Ultimate Guide to Landscape and Nature Photography

Charlie Borland

UPDATE: 6/2024 Creating a Fog Effect Using LightroomUPDATE: 1/2024 Creating the Illusion of Depth of fieldUPDATE: 9/2023 Intro to Generative AI for Landscape PhotographyUPDATE: 2/2023 3 Videos on Processing Landscapes for Dramatic EffectUPDATE: 3/2022 Photographing the Tulip FarmsUPDATE: 2 new videos on travel photographyUPDATE: 9/2021 video about camera filtersUPDATE: 8/2021 Photoshop Sky Replacement toolUPDATE: 1/2021 on Creating mood when processing landscape images.UPDATE: 2020 New video on Rescuing a Death Valley Image

Do you love the outdoors, landscape, nature, and travel photography? If so, you are in the right place.

Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Landscape and Nature Photography.

In this course jam-packed with p[hotography tips, you will learn the key ingredients to creating amazing landscape and nature photos. You will learn about the gear best suited for landscape photography, how to obtain a perfect exposure, how to develop your ‘Eye’ to see striking compositions, and how to ‘see’ the light.

Join me as I share 35 years of landscape photography experience from across America. We’ll look at how to photograph mountains, rivers, the desert, sunsets and sunrises, forests, all four seasons, and much, much more.

In this course you will learn:

Everything you need to know regarding photography equipment for landscape photography
How to master exposure settings
How to creatively use Depth of Field
Visual strategies for stunning compositions
Finding the best light for a subject
How to make the image ‘pop’ with processing
And effective assignments for you to practice and expand your learning

Why learn from me? I will share the same techniques I used to create landscape photographs that have appeared in over 500 calendars, hundreds of magazines, advertisements, web uses, books, and more. I have photographed in every state in the lower 48 of the U.S. and will demonstrate the necessary techniques to create stunning photographs. I will show you how I created quality photography that resulted in being published in National Geographic, Outside, Sports Illustrated, Backpacker, Snow Country, Outdoor Photographer, and many more.

Wait, there’s more:Also included, are multiple lectures all captured while photographing in the wild. They are called Field Trips and are designed to demonstrate important techniques included in the course lectures. I’ll take you with me as I explore and employ a variety of approaches for creating beautiful photographs while in the field.

There are Bonus lectures as well. Having traveled the entire U.S. photographing, I certainly have my share of favorite places and that is what these bonus lectures are all about. I will show you the photographs I captured, where to find those locations, and in many cases, including the directions to get there and/or GPS coordinates. In some cases, other information is included such as when to go, the best time of day, and even technical details will be included.

Are you ready to create stunning nature photography? Then join me in this online adventure and in no time, you will gain a better understanding of how to create great landscape photographs.

The mission of this course is to stop letting the camera control you by providing you the knowledge that shows you how to take control of the camera.

Are you ready to discover simple and easy-to-follow strategies for creating beautiful photographs that I have used for 30 years in my professional business?

Want to learn more about this course? Click to watch the video above.

Enroll today. Just click Take This Course now so you can get started right away.

And you can review this course for FREE. And in case you did not know, there is a 30-day, 100% money-back guarantee, meaning there is

Who’s the Instructor?

There are many courses on how to be an amazing photographer, but how many are taught by true professionals who have a career and worked as a photographer?

I was formally trained at Brooks Institute in the 1980s and have worked every day since. I have been published in countless magazines (you’ve no doubt heard of), calendars, outdoor product manufacturers, and had my outdoor images used thousands of times. I have taught photo workshops across the USA and the Middle East. Founded two stock photo agencies, and sold thousands of stock photos.

I have taught over 30,000 photography enthusiasts including photo workshops across the USA and the Middle East. Founded two stock photo agencies, and sold thousands of stock photos.

I love to teach and want to ensure you succeed and love photography as I do. You can trust me to teach you photography.

