Why I Quit Landscape Photography

In 2009 I took up a new hobby — landscape photography. Around this time, HDR photography was gaining popularity online. And I became mesmerised with the vivid fantasy-like images of photographers such as Trey Ratcliff.

After spending countless hours researching the HDR process, I decided to give it a go. So I purchased my first DSLR camera, wide angle lens and tripod, and headed off to the Belfast Hills. There I stood in awe at a gorgeous sunset scene before I recaptured my focus, and snapped 3 bracketed exposures. Afterwards, I returned home to learn how to process my first HDR photograph.

I fell in love. In love with the thrill of exploring nature, on the hunt for the ideal scene to shoot. And in love with the process of editing a shot to perfection.

In hindsight, my first attempt had many issues, but I had adored every part of the journey to get there.

Over the next 8 years, I constantly strived to create a better HDR image. I’d read up on composition techniques before returning turning to the field to try them out. I’d upgrade my equipment to improve the image quality. I’d listen to feedback and gradually tone down my over-the-top HDR output. I’d research the best locations in Ireland and head off sometimes for days on the hunt for the perfect scene.

And to me it was all well worth it, I could see my work improve over time.

Yet over the last couple of years, I’ve taken less-and-less landscapes photographs. Leading me to today — where I don’t really take any. Sure I take the odd snap on my phone, but my camera stays at home in its bag.

Why did I quit?

Recently I’ve been pondering why I stopped. Considering various possible explanations:

• Mobile phone photography had progressed far enough that you don’t need a DSLR anymore.
• Everyone takes photos now, so it’s lost its appeal.
• I explored every part of Ireland and lost the joy of discovering a new place.
• I felt my time was better spent elsewhere, as it wasn’t contributing to any ultimate goal.

Yet to truly determine why, I had to drill deeper, and contemplate why I took up photography in the first place.

I had never desired to become a professional landscape photographer, for me, it was an escape — a hobby. After sitting with the question for a while I found my answer. What I loved the most was the journey of learning to create the best image I could.

Sadly I had come to a point where I’d achieved a level of ability I was happy with. The path to progress further was no longer as clear. Sure I could keep going – I am by no means anywhere near the level of the worlds best landscape photographers. But the quest to improve this particular skill no longer appealed me.

Instead, I found myself starting to fill my free time with a new hobby. And in a way, it’s the same hobby — learning.

Why I’m focused on learning

I’ve discovered a love for expanding my worldview. That means I’m not focused on learning any one thing. Instead, I’m approaching what to learn with an open mind. By doing so I’ve found I’m gaining new perspectives — and that new ideas and possibilities are opening up to me.

One day I might choose to focus in again on one interest as I did with landscape photography. But for now, I’m happy spreading my wings across a variety of new things.

While sometimes I do find it sad that I’ve stopped something that was a big part of my adult life. I’m still happy with my choice to pursue new interests. I’m exploring again, just in a different way.

Are you focused on the right things?

I recommend doing the following thought exercise. Sit and examine why you’re pursuing your own interests. If you discover a pursuit isn’t yet complete — great, keep going! But if it’s no longer providing the value it once did. Consider finding something else and starting a journey to learn something new. You might find it as refreshing and rewarding as I have.