Intro

How do we make the transition from simply holding our camera for the very first time in our hands to capturing breathtaking photographs that are truly worthy of being proudly displayed on a wall for all to admire? I began my personal journey with photography around five years ago, and, at that time, I didn’t know anything at all about the intricacies of camera gear or the fascinating art of photography itself. To this very day, I still find it quite challenging to seek out inspiration and to capture that one perfect shot — you know, the shot where every element comes together seamlessly and effortlessly. It’s all about achieving the right sharpness, impeccable composition, precise timing, and that elusive wow factor that elevates a photograph and makes it truly stand out among the rest.

And sometimes, I find myself feeling as though I do not progress as much as I would truly like to, but then I took a moment to look through my photos in Lightroom. While doing this, I began to compare my earlier works, especially those I felt really proud of five years ago, with the images I capture today. It becomes quite clear to me that I can indeed see a noticeable difference in quality and vision, and this realization serves as a significant marker for my progress. Whit that said, i have a long way to go !

So let's dive into the shared journey that we all experience, a journey filled with both excitement and fear, as we explore how to genuinely improve and evolve as photographers.

Photos I took from 2020 to 2024 in order. The first is blurry with no clear subject. The last is sharp, focused, have a main subject and captured in the dark with a longer exposure. The takeaway is that we learn and improve when we reflect on our past work.

210628SkåneDSC_0581-2-Redigera-2_Skåne.jpg

210823NorgeDSC_1450-2_Norway First Time.jpg

230914Autumn Colors of the Arctic_DSC4964-Förbättrat-BR_untitled-2.jpg

Knowing you camera

There is now a considerable amount of information available surrounding the topic of photography. If you truly wish to evolve and progress as a photographer, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of your camera. This holds true whether you are using your smartphone or the latest, most expensive camera from a well-known and reputable brand. There are literally hundreds of settings in a new digital camera, and simply holding the manual in your hand can often feel overwhelming and daunting for many aspiring photographers.

Some people prefer to read manuals completely, while others dislike the idea of going through lengthy technical documents. As an engineer, I can read manuals easily, but it's not my preferred way to learn. I like many others, like to just pick the camera up and start pressing buttons. There is nothing wrong about that and its a fun way to learn and understand your limitations.

Why did my photos get blurry? Why are they so dark?

When you first start to “point and shoot” with your camera, you quickly begin to understand that it’s not quite as simple as it seems at first glance. Personally, I started my photographic journey in this same manner, feeling both excited and overwhelmed. As I encountered challenges, I turned to Google—our beloved friend in need—and began to read extensively all over the internet in an attempt to solve my various issues. During this exploration, I stumbled upon a number of successful photographers who shared their knowledge online, particularly on platforms like YouTube and blog post just like this one. They explained essential concepts such as shutter speed, aperture, and ISO in a manner that was easy to understand. By dissecting these concepts piece by piece and applying what I learned, I found myself taking new photos that were gradually slightly better than my previous attempts.

So find whatever way works best for you, and begin by using your camera in Auto mode; however, I would strongly suggest that you transition to manual mode sooner rather than later. In Auto mode, the camera does most of the work for you, which may seem logical for beginners, but this approach will not truly benefit you in your journey as a photographer. Trust me when I say that while Auto mode can be great in many situations, there are countless scenarios where it will simply fall short. For instance, techniques such as long exposure photography, capturing stunning astrophotography, or photographing those beautifully flowing waterfalls require a manual touch to truly shine.

Take aways:

Start using your camera immediately, knowing your photos won't be perfect at first.
Move away from Auto mode quickly.
Review your photos and focus on one issue at a time (like blurriness or darkness) to understand why it happened. Use resources like Google, blogs, forums, and YouTube. Take small steps.
Read the manual but focus on one topic related to your earlier observation. For example, learn how to reduce darkness using shutter speed. Once you grasp shutter speed, you can then understand how ISO and aperture work, and so on.
There is a difference in bulletpoint 3 and 4. Point 3 is about learning the concept behind it, what is shutterspeed and how does it impact my photos. Point 4 is about understanding your cameras settings related to shutterspeed for example.

