Being a photographer is something that I will always cherish. There is just something about being able to convey emotions through images I find captivating.
Landscape photography is an especially significant subject for me. And it is one that I am happy to have spent a great amount of time on in my life.
There are many reasons to appreciate the opportunity to shoot landscape photography, but here are some of my personal reasons:
1. Nature Is Beautiful
The natural world is magical in its own right. Whenever I am in nature, I feel a surge of joy.
There’s this sense of wonder and excitement I feel when I stand in front of a mighty waterfall or towering mountains.
Witnessing these prodigious scenes is something that I will never take for granted.
Also, being nature helps keep me grounded and connected to the world.
It is easy to get lost in the excitement and busyness of life. But taking an afternoon hike or watching a beautiful sunset can take you away from all of it.
I love losing myself in the sights and sounds of nature. This feeling is irreplaceable; something I could never trade away.
Landscape photography allows me to capture these feelings to preserve them forever. It also allows me to share those moments with the world.
Not all my landscape shots are successful. But, even if I do not come back with successful images, I am always excited and ready for my next adventure!
2. Being in Nature Relieves Stress
Landscape photography is a huge stress reliever for me. It gets me out in nature and is one of the most effective ways I calm my mind and body.
I find that being in nature is a great tool to reduce stress. And I am not the only one.
Countless studies have set out to prove this phenomenon, and much of the results have been the same. Being in a natural environment reduces stress levels.
In a Japanese study published in 2019, participants were assigned to either walk in the forest or a metropolitan area.
To isolate the effect of nature on stress levels, the level of physical activity was the same for each walk.
The effects of nature were tested in two ways.
- By measuring pulse rate, heart rate variability (HRV), and blood pressure.
- By having participants completed a psychological questionnaire.
The findings showed that the participants that walked through the forest had signs of lower stress levels.
For instance, they had higher HRV and lower heart rates than those who walked in the city.
The participants who walked in the forest also reported that they felt less anxiety and have better moods after the activity.
Although the reason behind the decrease in stress levels is uncertain, one thing is clear, being in nature is a great way to reduce stress.
Another study also measured the effects of “forest bathing” on stress levels. Forest bathing is defined as being surrounded by and taking in the forest’s atmosphere.
The experiment measured stress indicators such as cortisol levels, pulse rate, blood pressure, and parasympathetic nerve activity.
Participants were measured over two days. On the first day, participants observed and walked in the forest, while the next day they did the same but in the city.
The results found that spending time in the forest more effective in reducing the indicators of stress.
For example, participants had lower blood pressure, pulse rates, cortisol levels, and parasympathetic nerve activity the day they spend in the forest.
These studies show that being in nature can put us in a better mood and reduce stress levels. And I couldn’t agree more.
Whether I am stressed out or not the more time I spend shooting in nature, the better I feel.
Being in nature is one of my favorite aspects of being a landscape photographer. The positive effects of nature always leave me feeling better than I did before my shoot.
3. It is a Great Way to Explore
Discovery is one of landscape photography’s best components.
As a photographer, I love the challenge of trying to find something new, especially if I’ve been to that location a thousand times.
There’s always that rush of exhilaration that comes with discovering new subjects and compositions in locations that I have already exhaustively covered.
Such discoveries are highly rewarding and one of that brings much joy in my life.
4. Shooting Landscapes is Like Therapeutic Meditation
When some people think of landscape photography, they think about the time and dedication involved.
But, shooting landscapes provides me with a therapeutic outlet.
When I shoot, I find that all my worries disappear as I focus completely on the scenery around me. I can feel my anxieties melt away as I get absorbed in my photography.
Hours of shooting can feel like minutes and everything feels as if though it is happening on its own accord.
Some people call this the flow.
Flow happens when you engage in an activity that bounds you to the present moment.
Many photographers will find themselves in the flow which is what makes photography unique compared to most other professions or hobbies.
Photographers are often in sync with their surroundings when they work. This experience is one of the greatest rewards of practicing photography.
5. There is Something Magical About Chasing Light
Finding the perfect light source can be one of the most challenging parts of landscape photography.
But it is also one of its most satisfying and stimulating components. Why?
Because the rush of uncertainty is fun!
In landscape photography, you chase after fleeting moments that come with no certainty of success.
