Am I Really a Landscape Photographer?
Am I Really a Landscape Photographer?
Recently I spent a week in Colorado chasing the famous fall colors. I was based in Ouray and spent my days cruising around the San Juan Mountains, trying to capture beautiful images. Overall, it was a successful trip: fantastic light, incredible scenery, and colors at or near their peak. It was exceptional. I even got to hang out with some other photographers.
I came home with over 4,000 photos. Many were 3-exposure bracket sets, so that’s roughly 1,300 - 1,500 different compositions - pretty solid overall. Not a record, but productive. Of course, volume doesn’t define success, but it’s at least a barometer of creative output. The more shots you take, the more chances you have to make something special. So I took a lot.
But while I was out there - among many other landscape photographers, some of them world-class - I started to notice some differences between them and me. It made me wonder: am I really a landscape photographer, or just a photographer who happens to shoot landscapes?
There’s a subtle but important difference, at least in my mind.
A Few Things I Noticed
Gear:
My setup is smaller than most. Many photographers I met were shooting with flagship full-frame cameras, like Sony’s A7R V or A1 - and big, heavy lenses. I’m using a Sony A7CR. It’s still full-frame with a 61MP sensor, but in a smaller, lighter body. My lenses are smaller too. I recently swapped my Sony 16-35mm GMII and 24-70mm GMII for the compact G versions (16-25mm and 24-50mm). Honestly, I can’t tell the difference in image quality - but my bag is lighter, and I enjoy shooting more because of it. I can also stay out longer and go further because I’m not weighed down.
Tripod:
A lot of folks swear by heavy-duty tripods - brands like RRS, with thick legs and ultimate stability. I get why. It makes total sense. But I use the original Peak Design carbon fiber travel tripod (but with a different ballhead, so that I can create a pano if I want to). Some pros online say that tripod is too flimsy for “serious” landscape work. Mine works just fine - and it’s small and light, which matters more to me as long as my images are sharp (and they are).
Timing:
I didn’t shoot a single sunrise. I often say sunrise is the best time to photograph (and I do believe that), but that week I just couldn’t muster the early wake-ups plus long drives to locations. Maybe I’m getting older - or just prioritizing rest - but I didn’t leave most mornings until 8 or 9 a.m. Meanwhile, others had already been out for hours, and some had probably already packed up and gone home.
Planning:
This might be the biggest difference. Dedicated landscape photographers plan around everything: weather patterns, moon phases, PhotoPills shot design, lens choices, and exact shooting spots. I had a general list of places I wanted to visit, and brought the right lenses to let me do what I like to do, but beyond that, I mostly went with the flow. I adjusted as I went, reacted to conditions, and shot what caught my eye. I still came away with photos I love, but the process was looser - more exploratory than surgical.
A Different Kind of Photographer
So maybe that’s the distinction. Those who define themselves as landscape photographers dedicate themselves to mastering that craft - to precision, patience, and planning. My approach is slightly more observational. Although I do make plans, I allow myself some flexibility. I show up, see what the light and weather give me, and respond in the moment.
I don’t think of that as poor planning - just a different rhythm to work. It fits my personality and how I like to create.
And honestly, it’s worked well for me. I came home with images I’m proud of. But if you asked a purist, they might call it an okay week rather than a great one. That’s fine. We just measure success differently.
I want to make photos that make me happy. Many landscape photographers aim to make world-class images. That’s a huge difference in motivation. If one of mine happens to reach that level, that's fantastic (and I have some in my portfolio that *might* be called that, if you’re being a bit generous) - but that’s not the goal. My goal is to enjoy the process and be pleased with what I create. And I am very pleased with what I created in Colorado on that trip (and I definitely enjoyed it).
Closing
So maybe I’m not a “true” landscape photographer after all, at least in the traditional sense. The more I think about it though, the less I care about labels. I’m just someone who loves traveling and photographing the world as I find it. What matters to me is finding joy in the process.
How about you - do you plan every detail before you shoot, or do you prefer to discover your photos once you’re out there?
