Ron Leach

Whether you’re just beginning in landscape photography or consider yourself experienced, the video below is sure to improve your work. That’s because one of our favorite nature photography experts demonstrates 90% of what you need to know to capture stunning images of the great outdoors.

What happens when you pack your gear, head out for a portrait session, and your model is a no-show? Well, if you’re a quick thinking photographer and willing to step out of your comfort zone, you find a willing stranger and make some stunning images. And if the stranger happens to be beautiful, consider that a bonus!

One sure way to ruin an otherwise great photo is to miss the exposure and end up with ugly blown-out highlights. The problem typically occurs with landscape images when the sun peaks out from behind the clouds. But this unsightly mistake also happens with other types of images—both indoors and out—and doesn’t necessarily mean you have to blow off the shot.

The tips we post typically involves practical techniques you can employ to achieve better photographs. The tutorial below is a bit different, as it reveals a handful of common mistakes to avoid if you want to capture images that truly impress.