A Six-Point Plan to Improve Your Landscape Photography

You don’t need the latest camera or have to master complicated new techniques to start the journey of improving your landscape photos. With a handful of practical habits and a bit of motivation, rapid progress is within reach.

1. Study Successful Photographers and Scout Great Locations

Look at work by established landscape photographers—especially those shooting locally. Note where they go, how they compose, and what conditions they favour. Platforms like Instagram, 500px, and dedicated photography websites are brilliant for ideas. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel at first; well-known locations are ideal for learning, rather than trying to take a great shot of somewhere new. There's a reason that some locations are well photographed - it's because they work well!

Pro tip: Make a wish list of local places to shoot, and revisit them in different conditions.

2. Grasp and Apply Simple Composition Rules

Strong composition is the backbone of every great photograph. Start with simple rules: use the rule of thirds, leading lines, natural frames, and foreground interest. Position your main subject off-centre using the rule of thirds and look for foreground interest so the front layer isn't empty. The basics truly make a difference.

Pro tip: Activate gridlines on your camera to help train your eye to using the rule of thirds in the field.

3. Chase the Right Light and Embrace the Weather

Light and weather transform a scene. The “golden hours”—just after sunrise and before sunset—provide soft, dramatic light. Don’t write off moody skies or 'bad' weather; conditions like these often produce your most memorable images (as opposed to sunny days which can be really boring!). Check forecasts and apps to plan, and remain open to returning another day for better light.

Pro tip: Dramatic skies can add drama, so don't pack up at the first sign of a shower, wait for it to pass for great light and drama.

4. Work the Scene: Move and Experiment

Don’t just stand in one spot—walk around, crouch lower, or find a different angle. Small changes in position can drastically improve your composition. Experiment with different viewpoints to discover what works best for the scene.

Pro tip: Before bringing the camera to your eye, frame the shot with your hands or just look for interesting angles without the camera.

5. Make Practice a Habit—Set Projects and Get Out Regularly

Improvement comes with practice. Set yourself a small project: revisit one location in different lights, shoot a series based on a particular theme, or simply aim for a weekly outing with your camera. Having a project gives you focus and motivation—and ensures you build experience.

Pro tip: Join a local photography group or challenge yourself to take a photo every day, whatever the weather.

6. Edit Thoughtfully for Natural Results

A bit of careful post-processing lifts a good shot to a great one, but use restraint. Make gentle tweaks to exposure, contrast, and colour so your images resemble what you saw. Avoid over-editing, and let the natural features shine.

Pro tip: Frequently compare your final edit to the original—if something feels “fake,” ease back on the changes.

What NOT to Do

While you focus on these six positive actions, avoid the following six common pitfalls

1. Don’t rush to buy new kit. Better equipment does not guarantee better photos; technique and creativity come first. New kit should be the last thing to consider!

2. Don't feel you have to master shooting on Manual (yet): If you feel more comfortable shooting on auto at the start, that's fine - focus on the other factors first, especially location, composition and light. Trying to shoot on Manual when it doesn't come naturally means you're concentrating on camera settings, rather than the scene in front of you.

3. Don’t rush your shoot: Arriving at the last minute or hurrying through a location rarely leads to your best work. Give yourself time to explore, compose thoughtfully, and respond to changing conditions.

4. Don’t ignore your focal point: Every landscape image should have a clear point of focus. Avoid “chaos” shots where it’s unclear what you want viewers to look at—think carefully about what drew you to the scene and make that the hero of the picture.

5. Don’t neglect the basics: Always check that your horizon is level, the lens is clean, and the image is sharply in focus. These simple things make a remarkable difference to perceived quality.

6. Don’t over-edit. Overdone colours and harsh contrasts rarely age well. One day you will look back on those fake looking photos and wonder what you were thinking!

   
   

Stick to these six action points, nurture your motivation with practical projects, and avoid common pitfalls. You’ll soon see your landscape photography—along with your enjoyment—grow significantly, all without spending a penny on new gear. Get outside, explore, and let your photography flourish.

A beautiful misty morning on Derwent Water, Lake District

Want some help improving your photography skills?

Don't forget that if you want some direct help with your photography, I offer a range of 1-2-1 photography courses for Devon based folks. If you're not nearby then I also  offer residential workshops for beginner photographers or improving photographers.

About Gary Holpin Photography

As a professional photographer based in Devon, my journey began along the stunning South West Coast Path. Disappointed with my initial attempts to capture its beauty, I embarked on a second 630-mile journey, this time dedicated to mastering photography. Today, I'm a nationally acclaimed photographer with award-winning landscape photos.

I specialize in providing top-notch property photography, business photography, and drone photography services to businesses across the South West. Additionally, I offer comprehensive photography training courses tailored for both businesses and individuals. Whether you're looking to enhance your corporate image or improve your personal photography skills, my training programs are designed to help you capture stunning images.

As an award-winning and widely published photographer, I frequently share my passion for photography and Devon through engaging talks at local camera clubs and community groups. My expertise spans the entire South West region, ensuring that clients from Devon, Dorset & Somerset benefit from high-quality photography services and training.