How to Capture the Perfect Landscape Photo

There’s something magical about capturing a breathtaking landscape—the kind of shot that makes you stop and stare, wondering if you’ve just transported yourself into a dream. But how do you go from snapping random nature shots to creating stunning, frame-worthy images?

Whether you're chasing golden sunsets, misty mountaintops, or dramatic coastal scenes, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to capture the perfect landscape photo.

1. Get the Right Equipment (But Don't Break the Bank)

You don’t need the most expensive gear to take incredible landscape photos, but having the right tools can make a difference. Here’s what I recommend:

• Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera gives you full control, but even a high-quality phone can work if used well.

• Lens: A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is great for capturing vast landscapes, while a telephoto lens (70-200mm) can help you zoom in on distant details.

• Tripod: Essential for sharp images, especially in low light or long exposures.

• Filters: A polarising filter reduces glare and boosts colours, while ND filters allow for creative long exposures, such as silky water shots.

• Remote Shutter Release: Helps prevent camera shake when using a tripod. But you can get away with using the self timer if you don't have a remote shutter release. 

Pro Tip: If you’re just starting out, focus on mastering your camera settings before investing in expensive gear!

2. Choose the Best Locations

Great landscape photography starts with scouting the right location. Some tips for finding that perfect spot:

• Do Your Research: Google Earth, Instagram, and photography forums are great for discovering epic landscape locations.

• Explore Locally: You don’t have to travel far—sometimes the best shots are just around the corner.

• Look for Foreground Interest: Rocks, trees, water reflections—adding depth makes a huge difference.

• Take Your Time to Compose: Slow down, adjust your framing, and ensure your shot feels visually engaging before hitting the shutter.

• Revisit Locations: Weather, light, and seasons can completely transform a place.

Want to discover some of the most beautiful photography locations in Port Douglas? Download my FREE Photography Guide to Port Douglas and start planning your next adventure!

This photo was taken by leaning over my back fence, I couldn't get any closer to home for a landscape photo!

3. Timing is Everything: Best Times of Day & Year

Lighting can make or break a landscape shot. Here’s when to shoot:

• Golden Hour (After Sunrise & Before Sunset): Soft, warm light adds depth and magic.

• Blue Hour (Before Sunrise & After Sunset): Dreamy, cool tones perfect for moody shots.

• Midday: Avoid harsh sunlight unless shooting dramatic, high-contrast scenes.

• Seasons Matter: Autumn for rich colours, winter for crisp details, spring for vibrant greens, and summer for golden fields.

Check out this blog for more details. When is the best time to shoot landscape photos?

This photo of Oak Beach in Far North Queensland was taken at 1:30pm which is not normally considered the best time for landscape photography but in this image the harsh light worked well to contrast the trees from the sky and the shadows from the beach.

4. Work With the Weather, Not Against It

Don’t shy away from ‘bad’ weather—it can create the most dramatic shots!

• Clear Skies: Ideal for star photography and high-contrast shots.

• Some Clouds: Perfect for sunrise and sunset shots, adding interest and texture to the sky.

• Full Cloud Coverage: Soft, even lighting—perfect for moody landscapes.

• Rain & Mist: Adds atmosphere and storytelling elements.

• Storms: Dramatic skies, dynamic lighting, and a sense of power (just be safe!).

To capture this shot I purposefully waited for a stormy day so that I could capture a lot of water movement around these balancing rocks.

5. Master Your Camera Settings

Shooting in manual mode gives you full control over your landscape shots. Key settings to focus on:

• Aperture: f/8 to f/16 for a deep depth of field (sharp foreground & background).

• ISO: Keep it low (100-200) to reduce noise.

• Shutter Speed: Adjust based on movement—faster for crisp details, slower for silky water/clouds.

• Focus: Set your focus point about a third of the way up your photo to get everything sharp. 

Not sure what any of this means? Check out my Get To Know Your Camera Course.

6. Composition: How to Frame the Perfect Shot

Even the most stunning landscape can fall flat without strong composition. Try these techniques:

• Rule of Thirds: Place key elements along the grid lines for balance. Learn more about this Rule.

• Leading Lines: Roads, rivers, fences—guide the viewer’s eye into the scene.

• Frame Within a Frame: Use trees, archways, or rock formations for a natural border.

• Scale & Perspective: Include a person, tree, or object to add a sense of scale.

I loved how the opening in this building created the perfect frame for this simple landscape shot.

7. Post-Processing: Bring Your Landscape Image to Life

Editing enhances your image without making it look unnatural. Some basic adjustments in Lightroom or your editing software of choice:

• Adjust Exposure & Contrast: Bring out details and depth. My favourite tool for this is the Dehaze slider. 

• Boost Colours (Subtly!): Check your white balance and play with saturation to enhance the mood of your image, but don't overdo it. 

• Sharpen & Reduce Noise: Keep details crisp, especially in low-light shots. The AI de-noise tool in Lightroom is great for this.

• Crop & Straighten: Ensure that horizon is straight, remove distractions and perfect your framing.

Learn more about editing and Adobe Lightroom with these blogs: Editing Blog Category. 

Final Thoughts: Practice, Patience & Passion

The perfect landscape shot doesn’t happen by accident—it takes patience, practice, and a bit of creative vision. So get out there, experiment, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Every shot you take gets you one step closer to capturing the landscape of your dreams!