Read what they are saying:

I am an amateur photographer and have been taking landscape photographs during hiking trips for the past 7 years. Coming into this course, I had a basic understanding of landscape photography but relied much of the time on intuition rather than a technique to compose and frame my photos. Sometimes this worked well, other times, less so. This course really helped to give me a much more solid foundation in landscape photography. In particular, it gave me a fresh awareness of how to look at a beautiful scene and identify various ways to capture that beauty in a photograph. Charlie Borland presents each topic in an easy-to-understand, practical way that I found engaging and easy to follow. The course is comprehensive and well structured and the topics are well thought out and to the point. Charlie's been a landscape photographer for a long time and that came through in his presentations. No hype, just good information, and inspiration. No course can ever cover everything, but I'm glad I chose this course as my first photography course with Udemy. It's re-ignited my interest in photography and helped me to think about where I might go next. Thank you, Charlie.

-David R.

I've taken a number of Borland's classes, so when I saw he was offering a class in Landscape and Nature Photography, I signed up. His classes are always very clear and concise. He has a knack for making complex topics understandable. And all his classes always are full of his beautiful pictures. This class is no exception. It is packed with critical information that is crucial for the beginning photographer to understand but also an important review for the more experienced and knowledgeable photographer. This is a class that every photographer starting out should take.

Fran Gallogly 5 stars

Charlie is always 5 stars.

Dick Ryerson 5 stars

Charlie is a good instructor.

Todd Reeb 5 stars

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What's inside

Learning objectives

You will gain the ability to find subjects and scenes worthy of photographing.
You will understand what great light is and the best light for different subjects.
You will learn to master composition and compose better photographs.
You will understand what photo equipment is best for broad or narrow landscapes.

You will learn the exposure triangle and capture perfect exposures each time.
How to take a mundane raw file and make it look fabulous.
In the field trip section, the instructor takes you into the field and demonstrates important techniques.
Bonus lectures include amazing places in america, how to find them, and how to photograph them.

You will gain the ability to find subjects and scenes worthy of photographing.
You will understand what great light is and the best light for different subjects.
You will learn to master composition and compose better photographs.
You will understand what photo equipment is best for broad or narrow landscapes.
You will learn the exposure triangle and capture perfect exposures each time.
How to take a mundane raw file and make it look fabulous.
In the field trip section, the instructor takes you into the field and demonstrates important techniques.
Bonus lectures include amazing places in america, how to find them, and how to photograph them.

Syllabus

An overview behind the motivation to photograph the landscape

This video lectures explores why people love to photograph outdoors and the mndset behind that.

Understanding the equipment and how it works best

This video lecture is for BEGINNERS who are new to photography and wish to gain a better understanding of gear for outdoor photography.

This video lecture covers some camera features that are important to outdoor photographers.

This video lecture covers some cameras menu features that are important to outdoor photographers.

This video lecture covers lenses and focal lengths that are useful to outdoor photographers.

This video lecturecovers some of the techniccal considerations of lenses.

In this lecture, we will look at filters to add to your lens including neutral density, the FLD, graduated, and Polarizers.

New to digital photography? The fundamentals are covered here!

This video lecture introduces one of the most important concepts about outdoor photography: the Exposure Triangle.

This video lecture covers ISO and its importance in the exposure triangle.

Depth of Field is a powerful creative tool for nature photographers and this video lecture introduces how it works.

This video lecture covers the hyperfocal concept around focus and depth if field.

This video lecture takes hyperfocal distance further by presenting techniques to get even sharper pictures.

This video lecture illustrates how to use the exposure triangle and combine it with depth of field for amazing landscapes photos.

Photographing in low light can present challenges and this video lecture shows techniques to deal with those lighting conditions.

In this Field Trip we explore the best place to set the focus point for maximum depth of field.

Do you like to photograph moving water but wonder what shutter speed to use. This video will heip you figure it out.

Consider the expsure triangle and name the three ingredients.

Test yourself with this assignment on depth of field.

Exposure is so important. Learn how to make it perfect.

This video lecture demonstrates how important exposure is to good digital photo files.

Some photographers prefer using a grey card for proper exposure and this lecture presents the good and bad about grey cards.

Cameras metering ability is very effective but not perfect and this video lecture presents ways to optimize the cameras suggested exposure.

