Did you know that landscape photography is one of the most universally beloved genres of photography?  It’s so true.  Most everyone loves a beautiful landscape or nature scene.  Ever wondered why that is?  It’s because nature itself knows how to and creates some of the most beautiful scenes out there and we merely take pictures of them.  So, having said that, now let’s look at this idea a bit more and also some examples of why I say this.

Let’s start things off with a quote which completely applies.

“Actually, it’s nature itself that creates the most beautiful pictures, I’m only choosing the perspective.”
― Katja Michael

I’m a landscape photographer.  So I totally understand this sentiment.  Nature creates the views and scenes.  I simply choose where to stand and set up my camera.

Some people complain about post-processing work in photography.  It’s been there since the beginning.  Post-processing merely takes the image and brings it up to its full viewing potential.  Really and truly, the most of the important magic of a photograph takes place in front of the camera lens.  So, as a photographer, I choose where to stand and best optimize the scene already in front of me.

Let’s look at an example of choosing where to stand and thereby choosing the perspective.  Nature created this local popular rock formation known as Thor’s Hammer.  In fact, it’s become the icon of Bryce Canyon.  I shot this hoodoo from 3 different perspectives.  Each version has its own value and also its own merit.  However, all together demonstrate how nature creates beautiful pictures.  The difference is merely my perspective.

Check out these scenes if you doubt me.  Nature already created the scene.  All I needed to do was choose my perspective when I arrived.  Believe it or not, that perspective was vital to making these landscape photos as gorgeous as they are.  Move too far in any direction and this view is ruined.  Perhaps you gain a better view, but you likely won’t.  Some of these views are constrained by fences and other man- made blockades or even cliffs.

As a landscape photographer, I know that it’s nature who creates these beautiful pictures of mine.  I simply record the view at the time so others can enjoy for all time.

So, now I turn it over to you.  What do you think?  Is it nature who creates these beautiful pictures of mine?  I know I have a hand in it, but is it as much as you think it would be?  Please leave your thoughts in the comments section below.