Lessons from Landscape Photography

In my book "Think Like an Anaesthetist", I shared lessons from the life of an anaesthetist and how they apply to our lives. Many of you have asked if my next book will be about photography. This got me thinking about what lessons I've learned from photography and how it has changed me. This post is about landscape photography, continuing the series after in-plane photography and macro photography.

Pic 1: Sunrise over river Cauvery

Nowadays, everyone with a smartphone is a photographer. The cameras in recent phones are better than the good professional ones from a decade or two ago. The phone companies show off their camera abilities with examples of selfies, macro shots, portraits, street scenes, and landscapes. So, what's landscape photography?

Pic 2: View from the Ettina Bhuja peak in Western Ghats

In simple terms, landscape photography captures the beauty of the outdoors. It's different from nature photography, which focuses on specific elements of nature. Landscape photography includes seascapes, mountainscapes, cloudscapes, deserts, forests, urban scenes, and even pictures of the stars. Sunrises and sunsets are also considered types of landscape photography. I won't go into the technical details of how to do landscape photography, but you can check out good websites or YouTube videos for that.

Let me share the lessons I've learned from doing this type of photography:

1. Patience:

Waiting for the perfect moment to capture a beautiful sunset or sunrise taught me that good things come to those who wait. Life moves at its own pace, and sometimes, you need to be patient to get something important. Just like not every day in photography brings a grand sunset, not everything in life happens quickly. Taking a step back and letting things happen at their own speed can help your mind relax and let creativity flow.

Pic 3: KRS dam backwaters

2. You Cannot Control Everything:

In landscape photography, we can't control things like light, weather, or wind. It's the same in life – not everything can be controlled. It does get frustrating. Focusing on what you can control and putting your energy into your efforts and craft is important. Let the way life unfolds humble you.

Pic 4: A waterfall in the Western Ghats

3. Show Up:

To get good pictures, you need to be there. Waking up at odd times to capture a sunrise on the east coast of the UK (sunrise is 4-5 am in July) is necessary to get good seascapes. If I had decided to stay in bed I wouldn’t have seen the magical sunrises I have witnessed. The same goes for life – you have to show up for things to happen. Whether it's waking up early to capture a sunrise or being there for your family and friends when they need you, showing up is crucial.

Pic 5: A view from Montparnasse tower

4. Learn from Mistakes:

In photography, if you forget to plan or pick the wrong gear, you might be disappointed with the result. Learning from these mistakes can also help in other parts of life.

Pic 6: Wild Apricot blossoms in upper Himalayas

5. Live the Moment:

Sometimes, in the excitement of taking a great photo, I forget to enjoy the moment. It's the same in life – don't get so caught up in capturing the moment that you forget to live it, especially when you're with loved ones. Nowadays, I temper my excitement and enjoy the moment, especially if around a loved one.

Pic 7: River Bhagirathi in Harshil

6. Destination is Not Everything:

You might think the best photos come from popular places, but sometimes, the journey and unexpected moments along the way matter more than the final destination. Stop and enjoy the view on your way to your goal. Opportunity is all around us. We are limited by ourselves in making the most that life offers.

Pic 8: Mobor beach in South Goa during low tide

7. Embrace Your Unique Style:

Photography guides have rules, but I've learned that no two photographers capture the same scene the same way. This taught me to be true to my style, and values, and always work on improving myself.

Pic 9: Wait for the Sunrise in Neil Island washed out...or was it?

8. Learning never stops: No one truly masters landscape photography. There is something new to learn on every outing. If you can never master a craft, every goal/achievement becomes a stepping stone for something bigger.

Pic 10: Nothing is lost if it's cloudy. Opportunities are plenty.

So, the next time you're on vacation, remember the powerful tool in your hand. Step out before sunrise, breathe in nature, and capture the play of light. Let me know if this doesn't change something within you.

P.S:

Good websites to make you a better landscape photographer -

1. Tips for beginners

2. A great read on landscape photography and the meaning of life

3. Be inspired by these popular photographers on Instagram. More here

Pic 11: "Photograph how it feels (not how it looks)". The master of black and white landscape photography - Ansel Adams