The Two Types of Landscape Photographers

Landscape Photography  •  Photography Tips

Landscape photographers can enjoy two different activities at once: being close to nature and photographing it. This is also a useful way to distinguish between kinds of landscape photographers: do they go out more because they enjoy nature, or because they love taking photos of it? Each personality has its own traits. Photographer James Popsys talks about these two types of landscape photographers in today’s video.

The first group of landscape photographers comprise those who just love being outdoors. Photography is sort of an excuse for them to be outdoors. They just take the camera with them to document the process and the experience. If you are somebody who falls into this category, taking photographs can be secondary for you. In case you miss a photo opportunity, you’re less likely to make a big deal out of it. That missed opportunity won’t be the end of the world.

Then there’s the second group of photographers, who very much enjoy the process of taking photographs. For them, being outside is just a bonus. Enjoying nature is something of a secondary aspect. If you fall in this category, you will find yourself constantly looking for photo opportunities, and studying light and composition. Moreover, you’ll be looking for the perfect window of time to take photos. Also, chances are high that you’ll already have a shot in mind even before leaving your home. And, if for some reason you happen to miss out on a photo opportunity, you are more likely to fret over it.

But, as Popsys himself experiences in the video, it is not necessary that an individual has to be fixed to a particular category. He claims to be the first type of photographer who just loves being out. Regardless, it was a bitter experience for him when he missed out on a shot that he’d been planning for some time.

Which category of landscape photographer do you fall into? Let us know in the comments.