A COMPLETE guide to MANUAL MODE landscape photography

[@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 :)

[@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 :)

[@rafaelrezend]

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

[@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 :)

[@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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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! 🤩

[@pauloricardoferreira2841]

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

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thank you ever so much, Paulo!

[@Robert-im3wi]

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

[@photography_by_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.

[@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

[@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 ;)

[@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 😊🙏

[@enjoythelittlethings3359]

Excellent !! I am blown away !!!

[@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 😀

[@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 :)

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@felixhernandez2238]

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

[@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!

[@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!💛

[@Franc-ob5ng]

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

[@maryannortiz3208]

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

[@ajwk]

Blue and yellow - a beautiful combination.

[@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.

[@dinufloriancosmin]

Thanks!

[@sheriadams2203]

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

[@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!

[@guyjordan8201]

Great episode but I totally love the image at 19:00

[@rosssayer6524]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@marcuswagar7246]

The sanddynes in Denmark are fantastic!

[@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

[@anthonyplancherel8274]

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

[@stefanbuechs]

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

[@mitzimckay7934]

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

[@janroos7518]

Beautiful shots again Mads!

[@hartsphotography]

stunning images well worth the watch for those alone

[@robinmartin1395]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@CookedLight]

Last shot is epic, stunning details to absorb 🤘🏻

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

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

[@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

[@sven4199]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@richardbarnes1124]

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

[@stuartbraithwaite1297]

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

[@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.

[@JaypeaFoto]

Great video and well explained. Great photos as well.

[@Stelvio.1200]

Clear, and precisely explained!

[@stevenvillmer1677]

Clear and compelling. Thanks!

[@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!

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Your selfies are so 😎

[@jaynepainter9743]

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

[@thelberg62]

Awesome capture, that photo at 19:00. Great video - as always, Mads :)

[@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!

[@johnbeattyphotos]

Love this episode and your images. thanks,

[@treyfoerster8759]

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

[@Peter-df1br]

Terrific Mads! Thank you!

[@lloyddavies9228]

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

[@milescowton]

Exceptional presentation again. Stunning images Mads.

[@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!

[@offbeatvandals6072]

Great video, lots of usful tips, thank you Mads

[@valeriospositi]

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.

[@chrishollis9277]

Thanks Mads for a really useful guide to the way you use Manual mode. The one thing I found missing was an explanation of Exposure Compensation and how to use it. Great video as always. Chris

[@MadsPeterIversen]

You are welcome, Chris. You generally don't use exposure compensation when shooting manual as the exposure compensation wheel is useless. It is something you generally use in the modes where one or several of the exposure factors (ISO, Aperture, Shutter Speed) is in auto ;)

[@chrishollis9277]

Sorry I have just found your entire video on Exposure Compensation.

[@chrisidzenga8634]

Great video again! The photos are great, just one little thing i would have love to see in the video is the settings that you used on your pictures that you showed. This because the video is al about this. This would help to understand it even more. Just want to that iam a fan of your work and keep on doing what you are doing, thank you for sharing!

[@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.

[@MarkRomine]

Gorgeous dune shots!

[@leojphilip732]

Beautiful video, and those abstract shots are 🔥

[@josephusewicz5233]

Wonderful video. Thank you.

[@tjsinva]

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

[@1_Tim]

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

[@michaelmckeag960]

I started in photography enough decades ago there was then no auto anything. For landscapes, with the camera mounted on a tripod, full manual remained my default until introduced by you and others relatively recently to the advantages of aperture priority mode, now my new default. A possible follow on video theme would be exploring cases where switching from aperture priority to full manual mode is necessary. One such is when multiple exposures will be combined in post (focus stacking, panoramas, nightscape stacking, etc) and consistent exposure of subs is required. Another, of course, is recording motion, where shutter speed choice makes all the difference.

[@mrjiggawatt]

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

[@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.

[@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👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@munnyguyca]

love the abstract images.. even though they aren't your.. go to shot. damn.. all the way to Santiago? and have to turn around?? bloody hell. love your vids, thanks so much.

[@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 !!

[@randyschwager84]

Thanks for the refresher course!

[@glynparry6598]

Hi Mads thanks for the video.

[@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.

[@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!

[@spidersj12]

I always shoot in manual mode. Where I live there isn't a huge variability of mine by minute churning conditions which might make shooting in mental mode annoying. I like the wind audio you added during the display of the photo of the sand dune between 13:00-13:37. It's really a crushing blow to have to go back to Denmark because of the PCR test result but it was the right thing and the only thing you could do. I hope you had trip insurance to cover the loss?

[@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 ....

[@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

[@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.

[@SteveP_2426]

Really loved those last shots Mads and can only imagine what you must have felt in Santiago! I definitely think you need a coloured jacket for your selfies though😆😆I always used to shoot in Aperture priority but when I changed to mirrorless I inadvertently set my landscape preset shooting mode in Manual and on my first shoot had to play around with the settings due to light & water elements. The Exposure triangle really made sense then and I've never switched back. Part of the reason is that it forces me to think about the Aperture I want rather than leave it always on f11/f13/f16. I certainly agree that in the vast majority of cases you do not need to shoot in manual. personally I try never to use AWB and just use one of the preset White Balances as I don't want to have to worry about matching if I blend shots. It's all personal preference and whatever suits someone's workflow is fine. I do think though that even if you shoot in Aperture priority most of the time you should know and practice in manual from time to time if you are likely to want to shoot in low light and shoot water. Thanks for another very informative video and hey, I see from Nigel's newsletter there is an early 2024 Antarctica trip so something to look forward to!

[@somnathguria754]

Fantastic.... Video.. ❤️👍🏻👍🏻

[@martinsanders5097]

Great video as always

[@paulseymour7485]

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

[@mushinman1]

Thanks for the video!

[@garymc8956]

Have been using aperture priority for landscapes but seeing more use for manual, especially with moving water or windy conditions. A difference to me is new mirrorless systems where ISO seems less of a priority.

[@randyschwager2515]

Great instructions.

[@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.