Cameras come with multiple metering modes and the one you choose can make or break your exposure.

This video lecture demonstartes why every photographer should be using their histogram.

Blinkies are one more great tool to insure proper exposure.

Data is everything in good RAW files and Exposing to the Right is a technique for capturing the maximum detail.

The debate between RAW vs. Jpeg has been brewing for a long time and in this video lecture, I will explain my opinion and the advantages of each format.

The Histogram

Learn all about outdoor ligting

There is a saying by a famous photographer: There is No Photography Without LIght! Well, that is sure true and this video lecture introduces you to the different qualities of outdoor lighting.

This video lecture explores the qualities of reflective light.

This video lecture explores the qualities of sidelight.

This video lecture explores the qualities of backlight.

This video lecture explores techniques for finding the best light.

This video lecture explores techniques for exploring the landscape for the best light.

Test yourself with this assignment on lighting.

Composition is critical to great photography

This video lecture is an introduciton to the art of composition.

This video lecture digs deeper into the art of composition.

This video lecture explores the the rule of thirds, one of the most popular compostional approaches.

Lines are an effective compositional concept and this video lecture explores this compositional approach.

This video lecture explores the concept of diagonals in composition.

See why S and Z lines are great compositioanl concepts.

Sometimes framing a subject creates a more powerful composition and this video lecture presents multiple examples.

This video lecture explores ways to involved multiple compoitional concepts.

This video lecture explores Near/Far concepts, one of my favorites.

Test yourself with this assignment on composition.

Learn to compse beyond the basics

Many photographers do not consider the art of telephoto lanscapes, but this video lecture shows why you should.

Nature provides infinite subjects worthy of being photographed and this video lecture explores patterns and textures.

Have you ever thought about Rhythm and Flow in your photography? If not, you will after watching this.

Space is a great concept for compositions and this this video lecture shows how to add it to your photos.

Many landscapes worthy of photographing have amazing designs in them and this this video lecture will show you how to find them.

This video lecture looks deepr into deisgns in nature worthy of photographing.

Landscape photography is not just about light and composition, but about photograhic technique as well and this video takes a look at that.

Landscape photographers often witness events in nature so being ready to capture them is important.

Nature has moods and this video lecture explores the m.

Test yourself with this assignment on patterns and textures.

Winter photography can be fun and exciting and also challengng and we will show you why.

Winter photography is fun and challenging and there are some technical challenges that differ from regular landscape photography. We will explore those in the this lecture.

In this lecture we discuss the challenges of proper exposure.

In this lecture we continue the discussion on proper exposure.

In this pecture we'll look at different winter scenesand how to properly expose them.

This lecture we discuss keeping your gear dry in winter.

Follow along as I snowshoe to a nearby river for winter photography.

Learn the Basics of Adobe Camera RAW and Lightroom

This video lecture is an introduciton to processing RAW files in Lightroom.

This video lecture is an introduciton to editing files in Lightroom.

This video lecture demonstrates processing files in Lightroom.

This video lecture is an introduciton to retouching in Lightroom.

This video lecture demostrates using the Graduated filter in Lightroom.

Using Lightrooms Dehaze Filter & Adjustment Brush

This video lecture demostrates processing one image in Lightroom.

This video lecture demostrates processing another image in Lightroom.

This video lecture demostrates fine tuning and image in Lightroom.

Test yourself with this assignment on processing a digital file.

Learn the Basics of Processing Files with Adobe Camera RAW

This video lecture is an introduction to Adobe Camera Raw, how it works, and how to process images.

This video lecture is part 2 of Adobe Camera Raw, how it works, and how to process images.

This video lecture is part 3 of Adobe Camera Raw, how it works, and how to process images.

This video lecture is part 4 of Adobe Camera Raw, how it works, and how to process images.

This video lecture is part 6 of Adobe Camera Raw, how it works, and how to process images.

Learn new techniques for shooting and processing your images.

When I first saw my raw capture on the computer, I panicked, but once I opened the photo in Photoshop, a magical image was created after a few clicks and sliders.

See how I took a fairly blah landscape and turned into something more magical by creating a moody image and replacing the sky.

Watch how we process a Death Valley sand dune image to look like it was captured during a dramatic storm lighting.

Processing a Sand Dune Image into a Dramatically Lit Scene Pt 3

These new tools open a huge door for landscape photographers.

In this video, we will demonstrate how to create a collage with fake depth of field.

See how I created a foggy effect using Lightroom 13.3.

Learn how I photographed these amazing locations

Here is what field trips are all about.

In this Favorite Places video I hike into a remote canyon to photograph an indian ruin.

I was in Albuquerque photographing OId Town looking for Southwest symbols and icons.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces best practices for outdoor photography equipment utilization

Teaches how to create an ethical and professional landscape photographs

Follows a recognized industry standard curriculum

Taught by Charlie Borland, a nationally recognized landscape photophgrapher

In-depth coverage of concepts, including technical elements

Provides resources for further skill development

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Ultimate Guide to Landscape and Nature Photography with these activities:

Attend a local photography club meeting

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Connecting with fellow photographers provides opportunities to learn from their experiences, share knowledge, and gain valuable feedback.

Browse courses on Networking

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Research local photography clubs and identify a meeting that aligns with your interests.
Attend the meeting and introduce yourself to other members.
Participate in discussions and share your work for feedback.

Practice using a histogram to check exposure

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Histogram analysis is crucial for fine-tuning exposure and ensuring properly exposed images, improving overall image quality.

Browse courses on Exposure

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Take a series of photos of a scene with different exposure settings.
Check the histogram for each photo to see how the exposure affects the distribution of tones.
Adjust your exposure settings to achieve a balanced histogram.

Join a study group and discuss the course concepts

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Engaging in peer discussions deepens understanding through the exchange of ideas, perspectives, and experiences.

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Identify fellow classmates or online learners who are interested in forming a study group.
Establish a regular meeting schedule and decide on the topics to be discussed.
Take turns leading the discussions and presenting different perspectives on the course material.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Review 'Understanding Exposure, Fifth Edition' by Bryan Peterson

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Provides a strong foundation for understanding the basics of exposure, which is critical for landscape photography.

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Read chapters 1-3 to gain a basic understanding of exposure.
Read chapters 8-10 to learn about exposure compensation and using histograms.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter to practice applying concepts.

Read 'Landscape Photography Complete' by Ross Hoddinott

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Provides a comprehensive overview of landscape photography techniques, including composition, equipment, and post-processing.

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Read chapters 1-3 to learn about the basics of landscape photography.
Read chapters 6-8 to learn about composition and using filters.
Read chapters 11-13 to learn about post-processing techniques.

Create a portfolio of 10 landscape photos that demonstrate your understanding of composition and lighting

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Applying composition and lighting techniques in a practical project solidifies understanding, fosters creativity, and provides tangible evidence of skill development.

Browse courses on Composition

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Identify 10 potential scenes that offer diverse compositions and lighting conditions.
Scout the locations at different times of day to determine the best lighting conditions.
Compose and capture your images, paying attention to the principles of composition and lighting.
Post-process your images to enhance their impact and bring out the best in your compositions.
Select the 10 strongest images that best showcase your skills in composition and lighting.

Write a blog post about your favorite landscape photography technique

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Articulating your understanding of a technique through writing reinforces your knowledge and helps you develop a clear and concise communication style.

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Identify a landscape photography technique that you are proficient in and passionate about.
Research and gather information about the technique to ensure accuracy and depth.
Organize your thoughts and outline the key points you want to cover.
Write a draft of your blog post, including clear explanations and examples.
Revise and edit your post to ensure clarity, conciseness, and accuracy.

Become a mentor to a beginner landscape photographer

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Mentoring others not only benefits the mentee but also reinforces your own understanding and solidifies your expertise.

Browse courses on Mentoring

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Identify a beginner landscape photographer who is eager to learn and grow.
Establish regular communication and provide guidance on topics such as composition, lighting, and post-processing.
Review their work and provide constructive feedback to help them improve their skills.