Three Common Mistakes in Landscape Photography – and How to Avoid Them

Landscape photography is all about capturing breathtaking moments – majestic mountains, wide valleys, or moody forests. But even in the most stunning locations, your photos can end up looking flat or uninspired if you overlook a few basics.
In the Swiss Alps, we tested three typical mistakes – and here’s how you can avoid them next time.

The scenery might be incredible, but if you shoot at midday under harsh sunlight, the results often look flat and lifeless. We tried it out: the same scene looks dull at noon, but in the evening it’s bathed in soft, golden light.
The fix is simple but crucial: shoot during early morning or late afternoon. Especially during the so-called golden hours, your photos will have more depth, mood, and natural color – instantly leveling up your landscape shots.

Another common mistake: just pointing the camera at “the view.” The result? A photo without a clear focal point – the viewer’s eye wanders aimlessly, looking for something to hold on to.
On our hike, we found two trees that worked perfectly as visual anchors. They gave the image structure, depth, and a clear center of attention. Whether it’s a house, a mountain, a person, or a tree – a strong focal point makes your landscape photos far more engaging and memorable.

The third mistake happens before you even take a shot: not doing your homework. If you just head out without planning, you might end up with bad light, poor weather, or the wrong timing.
You can easily avoid that: check the weather forecast, look up the sun’s position, and note sunrise and sunset times. That way, you’ll massively increase your chances of being in the right place at the right time – and your photos will capture the mood they deserve.

Landscape photography is all about timing, observation, and preparation. Once you start paying attention to light, adding a clear visual anchor, and planning ahead, you’ll notice your shots become not just prettier – but also more meaningful.

Check out our video to see these three mistakes side by side – and how to fix them: