Looking to speed up your post-processing with some Photoshop shortcuts?
Working in Photoshop can be quite time-consuming, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced editor. That’s why, in this article, we share our top 35 shortcut keys – so you can adjust tools, layers, and more with the press of a button.
We start with simple Photoshop shortcuts; these commands are commonly used and easy to pull off. Then we get into intermediate and advanced shortcuts, which require a bit more dexterity but are still worth learning!
Note: If you’re not used to using keyboard shortcuts with Photoshop, they might seem a bit fiddly at first. Like learning to touch type, the more you practice, the easier it becomes, and the less you have to think about where you are putting your fingers. Learning to use Photoshop shortcut keys takes time, but you can easily break it down and learn a few at a time.
Ready to double (or quadruple) your Photoshop workflow speed? Let’s get started!
1. Select the Hand tool
The shortcut: The H key
The Hand tool lets you pan around a zoomed-in image. Use it to check for blemishes, evaluate sharpness, and move from one end of the photo to the other.
2. Select the Zoom tool
The shortcut: The Z key
The Zoom tool lets you zoom in with a single click. Use it to inspect your file for quality issues and to check composited areas for realistic placement.
3. Zoom in and out
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd++ and Ctrl/Cmd–
Repeatedly tap the + and – keys while viewing a file in Photoshop, and the window will zoom in and zoom out, respectively (without changing your current tool).
4. Fit to screen
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+0
This quick-and-dirty command fits your photo to the screen so you can view the image as a whole and check your overall editing progress.
5. Cycle through screen modes
The shortcut: The F key
Use this Photoshop shortcut to switch between the normal screen, the full screen with a taskbar but without a title bar, and the full screen with a black background. It works great when used in conjunction with Tab to hide the toolbars; that way, you get maximum working space and no distractions.
6. Undo an edit
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+Z
We all make little mistakes. Use the Undo command to remove errors, such as a misplaced brush stroke or a clone job gone wrong.
7. Hide and show palettes
The shortcut: The Tab key
Sometimes, the Photoshop interface can get too cluttered. Press the Tab key to hide all palettes; that way, you can concentrate on the image you’re editing. Plus, it’ll give you extra room to work!
8. Select the Brush tool
The shortcut: The B key
The Brush tool lets you dodge and burn, add artificial color, and mask out edits. Use it whenever you need to selectively adjust a part of your photo.
9. Use the Brush tool crosshairs
The shortcut: Caps Lock
Need a bit more precision when brushing? With the Brush Tool selected, if you tap the Caps Lock key, the cursor will transform into crosshairs. This allows you to position your Brush more effectively.
(It’s also a good shortcut to know how to undo! If you inadvertently turned the crosshairs on while using the Brush tool, you may wonder what’s happened; just hit Caps Lock again, and your normal cursor will reappear.
10. Decrease the Brush size
The shortcut: The [ key
When working with the Brush tool, you’ll often need to get into tighter spots. Tap the [ key as many times as you need to progressively shrink the Brush size.
11. Increase the Brush size
The shortcut: The ] key
This is the opposite of the Photoshop shortcut featured above. If you need to expand the Brush size, tap the ] key. Then use the Brush to paint over large swathes of your photo.
12. Decrease the Brush softness
The shortcut: Shift+[
Need a harder brush for masking along fine edges? Use this command to harden your Brush edge by 25%.
13. Increase the Brush softness
The shortcut: Shift+]
If you’re masking along rougher edges, use a soft Brush. This command will instantly increase softness by 25%.
14. Swap foreground and background colors
The shortcut: The X key
The left-hand toolbar will show your foreground and background colors. By default, these are white (background) and black (foreground), but if you want to switch them – which I use all the time when dodging and burning, as well as when working with masks – just use this helpful shortcut.
15. Reset your foreground and background colors
The shortcut: The D key
If you change your foreground and background colors, you can always force things back to normal with this easy shortcut. It’ll reset your foreground and background colors to black and white, respectively.
