It took a long time for me to actually consider myself a landscape photographer. I knew that I enjoyed it and I thought that I was pretty good at it, but everyone else that I followed was so much better. I started off exploring my local area around Mountain Home, Idaho. After taking hundreds of photos, I'd come away with some that I thought were really cool. 

Bennett Mountain, Mountain Home, IdhaoOne of my early landscape photos that I thought was good.

Sunset over Mountain Home, IdhaoPhoto I took of the sun setting over Mountain Home, Idaho from Teapot Dome.

I can see now that these pictures have a lot of issues when it comes to image quality, composition, proper exposure, and post processing. That being said, the excitement at the time kept me inspired to keep trying. I put in hours and hours learning as much as I possibly could about photography. I learned how to shoot in manual mode and get away from auto so that I could control what the image looked like. I learned the importance of light when it comes to landscape photography. I learned different rules of composition and how to use them...or break them. Over time my photography began to improve and I was coming away with better images. 

South Fork Boise RiverOne of my first intentional uses of leading lines and frame within a frame.

Still, not being satisfied with my results, I continued to learn and practice. After years of enjoying and exploring this new hobby I feel confident to call myself a landscape photographer.

Stanley Lake, IdahoMcGown Peak reflecting on Stanley Lake, Idaho.

I'm looking forward to continually learning and growing in this field. I hope that if you're reading this and you are "struggling" through a process or learning a new skill, that you will be inspired to keep moving forward.

God Bless!

~Randy

Gear I used:

Canon T3i - https://amzn.to/2ClxaF5

Canon EF-S 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 - https://amzn.to/2pWleCd

Dolica Tripod - https://amzn.to/2CMGNhb

ICE 77mm Circular Polarizer Filter - https://amzn.to/2RVzJDl

ICE 77mm 10-Stop ND Filter - https://amzn.to/2pWnnxL

Gear I wish I used:

Canon 5d Mark iv - https://amzn.to/2q47DsV

Canon 24-70 f/2.8L II - https://amzn.to/2CSe3Ue

The above items are Amazon affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase any of these items I will get a small commission.