Get the right gear

Next topic is gear. When you start to understand essential technical terms such as shutterspeed, aperture, and ISO, you soon begin to realize that some specific gear is not only essential but can also be incredibly handy in order to effectively achieve your photography goals. Moreover, venturing into camera gear is a completely new world of its own, filled with vast options and intricacies. However, it is important to note that this journey can become quite expensive very quickly. Almost all the time, it’s more cost-effective to invest in that expensive piece of kit the first time around, but I believe there is significant value in taking the longer route. Firstly, you may not yet be certain if this photography hobby of yours will persist over time, and spending a lot of money at this early stage does not make much sense in my opinion. Secondly, if you decide to buy something more budget-friendly, you will likely learn one or two valuable lessons: either that your chosen equipment is not up to the task, thereby highlighting the importance of quality gear, or that it performs admirably, effectively solving your photography problems. In both scenarios, you are gaining knowledge and experience, which is certainly beneficial for your photographic journey.

I am a gadget type of person; I truly love exploring new gadgets and technological innovations. However, I have also learned that approximately 75% of them are not necessary in any way to significantly improve the quality of the photos we take in the end. While these gadgets can be fun and even helpful at times, it is essential to remember that very few of them will actually assist you in capturing higher-quality images. Therefore, I will focus my attention on the select few pieces of equipment that I truly believe are essential for enhancing your photography skills, while leaving the rest for you to explore on your own.

Please read my separate blog post on gear here for more information about camera, lenses and other gear.

Take aways:

Cleaning kit - Regardless of all thing else, your camera will need some love. Dust on the glas of the lens or the camera sensor will appear faster than you can say “I am a happy camper” and ruin your photos. Even if dust spots is often easely removed in Lightroom/Photoshop its better to avoid them in the first place.
A cleaning kit will consist of a brush, cloth, air blower and some lens liquid.
Tripod - A tripod is critical when you reach the point when you like to get creative and have longer exposure times. I dont think you should rush to buy one day one, you will get to the point when you want one naturally so just wait for that to happen.
Remote trigger - Instead of pushing the trigger button on the camera itself you can trigger the camera to take a photo in other ways like a cable realeaser or wireless with help of your phone. The remote trigger goes hand in hand with the tripod.
Filters - Also goes hand in hand with the tripod, there are several types of filters out there but the most commonly used and used by me are:
- ND-filters: A piece of dark glass that blocks the light making you able to have longer shutterspeed.
- Polirization filter: A filter that removes reflections from underneath the camera such as reflections in water.
- Night polution filter: If you ever start taking photos at night light polution will be an issue. It will be seen as a glowing yellow light in the photo, this filter help remove some of that unwanted light.

Note: In the very begining a cleaning kit is all you need from Day 1. The rest will most likely follow naturally.

So many rules

When you are well on your journey as a photographer and you have diligently Googled most things related to your craft, you will inevitably come across all the photography rules that have been laid out by various experts. These soft rules, as I like to call them, focus not on hardware and materials but rather on the crucial aspects of composition or the careful framing of your subject. I must admit that I have never put much effort into strictly adhering to all of these rules. In reality, they can be quite challenging to follow for many reasons; one significant reason being that it is pretty darn difficult to physically move a mountain just to make it fit into one of these established guidelines.

With that said, i do follow some rules more or less without knowing it sometimes just because it actually makes the photo more appealing for reasons i have no idea about.

If you have no clue of what i am talking about let me give you an example. One very common rule is the “Rule of third”, which states the main subject in the photo should be placed 1/3 of center (Se photo below).

So in this photo i have both the tree and the boat in the cross section for 1/3 of the photo, this happens often without me paying attetion to it, it just make sence in many cases.

Rule of third Photography — Rule of third

Many of these well-established rules have been around for a surprisingly long time; in the particular case of the rule of thirds, it was first mentioned by John Thomas Smith in his influential book titled Remarks on Rural Scenery back in 1797. I don't doubt that some of these rules have a logical explanation regarding why they work effectively, but to be honest, I think a psychologist would be the most qualified person to articulate this, as it all fundamentally resides in our minds. The human brain is indeed amazing and is always striving to make sense of the vast array of input it receives from the world around us. Nevertheless, I believe it can be a good idea to learn about the most common rules and keep them in the back of your mind, so that you can pull them out from time to time when the situation calls for it. However, following these guidelines by heart, in my opinion, often results in stifling one's creativity and playfulness. And let's not forget the bizarre reality of 2024, when a banana duct-taped to a wall sold for an astounding 6.2 million USD, highlighting that creativity can take on many unconventional forms.

Below pictures downloaded for free at Pexels and Adobe Stock.

Rule of thirds

The rule of thirds suggests that images are more appealing when divided into thirds, like a tic-tac-toe grid. Place your main subjects along the lines or at the intersecting points of this grid. To keep balance, add a smaller, less important element in the empty space.

