A few years ago I read this book called the Camera Cure. And it had me thinking about why more people aren’t taking advantage of the benefits of landscape photography in their struggles with high stress levels and mental health issues. So todays post is all about the benefits of landscape photography.
Check out my post on “Landscape photography for beginners” and “How to work a landscape photography location” for more landscape photography tips and tricks.
Everyone can benefit from being present
I’ve learned that I’m not always the best at being present. Or that’s an understatement. I’m always a few steps ahead in my mind. Unless I’m going through my last conversation with someone trying to figure out what was actually happening. You see when I’m always a few steps ahead, it can be difficult to recognize what’s happening in the moment. Like in a conversation. So I miss bits and pieces and have to go back to make sense of things from time to time. I can be a mess, I know.
However; I’m aware of this mess myself. And I really try to work on being more present. On my journey I’ve come to find that a lot of the things I enjoy doing, are activities that help keep me present. Like mountain biking or skiing for instance. You can’t go fast downhill if you’re thinking about something else. It will end in injury, mark my word. Or photography; you won’t be able to capture the moment if you’re not present to experience it. And I think everyone can benefit from being present, thus learning to be present is one of the benefits of landscape photography.
It helps you slow down
I don’t know about you, but I feel like as a society we’re constantly running around like headless chickens. There’s so much to do, and so little time to do it. And we seem to be unable to accept the fact that we can’t do it all. However this high pace isn’t good for us. Stress-related health issues is a huge problem, and we’re often told that we have to slow down. Mindfulness, yoga and meditation can help us slow down. But so can landscape photography. And for some of us that’s a way more attractive road to Rome.
When trying to capture a good landscape image you have to slow down. You have to consider the conditions around you and how they may change for the better if you just wait a bit. And you do. As a landscape photographer you spend a whole lot of time waiting. And the waiting is one of the benefits of landscape photography because it helps you slow down.
Learning new skills keeps your brain healthy
If you are a beginner to landscape photography, you are doing your brain a huge favor. Not only because you’re helping it be present and slow down, but also because you are learning a new skill. Making sure that your brain doesn’t just work in familiar patterns is good for you. And as you develop as a landscape photographer, you should seek to keep learning new and improving your skills. Don’t settle once you know how to capture flowing streams, find new interesting ways to photograph water. That way you take advantage of one of the big benefits of landscape photography; keeping your brain healthy.
You get a lot of fresh air
One of the biggest benefits of landscape photography is that you get a lot of fresh air. I’m not going to bore you with the details, everyone knows that getting outside is good for us. And the neat thing about landscape photography is that it even gets you outside on days where you otherwise would stay on the sofa.
The drama you can capture on a stormy day gets you outside. As do the unique images you can make during a heavy snowfall. Even when it’s completely dark, and most people are sound asleep, landscape photographers get out into the fresh air to make sure we shoot in the right conditions.
The benefits of landscape photography
I could go on and on about the benefits of landscape photography, but I’ll stop with this; it makes you smile. At least it makes me smile. I don’t think there’s ever been a time when I’ve gone out to shoot landscapes where I haven’t walked back home smiling. Even on the days I haven’t really captured anything worth sharing. It’s more about the experience in nature and doing something I love, than the actual images. And in todays result driven world, I think that’s something special.
If you found this enjoyable or valuable, please give it a like and consider sharing it with a friend you think need a nudge to get into landscape photography. Also; I would be really happy if you would consider subscribing to my blog and following me on Instagram. It really makes a difference. And remember, no matter where you are in the world, there’s always more to explore locally.
