Pro Photo Tips by Dusty Doddridge
Landscapes as Teachers: Four Tips for Photographing the Outdoors
I’m often asked about my favorite places to photograph. Fall in Colorado usually tops the list—with golden aspen groves stretching for miles and rugged peaks soaring into the sky, it’s hard to beat. But beyond the stunning scenery and years of hiking and photographing there, something deeper keeps drawing me back.
Landscapes we return to again and again can teach us a lot—if we’re open and paying attention. Here are a few simple but valuable lessons the landscape has taught me about photography:
1. Slow Down and Study the Light
Pay close attention to subtle changes in light. What kind of light draws you in? Morning glow, side light, soft overcast tones? Light transforms a scene—adding shape, contrast, and mood. Look back at your favorite images and notice what light you responded to. Then, when you’re out in the field, take your time. Wait. Watch. Let the light lead you.
2. Return Often, Explore More
Coming back to the same place reveals more than just new conditions—it reveals more about you. With each visit, you see a little deeper into the landscape and your own creative instincts. Some days, your focus may drift between the familiar and the new. That’s okay—just prioritize. Revisit old favorites in different light, or wander into unfamiliar territory. Both approaches lead to fresh images.
3. Pack Light, Think Clearer
Hiking at altitude with a heavy pack is no joke. Traveling light helps you cover more ground—and adds some creative freedom. With fewer gear choices, you often get clearer ideas. Simplicity can push you to work with what you have and see in new ways.
4. Shift Your Perspective
Your first composition might be great—but try something else. Crouch down. Climb a little higher. Change your angle or switch lenses. Backing up and using a longer focal length can completely alter how the foreground and background relate. A small shift might reveal something even stronger than your first instinct.
Ultimately, landscapes have a lot to say—but they speak slowly. If you keep showing up, listening, and learning, they’ll reward you in ways that go far beyond the photograph.
