Planning a landscape photography session doesn’t always guarantee ideal conditions. Weather changes, plans fall through, and sometimes, the scene isn’t what you expected. How you handle these situations can make a big difference in the quality of your photos.
Coming to you from Christian Irmler – Landscape Photography, this insightful video explores the challenges and joys of improvisation in landscape photography. Irmler shares a recent experience in Italy, where his plans were thwarted by a lack of the expected wildflowers. Instead of the vibrant fields he anticipated, he found only green fields. Rather than giving up, he adapted his plan and focused on a nearby old town and castle, demonstrating the importance of flexibility.
Irmler explains how he used the conditions to his advantage, such as hiking up a mountain for a better vantage point. He captures the unpredictable light, with a mix of shadow and light adding depth to his shots. This video underscores the importance of making the best of the situation, even when it’s not what you planned. Improvisation isn’t just about finding new subjects; it’s also about technical adjustments. Irmler discusses using a black mist filter to soften harsh sunlight and enhance the quality of his photos. This tip is particularly useful when dealing with unpredictable lighting.
Irmler also touches on the significance of handheld shooting in certain scenarios. While tripods offer stability and precision, there are moments when quick handheld shots are necessary to capture fleeting light conditions. In addition to the technical aspects, Irmler shares valuable insights on the mental approach to landscape photography. He emphasizes the importance of not giving up when things don’t go as planned. Landscape photography often involves dealing with the unexpected, and having the right mindset can lead to stunning results. Irmler’s ability to find beauty in unexpected places is a testament to this philosophy. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Irmler.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, “Photographing the World: Japan With Elia Locardi!”
Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.