Landscape Photography: The Single MOST Important Thing I've LEARNED!!

☝️Subscribe For FREE Photography Tutorials & Get My Top 4 Compositional Tips

In this week’s episode, we discuss the single most important thing I've learned in landscape photography. Last week I received an email with a subject line that simply read, "What's the most important thing you've learned in photography?". My initial thought when I read this was that it was an impossible question, how could anyone select the single most important thing they've learned? That's like asking someone what's the best song they've ever listened too or what's the best movie they've ever seen - it's not an easy thing to do. And, although I found this question to be impossible, it did motivate me to try. So, I spent the next few days in deep thought and was able to narrow down a list to six items that I felt were the most important things I've learned in landscape photography.

In this video, I review the six most important things I've learned in landscape photography. What I found most beneficial about this exercise is not the lessons themselves, but the fact that this list put me in a position to determine what the single most important thing I've learned in photography was. Out of all the videos I've shared on this channel, this might be the one that was most impactful for me on a personal level. It's funny, when I first received the question in the email, I felt that it was a bit absurd and impossible to answer, but after to giving it the thought the question deserves it ended up being a powerful exercise that I'd encourage others to go through as well.

I hope that you're able to get some helpful information out of this weeks' episode that you can apply to your landscape photography moving forward.

If you enjoyed this video, please consider giving it a thumbs up and let me know what you think in the comments below - I guarantee I'll get back to ya.

Thanks for watching everyone!

-Mark D.

**My Photo & Video Gear**

*FREE TRIAL: Music & Sound Effects I Use*

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I earn a small commission on the above links if you decide to purchase the item. This tiny commission adds up and greatly helps me to continue creating content for this channel. I very much appreciate your support!

#landscapephotography

FOLLOW ME HERE:

[MarkDenneyPhoto]

My apologies for the SAPPY ending! I know it’s not easy to answer, but what’s the most important thing you’ve learned in photography?

[tomheim]

WHAT'S THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON FOR WATCHING MARK DENNEY'S CHANNEL?
Answer: Videos such as this one. I may look at your photos at face value and you may do the same when viewing mine. As you say, neither of us can experience the memories attached to photos of the other. However, I believe all of us can see how important photography is to you in your life. It's clear to me your passion for this art is for all the right reasons. Thank you for your honesty and for the generous spirit imbued in all your work here on YouTube!

[roberthennessey]

No apologies needed, emotions and feelings to me is what makes a picture special. Thanks so much for sharing Mark.

[michaelbeland]

I saw an ad on TV this week that said that some people never figure out that fishing has nothing to do with catching fish. The ad showed a man standing in a beautiful stream peacefully casting his line and enjoying the location and just being there. My best days of photography are when I'm in that same state of mind as that person fishing. Thank you for such a powerful video!

[chrisgrievephoto]

Wow, Mark! That was an incredible set of stories and really insightful lessons. And I think the ending was especially powerful and moving. Thank you for sharing not only your most important lessons, but also for sharing yourself, a little bit of your soul. I think that's a real gift.

[slowlyrusting]

The air is slowly moving through the trees. The fragrance of the pine forest reminds me of trips into the mountains through the years. The setting sun is casting a beautiful glow. My granddaughter looks towards the camera and smiles, I press the shutter. We walk back to our campsite smiling. It doesn't get better than that. That moment is not about the photo. The photo is part of that moment in time...

[stevegrooms]

Great video, Mark. A very smart man once said a very silly thing. "Photography, " he claimed, "is just an attempt to freeze time." I disagreed. For me, photography is a celebration of the act of seeing. Every photo ever taken makes a sort of claim that "this is worth looking at." Great photos make great statements about what is worth seeing, whether it is the quality of light, the play of color, the subtle interplay of textures, the unexpected presence of patterns, the contrast of light and dark . . . or many other things. I think most of us walk through life not seeing much at all because we have not yet learned to see. Photography can rescue us from that sad fate. Photography--at its best--teaches us to see.

[luissoares]

I couldn't agree more. For me, going out to make just one photo is my number one therapy. It doesn't matter if it's the greatest shot ever or just a quick snap. It's the act of going to that place that I've been planing to go, even if it's just 5 minutes from my house. But if the light is just right and the whether is also helping, I gotta go! When I return home, I may or may not have a great image, but I did go out there and tried to get it, and maybe I even learned something in the process. In the end, it's all about the journey, not the destination. Thank you Mark, for sharing your thoughts and feelings about this passion that we all have for photography. Stay safe, stay well, and keep shooting.