Rule of third - Main subject in cross of 1/3.

Natural framing

Using parts of the image to frame the main subject will help focus the viewer’s attention on it. These elements can also block out unwanted objects or provide context. Remember, you can use both natural and man-made elements as frames.

Center

Putting your subject in the middle of a photo can work well or not. Adding the right elements can make a plain image beautiful. You want to guide the viewer's focus to the center. Use symmetries, leading lines, natural frames, negative space, and minimalism to help. In close-up portraits, like corporate photos, centering the main eye makes the subject seem to look at you.

Lead-in lines

When we view an image, our eyes naturally follow the lines present. By focusing on these leading lines and how you arrange them in your composition, you can direct where the viewer looks. You can position various subjects along these lines or have a main subject at the end. This technique is especially effective for stunning landscape photos, as roads, rivers, paths, and clouds create excellent leading lines.

Negative space

Don't worry about adding a negative aspect to your photos. Negative space refers to the area around the main subject in your picture. Using a lot of negative space can create striking images that grab attention. However, our usual ideas about how scenes should look may lead to disappointing results. To improve your photos, focus on how well the negative and positive spaces complement each other.

empty space photography — Negative space - In this case a lot of white empty sky

Patterns

Repetition is a powerful way to create balanced and dynamic photos that convey peace. Filling the frame with patterns makes it seem like there are more elements, leading to a stronger image. Repetitive objects can also guide the viewer's eye to a main subject that stands out from the pattern. Adding a focal point that resembles the pattern but is different enhances the visual interest of the photo.

Golden ratio

The golden ratio is a complex photography rule, similar to the rule of thirds. It divides the image into nine sections, but the middle triangles are smaller. This rule can lead to more advanced techniques like the golden spiral and golden triangles. These concepts, based on Fibonacci’s numbers, have been used since before photography existed and appear in classic artworks like The Great Wave off Kanagawa, the Mona Lisa, and The Last Supper.

Symmetry

This type of composition is a great reason to ignore most of the rules listed. Everyone enjoys a perfectly balanced image, whether it’s natural, man-made, or a reflection. Look for symmetrical patterns in surprising areas to blend their natural beauty with an element of surprise. You can also use elements that aren’t identical but are very similar in color, shape, or texture.

Take aways:

Know the rules and keep them in mind, but don’t follow them blindly.

Editing photos

Editing photos has been a part of the photographic process for a long time. If we consider the history of photography, about 50 years ago, editing and manipulation were not as significant of an issue as they might be today. However, don't get me wrong; some form of altering photographs has been a practice that has existed for as long as photographers have taken pictures. Techniques like dodging and burning have been used in darkrooms, highlighting the artistry behind capturing a moment while still crafting the final image.

But with the advent of AI technology entering the scene, photo editing has been taken to a whole new level, and I think it’s important that we break down this fascinating topic a bit more in detail. First of all, there is really no rules against doing whatever you like when it comes to editing your photos. Well, of course there are certain laws and regulations to consider, but if we leave out the obvious illegal stuff in this post, it opens up a world of creative possibilities.

Manipulating vs Editing

Is there a difference? Yes and no, depending on who you ask. To me, editing means adjusting colors, exposure, and white balance. Manipulating involves adding, removing, or changing objects in a photo. I'm torn on this; I use AI to manipulate some images but feel unsure about it. Some people create entire images with AI, which I don’t consider photography. However, I do use AI to remove distractions like power lines, footprints, or branches that interfere with the viewer's focus. Is this right or wrong? Well i dont do work for National Geographic (Unfortunately) who have very strict rules about manipulating photos, i also dont to journalistic work where i feel the truth and nothing but the truth is key.

I strive to create stunning photos while diligently trying to capture the extraordinary beauty of nature in all its forms. If I find that I'm unable to achieve this vision, or if I recognize that I am not quite at the level of a skilled photographer, I will make it a point to remove any distracting elements that might detract from the overall composition. This way, I can ensure that my photographs truly reflect the magnificent landscapes around me. I personally always strive for having a photo as close to the real scene as possible, you as a viwer should get the same view as a did when the photo was taken.

Where you draw the line will be up to you completly, just be true to your self and others about your work.

If you shoot in RAW (Cameras native file format) remember the camera is designed to make the photo 18% grey.

This means it will NOT display the photo as reality displayed it, so some form of editing is essential regardless of what our view of editing/manipulation is. If you shoot in jpg the camera is already doing the editing for you, thats the reason mobile phones can take stunning photos today.

