Landscape photography is crowded with opinions and advice, and sorting out the myths from reality can lead you toward more trouble-free results. Common misconceptions often cause unnecessary limitations in how you approach your photography.
Coming to you from Mads Peter Iversen, this straightforward video addresses several widespread myths that regularly mislead aspiring landscape shooters. A primary myth Iversen tackles revolves around lens selection, notably the perceived superiority of f/2.8 lenses. Although fast lenses can help with low-light and portrait work, landscape photography typically benefits from deeper depth of field, meaning smaller apertures often serve better. Iversen underscores the advantages of lighter and cheaper lenses, such as f/4 models, for capturing sharp yet well-detailed landscapes.
The tripod center column myth also gets careful attention in the video. Photographers frequently repeat that raising the middle section of your tripod guarantees shakier shots and blurred results. Iversen points out that this isn't always accurate—if you understand how to compensate. Choosing a stable tripod with a weighted hook, using timed shutter release, and handling windy environments thoughtfully helps mitigate shake. Extending the column slightly can genuinely improve image composition without sacrificing image quality, provided you take precautions seriously.
Another key area Iversen brings up is ISO sensitivity myths. Many photographers still believe that settling for nothing above ISO 100 ensures optimal image quality. Although shooting at base ISO reduces grain, blindly adhering to that misses opportunities for better images, especially under challenging lighting. Iversen encourages you to consider raising ISO values responsibly, accepting mild noise rather than failing to capture sharp photographs due to slow shutter speeds. Given the significant advancements in sensor technology and noise reduction software, modern cameras comfortably allow moderately higher ISOs without noticeable quality loss.
Common compositional myths also come up in the discussion. Photographers frequently claim certain formats—like vertical orientation—aren't suitable for landscapes. Iversen argues passionately for breaking this narrow-minded approach. He highlights how different orientations and creative compositions help convey your vision precisely rather than obeying arbitrary conventions. Developing your unique style means being intentional and strategic about composition choice rather than restricting yourself to outdated beliefs.
That's just the start, so check out the video above for the full rundown from Iversen.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
Great info for beginner as well as the seasoned.
The gear thing having the newest so called greatest is BS! Yes I went newest several times one for the A7RV only for the many AF settings BUT to remember what you are set for and making sure before heading out or seeing something to AF on but remembering ALL is a brain buster! Bottom line is to look at functions it can do and if you can live without with what you have.
Another back in 2013 when Sony came to the show and had things to offer smart things. Hard to believe but PS and LR each cost $800+ and for each full update only big companies could afford and their photographers not someone new to digital, Sony afford Capture One for $30, on camera apps that allowed in camera processing Mod 1's and 2's like "Digital Filters", "Lens Compensation" being able to use old film lenses and other makers digital lenses. Multi images in one frame or time lapses. In Body Image Stabilization in Mod 2's and or Bracketing without a tripod many many more things, you have make a list.
First I never thought about or knew about Astro Milky Way Photography till I read about in a Magazine after I got the A7SM1 BUT years later looking at some old Canon T2i images did I see a capture with the MW in it when I was waiting for a setting moon I pointed to the south for a river capture at night, If you know all the functions of a camera you can experiment better.
As far as noise yes the A7S models were known for the best with the highest ISO's BUT as time moved on yes the best starting point for less noise is 640 then a high 12800 each with lowest noise BUT also ISO Invariance meaning if you just capture at say a low 640 or so but want a brighter image all you have to do is increase exposer in post to a max of 5 but I found is saving that in Lrc under a new name i could even go another 5x, yes play and you will learn.
Even old point and shoot cameras from the 2000's still are great #4 Digital Still Camera Vivitar Vivicam 8300s 8MP. Images of people in USS Arizona oil I captured 5 years before a woman got famous for a similar image.
Just for info a 10mm lens will capture a landscape sharp from close to far filling a frame like a panorama BUT without cutting off the top and bottom and way less work in post. But if using for Astro MW the trail in the stars will stay low and horizonal all the way across again BUT if used in portrait view doing a panorama you will only need one row for it will capture the stars so far up and back over your head (not with you in the frame) but Pegasus will me real small due to all the sky.
A camera to have at the ready or with you when yours is back home is Fujifilm WP Z $163 Amazon keep in car for those times when too wet for your phone.