Nature Photography How To

Life would be so much easier if there was one “best” way to shoot various types of images. Unfortunately there’s not, because photography is a subjective art. That said you will increase your odds of creating winning landscape photos if you follow the advice outlined below.

This tutorial isn’t about technical matters like camera settings, exposure techniques, post processing, or gear. Rather, it challenges you to satisfy a handful of “commandments” that one pro says are required for success. According to acclaimed landscape photographer Joshua Cripps, “I can unequivocally says that in order to succeed, your photos must accomplish five goals, regardless of what you’re shooting, the light present in your scene, or the equipment you’re using.”

This is a bold claim, but over 300,000 photographers follow Cripps on YouTube, in large part because his tutorials often take a philosophical approach to photography that differs from what you see elsewhere. So set your camera aside, listen to Cripps’ advice, and observe his breathtaking imagery. Do that, and your outdoor photography will ascend to new heights.

Cripps begins with a notion we’ve broached before; namely that one key to successful image making is thinking of yourself as a visual storyteller, rather than someone who merely documents a scene. And you’ll see what Cripps means when he says, “It can’t be any story, it has to be YOUR, story about what you see at the moment you press the shutter.”

The other four “commandments” in the video are more pragmatic, and Cripps demonstrates his approach for making a subject stand out, how to compose an image that illustrates why the subject is interesting, and the importance of adding an artistic flair to whatever you’re shooting. He also demonstrates what he means when he says, “Use light, don’t let it use you.”

After watching the video, check out Cripps’ YouTube channel where you’ll find more helpful tips and have an opportunity to see more of his great work.  And don’t miss the video we posted yesterday, explaining how to use leading lines to capture attention grabbing landscape photos.