7 Key Landscape Photography Tips to Take Your Shots to the Next Level!
“Mastering landscape photography is about more than just snapping a shot. From shooting in RAW to chasing the perfect light, it's the small techniques that make a big difference. Discover how to improve your photos with these seven essential tips that every landscape photographer should know!”
The Nikon 14-30mm lens and my Nikon Z7 – a gorgeous day of photography in the North York Moors National Park.
Take Better Landscape Photographs
Capturing some foreground interest in The North York Moors.
On this adventure, I found myself in the breathtaking North York Moors, capturing the iconic Roseberry Topping alongside my good friend Adam from First Man Photography.
As we wandered through the vibrant purple heather, I reflected on the many techniques I’ve picked up over the years. These little tweaks have made a huge difference to my photography, turning good shots into great ones!
Today, I’m excited to share seven key landscape photography tips that will help you improve your own work. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, these tips are sure to make a difference!
Always Shoot in RAW
I was able to pull out the shadows from the foreground heather. Taken with my Nikon Z7.
The first tip is simple but so important: always shoot in RAW! If you’re still shooting in JPEG, you’re missing out on the full potential of your photos. RAW files capture far more data, giving you greater flexibility when editing. You can recover shadows, enhance colours, and sharpen details—all without losing quality.
On this adventure, shooting in RAW allowed me to pull out the vibrant colours of the moorland and fine-tune the dynamic range of the scene.
If you’re looking for a great camera to get started with RAW photography, I recommend the Nikon D7200 second hand - it was my go to for years and it’s an amazing budget option camera.
2. Post-Processing is a Game-Changer
Fine-tuning the colours and contrast in Lightroom to get the best out of the RAW file.
Post-processing is where the magic happens! For me, it’s a crucial part of my workflow, and I believe it accounts for about 50% of the final image. With the right tools, you can enhance your photos, adjust colours, and bring out the best in every scene.
I use Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop for my edits, but there are plenty of free apps that can help you get started with post-processing. On this trip, I was able to bring out the rich tones of the heather and add depth to the sky, all thanks to post-processing.
3. Focus on Composition
Using natural leading lines in the landscape to guide the viewer’s eye through the image.
A great composition is the foundation of any landscape photograph. Professional photographers take the time to really fine-tune how they frame a shot, making small adjustments that can make a big difference.
On this adventure, I found myself shifting my camera position multiple times to ensure the path through the heather led perfectly towards Roseberry Topping. Whether you’re using leading lines, framing, or foreground elements, always take a few extra moments to get your composition right.
On this adventure, I used my Nikon 14-20mm f/4 lens to capture sweeping views of the landscape. A wide-angle lens like this is ideal for landscape photography, as it allows you to include more of the scene. I spent time experimenting with the placement of the heather in the foreground, leading the eye towards Roseberry Topping in the background.
4. Visualise Before You Shoot
Using my iFootage Gazelle Tripod.
One of the best habits I’ve developed is to visualise the shot before I even pick up the camera. Take a few moments to walk around and picture the final image in your mind. This helps you be more intentional with your framing and settings.
On this trip, I spent time imagining how the winding path through the heather would lead the viewer’s eye to Roseberry Topping. Visualising first helps you create more impactful photos!
I often use a Polarising Filter on my lenses to help reduce glare and deepen colours in scenes like this—it’s a must-have for landscape photographers!
5. Patience Makes Perfect
Patience is a huge part of landscape photography! Waiting for the perfect light or returning to a location multiple times can make all the difference. It’s not just about the immediate moment, either—improving as a photographer takes time, and progress happens slowly but surely.
On this adventure, Adam and I waited hours for the golden hour to cast that magical light over the landscape. And trust me, it was worth every second! Sometimes, the best shots come to those who wait.
6. Light Is Everything
Light transforms the mood and impact of a landscape image.
Light is everything in landscape photography! The right light can completely transform a scene, bringing mood, depth, and atmosphere to your images. Professional photographers often prioritise light even over composition.
On this adventure, we waited for the golden hour to capture Roseberry Topping bathed in soft, glowing light. Light changes everything—so always be aware of how it’s affecting your scene!
Trust me, prioritising light can take your images from average to stunning!
7. Stay Adaptable
Landscape photography often means dealing with the unexpected. Weather conditions can change in an instant, and the shot you planned might not be possible. Being adaptable is key!
On this adventure, strong winds forced me to bump up my shutter speed to avoid blur. Having gear that can adapt to the conditions is essential.
My Nikon 24-200mm is versatile enough to handle a range of situations, from wide landscapes to more detailed close-ups.
Sometimes, plan B ends up being better than plan A, so stay flexible!
Landscape photography is a beautiful blend of patience, preparation, and adaptability. These seven essential techniques have helped me grow as a photographer and create images that I’m truly proud of.
Check out the video below to see the behind the scenes from this photoshoot in the North York Moors!
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About Me
I'm Henry Turner, a UK-based professional landscape photographer and YouTuber. I share my adventures through in-depth articles, location guides, and photography tips to help you capture stunning landscapes. My journeys span Scotland, The Lake District, Wales, and beyond. Every week, I post new blog content and YouTube videos.
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