How Capturing Iconic Landmarks Will Elevate Your Photography!

There are both reasons for and against photographing iconic and famous locations. In this week's video I'll cover seven reason to photograph the famous locations.

THE POST PROCESSING COURSE:
Use the Coupon Code "MPIYOUTUBE" to get 15% OFF!

The Landscape Composition eBOOKs:

SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER - get the free Landscape Composition lite eBook:

HOMEPAGE and PRINTS

Standalone PHOTOSHOP Tutorials, DISCOUNT CODE: “mpiyoutube” for 10% off:

Get my LOCATION maps:

MUSIC:

0:00 - Why!
1:15 - Inspiring
2:50 - Originality
4:33 - For yourself
5:08 - Easy to be better
6:40 - Relatability
7:40 - Learning from the best
9:21 - New friends!

Affiliate links (I get a small commission for each sale without any extra cost for you) for MY GEAR and recommended gear:
My Landscape Photography Gear:

My B&H shop with my gear (and recommended):

Sony a7R3:
L-bracket a7R3 (Smallrig):
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm f/4
Tamron 28-200 f/2.8-5.6
100-400 LENSES:
Sony 100-400 Lens Collar Shoe:
TRIPODS:
FILTERS:
BEST LENS CLOTH! MagicFiber:
BACKPACK:
- Shimoda Action X50 and others, get 10% OFF with the code "IVERSEN10":
My recommended SD CARDS:
PEAK Design Camera Capture Clip V3:
DJI Mavic 2 Pro:

My Vlogging gear:
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo (newest version):
Micro SD for drones and Osmo Pocket:

Other stuff:

[andreasschaefer]

Chris Sale say the sentence:
"If you want to take a beautiful photograph you have to stand in front of something beautiful"
I think, that's it in any case, also when truly the beauty may lay in the eyes of the photographer.

[lwizzyo]

You can enjoy photography without being the best photgrapher known to mankind. For me it is just a hobby. Going places, taking pictures - gives going places a sense of purpose. And the iconic spots are iconic for a reason, that is usually the most beautiful scene in the area. I obviously photograph that when im there.

[philiplee]

All good points - especially #3, shoot for yourself. Love your passion and the quality of your work.

[taktickle]

Thank you so much for this. Sometimes we get held back by the thought of being unoriginal and having to always break the mold without knowing that there is still room for everybody in the mold to be creative in their own way. And yes, I also have to remind myself that not everyone is in my bubble and has the same algorithm of exceptional landscape pictures in their feed 😂.

[hywel]

Some very thoughtful comments here Mads, thank you!
The bottom line for me as an amateur photographer is that I want to have fun taking pictures, a notion that is sometimes lost by those always chasing the latest gear, or agonising over which is the best post-processing software etc. 
If people find it fun to photograph iconic locations, then go for it - it is impossible to exactly copy someone else's photo of any location anyway, because the light will never be quite the same. 
I agree that it's far preferable to have your own take on any subject, though, rather than trying to mimic someone else's photo...

[tonyjhughes]

Agree in the most part, one thing I will say, is that trying to recreate photos from other photographers in these locations gives me a target, something to aim for. The process to get that photo I have to work out for myself, and that’s how I’ve learnt a lot which I then apply to hopefully more original compositions that I seek out. Well, that’s the plan anyway 😂

[TuckRob]

It's about process and enjoying the aspects of it. Relishing the activity and adventure if that's what got you to the location. For most of us who are not professionals maybe it isn't so easy to get away from the idea that the value of everything rests on a final image. Often it doesn't but sometimes bad ideas make good stories. My favourite photos are from my best adventures and the getting there was the main activity. The more I do these things the greater the likelihood of connecting to something special. Like observational drawing, photography is all about looking and having a design on what you see. It's being present and connected. Inspiration comes from that.

[llIlllllIll]

getting a (seemingly) unique photo on these locations is truly one of the most rewarding feelings. And even if you don't, these places are worth it to see with your own eyes

[christophmunch]

Well, I was in Scotland (Glencoe and Isle of Skye) two weeks ago for one week. I can only say: The iconic locations are iconic for a reason. They simply look best. It would have been a futile attempt and an utter waste of time to try and find "different" locations. That would only make sense if I already knew the area well, but not on a first visit. Weather and season (and of course my composition) can give the photo an individual touch. And we have to remember that some people like to photograph the moon or the milky way, which definitely look always the same!

[TimMer]

Like with most things in life: do what you love, what others think of your passion is almost always irrelevant.

[florencequinn]

Well said Mads. All great points. Sometimes we need to be reminded of them....Being out in nature in beautiful locations always puts a big smile on my face not matter how the photos turn out although it is a big plus when they turn out well! Thank you!

[kristinaziegler]

Most of the photos of iconic locations that I see on general social media are taken with blue skies, middle of the day, and often over-saturated. I've been called a "pollinator" by my friends, looking for the flowers, the main event in the location. I like them, and I know I'm using different shooting techniques and processing than other people. And then I relax and start looking for small scenes and different viewpoints. Heading to Patagonia in April 2025 - can't wait!

[georgemason]

I once talked to a photographer at Bandon, Oregon who said he'd been coming back each year for 30 years and it was never just the same. Great valid reasons to shoot iconic locations. As you say, there's a reason they're iconic.

[tjsinva]

Good message. The iconic locations offer a challenge to put one's own spin on a scene. Even if you don't succeed, you've seen it up close and experienced the wonder of being in a place that most folks have only seen in National Geographic. There's always a lesson. Carry on. 👍🥂

[keithklodzen]

You make valid arguments. The main weaknesses are not everyone can afford to travel to iconic locations nor wish to be part of a tourism system that contributes to the slow destruction of those locations. Just look a your video. Are all those photographers crowded on top each other doing good or damage? I agree with the relatability argument. I don't necessarily agree with the educative argument. For myself I don't have the means to travel and shoot locally. I shoot what moves me.

[kerrygrim]

Excellent video and advice. Over the years I read a lot of advice, some as crazy as recommending not to photograph the iconic locations because it has been photographed so much already. Hogwash! If I am at such a location, why would I care if it were photographed a million times by others.

[SteveHolmlund]

Especially for those still learning, I liken your point #6 to the compulsory figures Olympic ice skaters had to complete many years ago. The iconic shots are a benchmark for your skill set, even if your rendering is not that original.

[geoffscott]

All points perfectly articulated. You are the thinking man's photographer as far as i am concern. Great vid Mads.

[JohnPaul-ii]

Thanks for sharing all those iconic places Mads, especially as many of us will never be able to visit them in person.

[laurenthuck]

Great video!
Love your take on it.
For non professionals, going to an iconic location is worth the trip even without photographing it. Taking a photo will also remind you of the trip and great time you had there, this in addition to the photo.