Landscape Photography 101 & 102: Tips to Instantly Elevate Your Landscape Photos

In today's episode, Court records in-location while prepping to photograph the Rocky Mountains from Boulder, Colorado—then pours a couple decades of landscape photography lessons into a practical, no-fluff playbook. From where to focus (so everything’s sharp) to when to shoot (with specifics for best times of day), to nearly a dozen other tips, this is a field guide you can use immediately—whether you’re shooting mirrorless, DSLR, or point-and-shoot. He concludes with bonus content on editing and forecasting for the best weather and sun position.SummaryLandscape photography gets dramatically easier when you simplify it into a repeatable workflow:Build the scene in layers (foreground, mid-ground, background).Lock in focus and stability (hyperfocus “one-third in,” tripod, and a no-shake shutter method).Let time-of-day do the magic (golden hour + blue hour are your unfair advantage).Nail exposure the smart way (manual settings, protect highlights, and hedge with slight underexposure).Edit with intention, not chaos (masking first, then a few powerful sliders).Scout light and weather (and use tools like Sun Surveyor to predict where the sun will be in relation to your subject). Mentioned Resources & LinksSun Surveyor (official site): https://www.sunsurveyor.com/  Will Patino's Editing Videos: https://www.youtube.com/@WilliamPatinoPhotographyCourt's WebsitesCheck out my photo portfolio here: shop.courtwhelan.comSign up for my photo and conservation blog at www.courtwhelan.comFollow me on YouTube (@courtwhelan) for more photography tipsView my camera kit and recommended camera gearSponsors and Promo Codes:MPB.com - Buy, Sell, or Trade Camera GearArtStorefronts.com - Mention this podcast for free photo website designBayPhoto.com - 25% off your first order (code: TWP25) ArtHelper.com - a photo community to learn, share and be inspiredArthelper.Ai - Smart tools to promo and showcase your art.LensRentals.com - WildPhoto15 for 15% off