Ron Leach

Most outdoor photographers have had the unfortunate experience of planning a trip to a spot full of great opportunities, only to confront disappointing dull light when arriving at the destination. So what to do? One option is to accept defeat and plan a return trip. But another is to get the gear out, make some images, and use the following Lightroom trick to salvage the day.

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.