[corygerman]

I don't know if anyone has ever mentioned this, but you are the Bob Ross of photography. In a world where other YouTube photographer personalities can be loud, obnoxious, or determined to have fancy catch phrases, you teach with a very precise and calming instruction and make learning a very enjoyable experience. You show you don't need an exuberant personality to make you a great photographer. I've only recently subscribed a couple months ago so I haven't seen nearly all your videos, but I have learned so much already. I'm passionate about wildlife and landscape photography and look forward to watching many more of your videos as I continue to grow and learn. Thanks Mark!

[danev]

Mark, Watching today's post I learned absolutely nothing, but I remembered absolutely everything I tend to already know from experience and often forget. Thank you for bringing this to the forefront and allowing us to renew the passion. We are all so ready to get back out there. A case in point on your last suggestion, "It's not all about the photo". We were in Idaho photographing the 2017 solar eclipse and I was so hung up in getting the perfect image that I almost forgot to look up and just take in one of nature's most amazing sights. Since then, I try very hard to live in the moment and appreciate where photography has brought me and allowed me to witness first hand.

[alemacasc]

Mark, from the first video I watched, I became your fan. And I'm not talking only about didactics, pre-production, post-production, editing, etc., etc. I'm talking about the caprice in choosing the theme, the images, the explanations and the sincerity in the emotion you feel when making your videos and sharing your story and your knowledge.

This video today showed not only to me, but to thousands of people, the incredible person you are.

I was very, very happy to have the privilege of watching this video. My congratulations, for everything, mainly for your honesty and for sharing your feelings with almost 100 thousand strangers who follow you on your channel.

Certainly you have won much more than a "simple" fan. You have won an admirer.

Congratulations! And, as you always say, "i'll see you next week!"

[flyer]

You nailed No. 1. Your passion shows in your photos and the world is better for it. Thanks Mark for sharing your art and soul. Mahalo and Aloha.

[jeepjksahara]

Thanks for another great video. Your number one tip really struck a cord. I was up at 3:00am this morning for a photo outing and I will forever recall the chilly weather, the darkness and the long walk along the beach that came with it! I will also never forget the sights, the smells, the sounds and all the other emotions, especially the calmness of it all. No need to apologize for openly expressing your emotions, the world would most certainly be a better place if more of us would. Thanks again and all the best.

[carlwidlund]

This is why you will always be at the top of my list of favorite photographers. Your passion for photography shows in both your work and in your videos. 👌🏻👍🏻

[Sunrunner]

Yes sir! Slow down and enjoy the journey. Chances are pretty good that, if you’re going to take landscape photos, you’ll be in a very beautiful place. Take time to enjoy it and the journey there. Relax and be one with the scene.

[kaizen]

It's actually a pretty brilliant way to frame a question. You read in the subject line what the writer wanted to know, and he or she then simply stopped talking...which in turn, provoked the thought process enough to create this great video. Thanks for sharing! Clay

[chimora]

I have only been watching your videos for a few weeks. Thank you so much for your heartfelt comments today. Your insights help me remember why I want to get out there again and again to capture photos of the world as I see it and to share them with others to hopefully bring them some joy. We all need a bit of encouragement to stay real so that we do not miss all the good that is out there.

[MFP_Photography]

Reason #1 is THE reason. You are so right! Sometimes it makes me sad I can't share the feeling, the experience, the smell or the sounds of everything around me when I click the shutter. But honestly sometimes I feel selfish because those feelings are so special I don't want to share them. Deep down inside, ...maybe the photograph is all we want to share of the entire experience, keeping the best parts for ourselves. You are right though, the time you spend behind the lens will never equal to feeling you have being in the environment of a wind swept plain, the quietness of a sunrise or the rolling sounds of a stream. Thanks for a great video. Your thoughts and feelings on this are very appreciated!

[matthiasmullin]

You are the wholesome side of photography that I lose touch with too often. I try to have my pictures capture a story, but no one will ever feel that personal connection that I do. Keep being you!

[guidolima]

Totally on it! 2 and 5 should sit together side by side, or even be a part of the same topic, the way I see it! And number one always bring back some sweet and sour memories, like being in an one day sunset/evening at Chureito Pagoda, with Fuji in front of you and not having a proper tripod because something went wrong during the trip! 🤷🏻‍♂️ happened last year... a bit of frustration not to be able to try some different techniques... but happy to get what I could! ❤️