The moment you see that perfect light, your brain releases dopamine signaling that the reward you are chasing, in this case, a good photograph, is within reach.
Research suggests that our brain releases higher levels of dopamine when we chase after uncertain rewards over certain ones.
This is why landscape photographers always come back looking for more.
The pursuit and the struggles behind capturing nature’s ephemeral moments are what makes landscape photography so endlessly fascinating.
6. You Can’t Place a Price on Solitude
Another great thing about landscape photography is that you can do it solo.
Taking landscape images allows me to spend some time to work in solitude. This, in turn, gives my brain a chance to rest and replenish.
I often find myself thinking more clearly and effectively after an afternoon spent alone in nature.
In this sense, landscape photography is a great way to revitalize both your mind and your body.
In addition, capturing a photograph alone can be a great way to discover your own voice and photographic style.
A group setting could make this a bit more difficult. Being with others can sometimes create distractions and pressure to conform.
When you are alone, you do whatever pleases you. You can take your time exploring the subjects and compositions you wish to photograph.
This makes it easier to think more deeply and creatively.
Finding solitude in nature can be a great way to figure out your own inner-mind.
By spending time alone, you gain a better understanding of your creative goals and desires.
7. There is a Joy in Learning
There is a great amount of joy that comes with learning and mastery.
When we work to build our abilities, we cultivate our self-confidence and self-efficacy.
This is why some of us would spend hours learning a skill such as poetry without any intention of becoming a poet.
We trade our time and energies to learn things with the simple goal of building our skills and getting better at something.
Further, whenever we learn a new skill, we stretch our minds and bodies. Doing so brings a substantial amount of satisfaction in our lives.
To some, this may seem counterintuitive. But, try to recall some of the best moments in your life and you’ll notice that most of them are moments when your talents have been stretched and pushed to the limits.
We all know that feeling we get when we accomplish a hard task.
With this backdrop, you can begin to understand why photography can be a rewarding experience.
If you’re a passionate photographer, you are probably committed to mastering the craft, no matter how strenuous, tedious and costly.
This type of dedication tends to give you a sense of orientation and focus in life.
When you direct your energy at getting better at something you love, other things will seem frivolous in comparison. You’ll feel more content and balanced.
This sense of accomplishment derived from acquiring and perfecting a skill is a great source of joy for most photographers.
8. I Love Waking Up For Sunrise
The rising sun is a beautiful phenomenon. And shooting landscape photography forces me to wake up early enough to see it.
I love watching the color of the sky change – from a dark blue to light blue with other bright colors mixed in.
I am filled with excitement whenever I welcome the day by going out to photograph the sunrise.
Watching nature come to life as the sunrise brings me so much joy and fulfillment.
I wouldn’t trade mornings like those for anything.
9. I Love Seeing My Ideas Come to Life
Getting the perfect shot is difficult and time-consuming.
It doesn’t matter how much preparation you have done or what quality of gear you bring.
Nothing can guarantee that you will get the shot that you had in mind. Sometimes you have to try for days, weeks, or years to have that opportunity.
But on the rare occasion that the photo does come out exactly the way I wanted it to, the excitement can be overwhelming.
Seeing my ideas become reality is always fulfilling. When I am finally able to get the shot I want, there’s always that sense of exhilaration that stroke my creative passions.
This is why I can take so many shots of the same subject and not get tired.
The excitement that comes with seeing my ideas come to life is one of the greatest rewards of photography.
As photographers, our audiences may not always understand why we have to keep taking seemingly the same photos. They won’t always appreciate how much we pour our hearts into your work.
Nonetheless, we are happy to trade much of our lives to perfect it. For what reason? For the pure joy of turning your ideas into reality.
10. Nature Makes Us Kind and Generous
Whenever I spend time taking photos in nature, I always return home in the mood to be kind and helpful to those around me. It sounds silly, but it’s so true!
I always wondered why this was the case. So, I did some reading and came across some studies that provide proof for this phenomena.
The first is a 2014 study conducted at the University of California, Berkeley. The experimenters set to test the effects of nature on our generosity and willingness help others.
In the study, the participants played two economics games: the dictator game and the trust game.
But, before they began playing, the researchers showed images of nature to one test group but not the other.