Below i have two photos taken just seconds apart, first photo is unedited and the second one is edited.

This was taken during a stunning sunset at the cost of Denmark.
As one can see in the first photo the skies lack all the golden light coming from a sunset and feels very doll and boring.

In the second one i have brought back the golden light to more truley reflect reality.

Most people choose between using free software for basic editing or more advanced tools like Lightroom or Photoshop. I use both Lightroom and Photoshop for different purposes, but you’ll likely enjoy any software, as long as your photos end up how the way you want them to.

Editing your photos also means you will look closely at each of your images, and in my opinion, that process will undoubtedly make you a better photographer over time. As you engage in this thoughtful evaluation, you will start to notice small details and nuances that could have been improved. This awareness will help you keep those insights in mind for your next photography session, enabling you to refine your skills and elevate the quality of your future work significantly.

I have also a post on however printing your photos will make you better, please read it here if interested.

Take aways:

Editing your photos helps you notice details, find mistakes, and learn for next time.
Find your own way and explore. Dont be afraid of changing your mind along the way.
The camera captures the image as 18% gray, rather than as it really is.

The best photo is the one been taken

Still here? Well, in that case, I will gladly share one final tip on how you can improve as a photographer. Regardless of how many blogs you read, videos you watch, or books you immerse yourself in, ultimately, the real growth happens when you pick up your camera and start taking photos. Seek out opportunities to capture images in any way possible; whether it’s photographing your beloved dog, your energetic kids, or simply planning a delightful day at the beach, every moment counts. For those stunning sunrise photos you aspire to take, I must regretfully inform you that you need to be there before the sun even begins to rise. It can indeed be quite challenging to wake up early or return home late after a long day of shooting. The comfort of your sofa will always be waiting for you, so try to let go of that temptation, at least for a few hours, to truly experience the beauty that awaits outside and improve your craft.

At first, it was tough to wake up for sunrise photos. In Sweden, where the sun rises around 4 AM during summer meant waking up at 2:30 AM and driving an hour to my favorite spot. I often failed, arriving only to see clouds blocking the horizon. However, I learned that if this happens, find something else to shoot. Walk in the woods, photograph sand patterns, or simply enjoy nature. Accept that you'll have many off days before getting a great one.

On my photography trips, I usually take 300 to 1000 photos. I might choose 30 of those, and I'm really happy with about 10. This is normal; if it were easy, everyone would have amazing photos on their walls. The main thing is to get out and do photography and accept most of your photos will not be stunning, not right away

Inspiration

Inspiration can be found everywhere but still so hard to embrace, find a photographer you really like and follow that person, its easy to copy and there is nothing wrong with that as long as you eventually find your own way.

Personally, I have found immense inspiration in the work of Nigel Danson and Mads Peter Iversen, two talented photographers whom I hold in high regard and whose photography I genuinely love. They offer a wealth of knowledge through their numerous YouTube videos, engaging online courses, and insightful workshops that invite all photographers to embrace their creative potential. I truly cannot recommend them highly enough for anyone seeking to elevate their skills and understanding of landscape photography.

I've learned that the best photos often happen when you least expect them. Many of my favorite shots were taken when I wasn't anticipating anything—when I felt tired, the weather was bad, or the location seemed dull. Here are four photos I took without expecting anything in return.

It was dark, cold and i was home alone when i decided to go out and try astro photography. Not the best photo in the world but i captured a nice circular ring of stars, northern lights and a metoer shower in ONE shoot. Or its actually a stacked photo but thats for a time and place to discuss.
Driving back from Norway early in the morning i passed a parking lot and just got that tingeling feeling. Stopped the car and realized i could not drive in the lot due to snow and ice. I had 9 hours before getting back home but i still decided to park further down the road and walked in -7C to capture a stunning sunrise in a winter wonderland. I could easily just kept driving in the comfort of my warm car, but i didnt. I took a chance and it paid of.
I was driving past a spot where I saw pools of water that would make a great photo i thought. I hesitated but my friend was up for the challange and we parked the car. There was snow above my knees, and it was -13 degrees. I stopped to take pictures and loved the magical vibe of the blue landscape.
A friend and I were disappointed after a photo trip and decided to head home the next morning. We slept in tents, enduring -14C (you need to handle the cold in the north). It was pitch black by 3:30 PM, but we decided to take a drive since we couldn't sleep yet. We captured beautiful astrophotography in a snowy landscape at 1100m altitude. Out of pure boredom we took the car for a ride, and ended up with some of the best photos of the whole trip.