How to Balance Planning and Spontaneity in Landscape Photography

You’ve probably experienced those moments when the weather changes unexpectedly or you find yourself on the wrong trail. These challenges are all part of the landscape photography journey, but how you handle them can make or break your shot. Preparation, persistence, and a little flexibility can lead to stunning results.

Coming to you from Christian Irmler - Landscape Photography, this engaging video shows the importance of staying prepared while also being adaptable. Irmler sets out on a challenging hike with only one trekking pole, aiming to reach a high vantage point. As he pushes forward, he shares a critical tip: keep your eyes open for unexpected compositions along the way. Light and weather conditions can change rapidly, revealing opportunities you didn’t initially plan for.

Irmler also emphasizes the value of weather planning, noting how receiving a notification about the possibility of gappy clouds helped him anticipate potential shooting conditions. This foresight allowed him to be in the right place at the right time, capturing the dramatic interplay of light and shadow. But even with planning, there are no guarantees. Irmler finds himself on the wrong trail, losing valuable time and facing the possibility of missing his shot. Despite this setback, his persistence pays off, and he manages to capture some incredible images.

The video also touches on the delicate balance between sticking to a plan and being open to spontaneity. Irmler discusses how he encountered an unexpected opportunity on his hike back after already capturing his planned shot. This moment of improvisation led to another stunning photograph, reinforcing the idea that while planning is crucial, so is the ability to adapt and seize the moment. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Irmler.

And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan With Elia Locardi!"

Alex Cooke's picture

Alex Cooke is a Cleveland-based portrait, events, and landscape photographer. He holds an M.S. in Applied Mathematics and a doctorate in Music Composition. He is also an avid equestrian.

Log in or register to post comments