The results showed that those who saw images of nature before the game made decisions that were more generous and helpful.
This result was supported by research conducted by Professor Paul Piff at the University of California, Irvine.
In one of their experiments, participants were assigned with either looking up at tall trees or a tall building.
The researcher would then “accidentally” drop something on the group. On average, those looking at the tree were much more responsive and helpful in picking up the dropped items.
Another experiment included either showing participants a view of nature such as Planet Earth or a neutral video.
After, the experimenters gave the participants a questionnaire of moral dilemmas. Those who had been exposed to scenes of nature showed more generosity and kindness.
What’s the bottom line?
Being in nature gives us a sense of awe and puts our sense of self into perspective. This often places us in a mindset in which we are more willing to be kind and helpful towards others.
11. It Helps Me Preserve Moments
One of the best parts of landscape photography is the incredible moments you’ll be able to capture and preserve forever.
You know how it feels to look at an old photo from your childhood: you get transported back in time and feel exactly what you felt at that time.
Photographing nature gives me the same feelings.
When I look upon my landscape images, I feel a sense of joy and nostalgia, as if I am taking a walk down memory lane.
The feelings of peace looking at a sunset over the ocean or the comfort of fresh snow can come right back to me.
Photographing landscapes helps me preserve the ephemeral moments of my travels and adventures. My audience may not get the same feelings from the photographs, but they will always take me back.
12. Telling Stories Through My Adventures
Humans have always been a fund of storytelling. We gather and dine to interact and share their stories with one another.
Today’s technology has made many changes in the way we communicate. It has taken the art of storytelling to new levels and made photography one of the primary ways we tell them.
There are many reasons why.
One is that the photographer can manipulate photos to show the world how they see things. With a camera, I can frame scenes a certain way and change reality.
Of course, something “real” has to reflect the light rays necessary to produce an image. But, ultimately, I have the power to create whatever story my image will tell.
Whenever I navigate through the viewfinder, I decide what is to be deemed significant in the story I wish to tell.
Camera settings, like aperture and shutter speed, can also enable me to influence reality.
Using faster shutter speeds, I can better capture freeze moments and capture something that would otherwise be non-viewable.
Or I can create a whole other story by using slower shutter speeds. By using slower shutter speeds, I can evoke the feeling of passing time.
I can capture the flow of mist as it spreads through the river. Or I can evoke feelings of time passing by smearing my image with trails of light left by the stars at night.
The second reason is that since photos do not use written or verbal language, anyone can understand them. Photos are based on the emotions that they evoke, therefore telling a story that anyone can feel and enjoy regardless of their race or language.
Third, anyone can take something different away from a photo than you or I. It may make them feel something different or tell them a different story. They may relate it to their own lives. This emotional comparison is what makes them remember a photo that spoke to them so clearly.
Lastly, again, due to the rise in technology, sharing our stories through photos is easier than ever.
Today, we no longer have to wait to get a photo developed before viewing it. Also, we are now able to almost instantly share them with thousands of people through the internet.
Once uploaded, we’ll have access to our images long after they have been taken since they are being digitally preserved.
Being able to tell a story through the use of landscape photography is unlike anything else. It is fun, exciting, and all-around enjoyable to be witness to and be able to share a nature scene that nobody else is looking at right at that exact moment.
13. It Keeps Me Fit
The activities necessary to take landscape photos helps me stay active and in shape. Having to go on a 10-mile hike to get that perfect sunrise shot makes exercising easy and enjoyable.
Studies have shown that when we are in nature, we are more inclined to be physically active.
In one study, researchers tested the effects of being in nature on energy levels.
Participants reported feeling less physical exertion in perform physical activity in an outdoor environment.
I find this true for myself, as well. Exercise always feels easier outdoors rather than indoors.
I love waking up early to capture the sunrise. Being in nature has this natural coffee-like feeling.
I always feel awake and full of energy running up the sides of mountains, or venturing on long hikes scouting for the best photo opportunities.
This is one of the reasons I enjoy being a landscape photographer. If I am ever lacking energy or waving off my workout plan, going out to shoot always gets me back on the right path.
Conclusion
Landscape photography is an act that touches your soul.
You get to experience the wonders of nature and share those experiences with others through your photos.
I hope this post has inspired some of you to go out and connect with nature. Cheers!
