At different times in this blog, Peter has shared his tips on shooting landscapes from a technical perspective. He’s also talked about equipment: the importance of a tripod, protective gear, etc. But one of the biggest things that has lifted Peter into the stratosphere of landscape photography is his aesthetic sensibility....

In “Focal Points” we’ve spoken about a number of things that can help improve your confidence as a photographer. We thought we’d round things out with a few final tips. Join a Photography Club This is a great way to get peer support, trade ideas, find a shoot buddy, and see what equipment other photographers are using. It’s like having...

You’ve been out to your favorite location, away from the masses, out in nature, having a great day shooting landscapes. As you hit the road to head back from your trip you feel pretty good about what you’ve captured. There’s just one problem: When you get home and unpack, you find you’ve left your tripod back out there… somewhere....

One of the most common hurdles that many young or novice photographers face is self-consciousness. When shooting amongst people – or in any location where they might be observed – some photographers feel very uncomfortable, and this added tension can cause them to rush their shot and not get exactly what they were after....

Every week, we field dozens of questions and requests for Peter. They reflect the intense following he has as well as the wide array of experience levels of his admirers. The question that is asked most is “What can I do to become a successful landscape photographer?” – or something along those lines. It is, at once, a simple and...

For a few Thursdays we’re devoting “Focal Points” to the issue of gaining confidence as a photographer. Today we discuss self-criticism. In any field of endeavor, self-criticism is important. You have to be realistic about what you’re doing: what works and what doesn’t. After all, if you can’t critique your own work, you don’t really have a basis for improvement....

Safari: a journey or expedition, for hunting, exploration, or investigation, especially in eastern Africa; any long or adventurous journey or expedition. No, we’re not going to tell you to head to the Dark Continent to up your confidence, although holding your ground to snap a charging rhino would test your mettle. What we have in mind, well, let’s just say:...

Today we continue our Focal Points miniseries on confidence for photographers. Any of you who follow Peter’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/PeterLik#!/PeterLik) will know that we’ve started a new activity there that’s open to everyone. Each Friday we’re posting a theme around which our Facebook friends can go out and take photos for, then post their shots on the page the following...

We sat around the campfire here at LIK HQ and decided that confidence is a huge part of being a successful photographer. Confident on several levels. So we’ve decided to run a miniseries in Focal Points on Thursdays to address the issue....

By Adrian Zupp Whether you photograph for fun, work professionally, or are looking to break into the pro ranks, a portfolio of your work is something you really should have. These days, it’s fine to have a digital portfolio, but you really should have the old-fashioned kind too: prints in a presentation book. There is [...]...

“Tips for Shooting Yosemite” is actually a pretty bold title? Why? Because there are countless things to photograph. Virtually anywhere you point your camera – wow! – another great scene. Throw in the mind-boggling diversity that the seasons bring (e.g. incredible waterfalls with the spring melt), the tricks and delights that the light plays (throughout the valley in particular), and...

The Grand Canyon isn’t just big, it’s mammoth. There are countless places to shoot it from and different ways to compose your shot. But what makes for a great Grand Canyon shot? How do you harness this beast? “That was one of the first questions I wrestled with when I started shooting the Grand Canyon years ago,” said Peter. “What...

Shooting in Alaska is a different experience. The extremes of climate, the latitudes, the light, the isolation. Research and preparation are key. And so is knowing the critical tips for taking great shots of The Last Frontier. Here are some that will help any photographer: 1. Research climate regions for the locations you’ll be visiting. Believe it or not, there...

You’ve decided you want to shoot the wonders of Alaska. You’ve got plenty of supplies, your satellite phone and top-notch cold weather boots. But have you got all your camera gear? The days and nights will be sub-zero out in the wilds. Yep, you’re going to need spare camera batteries. “The first tip is to make sure all the batteries...

When you tune into tonight’s episode of “From the Edge with Peter Lik” (“California Coast”) you’ll see an interesting scene. Peter stops at Big Sur for some killer coastal shots. But when he got there he was faced with fog as thick as pea soup. “I had researched that trip and that shoot like I do every one,” said Peter....

In yesterday’s “It’s In the Bag” we looked at how ND filters can help get those great long-exposure shots of waterfalls. For today’s “Focal Points,” Peter chipped in with some added thoughts about long exposures. AZ: We covered ND filters in “It’s In the Bag” yesterday and touched on why long exposures are important for the way Peter Lik wants...

Natural arches litter America’s Southwest and make spectacular photography subjects. But anyone who has looked at multiple arch shots, knows that there is a vast difference between one that’s ordinary and one that really captures the imagination. AZ: What makes for a great arch shot? PL: Well, put it this way, I always tell people that it’s not what you...

Death Valley is one of the fiercest, yet most intriguing, environments on the planet. But you can’t just head out there and hope everything will work out. That’s the fast route to trouble. Here Peter talks about filming for “From the Edge with Peter Lik” in Death Valley and involved when the heat is on. AZ: Last week’s episode was...

It’s called the Big Sky state and Montana does have that wide-open feel to it. But it could also be called the Big Cold state when the winter months hit. And that’s when Peter was up there filming tonight’s episode of “From the Edge with Peter Lik.” AZ: Tonight’s episode is called “Winter Extremes.” Is that an appropriate title? PL:...

Slot canyons can provide the opportunity to shoot photographs that are (almost literally) out of this world. But getting them is no mere walk in the wilderness. I sat down with Peter and asked him why and what it takes to “get the shot” down there. AZ: Tonight on “From the Edge with Peter Lik” you go and shoot at...

He may be the premier terra firma photographer on the planet, but Peter has also turned his lens skyward from time to time to capture some amazing shots of the stars. I sat down with him to find out a few of the key things that you should remember when taking aim at the night sky. 1. Location, location, location:...

This week I sat down with Peter to ask him why he’s such an early riser when he’s out on shoots. As you’ll see, it’s one of the keys to his success. AZ: You often talk about getting up very early to get a shot. Why do you do that? PL: It’s mainly to do with the light. I love...

Welcome to “Focal Points: Tips From the Master,” our latest addition to the Peter Lik blog. Posted every Thursday, this series is intended to help beginner and intermediate photographers improve their skills. There’s something new on the Peter Lik blog every day, so keep checking back! Spring Break is approaching and summer will be here before you know it. So...