clicking a photo nd i will hope that your lessons also makes me a perfect photographer at last again i want to say thankyou soo much sir

[@kathyrodriquez7327]

Thank you Adam this video helped a ton. I seem to struggle a bit with dynamic range and tend to get some softness in the fore ground. Your tips will help a lot! A few of my family members and I will be traveling to England for a short visit and will be driving from Manchester to Scarborough. I enjoy getting a peak at some of the areas we might see and enjoy watching your videos.

[@andywhiteside16]

Hi Adam what a great video this is in fact one of the best for me as your explanation has just welded all the links together , i know about the triangle just struggled putting it all together and you have just done that . I will certainly put it to the test this week whilst in the lake district

[@Firstmanphotography]

That's brilliant. It's always nice when things slot into place. If I have helped you in that, then great, but the credit is yours. You're the one out there practicing and putting in the effort.

[@cathyann1601]

Love this video, Adam! Excellent information that I'm going to use tomorrow to practice. Thank you!!!

[@MattFreestonePictures]

A fantastic video, Adam. Really nice.

[@noumena6456]

Awesome video. Thanks for the tips!

[@tristangommeren5687]

Fantastic video Adam !!!

[@DRC92]

fantastic video, can't wait to get my camera

[@davevowles8093]

Nice one Adam, dry and wind free this time.

[@Firstmanphotography]

There was a good old bit of rain behind the scenes on this one when I first arrived.

[@nevillemcfarlane6094]

Amazing presentation!

[@NickSmithPhotography]

Hi Adam, great video again, last image was simply stunning . Love sunburst images and nice to hear your train of thought behind your images. Hopefully get to meet you sometime next year on a workshop , am looking into it, just a matter of when really. All the best , nick 👍👍

[@Firstmanphotography]

+nicspics nicspics Thanks buddy. Really appreciate your kind comment. Would love to have you on a workshop. Your interest means a lot.

[@daveanjeanne]

Extremely helpful! Just what I needed before a field trip! Thank you.