The Two Questions Every Landscape Photographer Should Always Ask Before Clicking the Shutter

There's this bug that bites many photographers who develop a passion for the activity. It's called the "I want to keep improving my technique and creativity." It's that willingness to be open-minded about learning and drive to put in the effort to improve that will get you the results you want.

Regardless of where you are at in your photography journey, every photographer should ask two questions before they depress their shutter to capture a photo. These two questions will motivate your learning in the technique of photography and the pursuit of creativity. Because the truth is that if you want to take better photos, you need both sides of the same coin. Improved technique and the infusion of your own creative vision.

The first question that every photographer should ask themselves before capturing a photo is:

Am I using the best settings for the scene?

I often see photographers, myself included, making simple mistakes in their photos that will affect the end result of the image. It only takes a moment to double-check that you are using appropriate settings for a landscape scene. So what are appropriate camera settings? Use this tried and true formula for all your photos:

ISO - During the hours of sunrise, daylight, and sunset, use your camera's lowest native ISO if you are using a tripod to capture your image and can use a slower shutter speed.

Aperture - Use a mid-range aperture because these offer a good depth of field for a landscape scene and are often the sharpest apertures on your lenses. 

Shutter Speed - Use a shutter speed that appropriately balances out your exposure. This means that your histogram should be pushed to the far right side of the graph wall but not climbing that wall. 

If you don't follow what I've said above, check out my newest online workshop: The Super Simple Exposure Formula. That way, in the future, you'll be able to confidently know that you are choosing the best settings for your scene every time you take a photo.  

ISO 31, 14mm, f10, 1/6 sec

The second question that every photographer should ask themselves before capturing a photo is:

Why am I taking this photo? 

Because I want to!

No, that's not what I mean (but I like your sense of humour)!

I want you to really ask yourself why?

What's happening that you want to capture?

Is there an element you want to showcase?

Is there a mood you want to incorporate?

How about a feeling?

If you can answer those questions and then capture an image in a certain way, you will elevate your image in creativity and vision. 

And for those photographers that are already asking themselves these questions and clicking out photos filled with strong technique and solid creativity, here's your bonus question:

 Can I capture this scene differently and push myself outside of my normal comfort shot?  

Slow down, photographer. Photography is supposed to be enjoyable for both the hobbyist and the professional. Take the time to ensure your camera settings and technique are ideal, and think about why you want to capture your photo. Fine-tuning your technical and creative approach to your photos will move you forward in your photography journey.