Nature Photography How To

If you’re just getting started in landscape photography and you want to get up to speed as quickly as possible, the video below will seal the deal. You’ll learn all the basics necessary for capturing great photos on you’re next outdoor outing.

This episode from Arizona-based pro Mike Perea is a nine-minute crash course, so you may want to jot down a few notes. The great news is after learning his tips and tricks you’ll be a beginner no more.

Perea describes the basic necessary gear, so you can put his advice to use with whatever equipment you own, and there’s a link to what he carries in his bag in the description beneath the video. He also covers focus and exposure techniques, important camera settings, composition, and more. The result: more impactful photos.

When it comes to cameras, Perea is very democratic, insisting that while he shoots with Nikon gear, “the brand doesn’t really matter. Any modern camera will be more than enough.” What is worth considering is whether the camera you use is a full-frame or crop-sensor model, particularly when shooting in low-light situations and whether traveling with minimal weight is important to you. Budget is another consideration.

Perea considers lens choice more important that the specific camera you use, and he discusses three different focal lengths, their strengths and weakness under different conditions, and how to make the most of whatever glass you own. Interestingly, he says he’s captured some of his best images with what he calls “the boring lens.”

Next Perea discusses a variety of helpful exposure techniques, including why your camera’s histogram is important to under stand and use properly. He also explains what he means by saying “always exposure to the right.”

There’s much more to learn in this very helpful episode, so pay close attention and start using these simple techniques today.

You can find more helpful tips on Perea’s YouTube channel and in the tutorial we posted earlier from another pro, explaining how to shoot fall landscape photos with perfect color by avoiding seven common mistakes.