16. Adjust tool opacity
The shortcut: 0 to 1 (the numerical keys)
When using the Brush tool or the Clone Stamp tool, you may wish to adjust the opacity for subtle (or not-so-subtle) effects. Simply press the number keys to set the opacity to any value between 1 and 100. Note that pressing one number will give you a multiple of 10 (so hit 4 to set an opacity of 40%), while pressing two numbers in quick succession will give you a precise value (so hit 4 then 3 to set an opacity of 43%).
17. Adjust tool flow
The shortcut: Shift+0 to 1 (the numerical keys)
This works just like the opacity shortcut above, but with the Shift key held down. Use it to subtly dodge and burn, paint a light mask, and more.
18. Select the next point on a Curves graph
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+Tab
When working on a Curves graph, you can place multiple points and adjust them accordingly (using the Up and Down arrow keys). However, if you wish to select an already-placed point for adjustment, you may struggle to click without accidentally moving the point’s position. This shortcut lets you hop to the next point, make adjustments with the arrow keys, and so on.
19. Create a new layer (with the dialog box)
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+N
Want to quickly create a new layer? This shortcut will instantly bring up the New Layer dialog box – where you can customize the layer to your liking – and place a new layer on top of your active layer.
20. Create a new layer (without the dialog box)
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+Alt/Opt+Shift+N
If you’d prefer to skip the layer creation dialog box, use this command to place a new layer directly on top of the active layer.
21. Copy the merged layers
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+C
If you’re working with several layers and need to copy the entire project to your clipboard, simply press these keys. You’ll get a merged copy of the file sent to your clipboard, which you can then paste into a new layer or file.
Note that the command only works if you first make a selection of the image (use Ctrl/Cmd+A to select all); otherwise, you’ll get a copy of nothing.
22. Duplicate the layer
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+J
Need to duplicate a background layer or increase the intensity of an adjustment? You can always duplicate an existing active layer with this easy shortcut. Note that if you’ve already made a selection, this command will only copy the selected area to the new layer.
23. Stamp all visible layers
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+Alt/Opt+Shift+E
This command will copy all visible layers, merge them, and add them as a new layer to your layer stack. It’s basically the same as the copy-merge command (see above), except it places the copy directly in the layer stack.
24. Group layers
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+G
This command groups selected layers under a single folder (which you can then name). In my experience, it’s pretty handy when you’re working with a lot of different layers you need to keep organized. It can also be a useful way to apply a mask to several layers at once.
Adding Shift to this shortcut will ungroup layers when the grouped layer is selected.
25. Fill the layer with the foreground color
The shortcut: Alt/Opt+Backspace
Looking for a quick way to fill in a layer? Use this shortcut to fill the layer with the current foreground color. To fill an empty layer with the current foreground or background color use Alt + Delete or Option + Backspace on the Mac to fill the layer with the Foreground color.
26. Fill the layer with the background color
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+Backspace
This one’s the same as above, but with a slight adjustment so you can fill your layer with the background color.
27. Enable/disable the layer mask
The shortcut: Shift+Click
When working with masks, you may want to see the before and after effects. Disabling the mask – with this shortcut – allows you to check the results of your dodging and burning, your color grading adjustments, and so much more.
28. Toggle mask visibility
The shortcut: Alt/Opt+Click
This Photoshop command will show you the selected mask as a grayscale image; that way, you can see what you’re working with. It can be especially useful if you have areas that need to be filled in or smoothed out, but you’re not quite sure where they are.
29. Select all
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+A
This one is pretty standard – use it to create a selection around the entire canvas.
30. Load a mask as a selection
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+Click
If you first create a mask, this shortcut will immediately select the white part of the mask (while grays will be partially selected). It’s very useful if you want to duplicate a mask or its inverse.
Note: Using this Photoshop shortcut on a layer without a mask will select the non-transparent pixels in that layer.
31. Hide selection lines
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+H
When working with selections, use this command to hide the marching ants from the screen while keeping the selection intact.
32. Invert the selection
The shortcut: Shift+Ctrl/Cmd+I
If you’ve already made a selection, use this command to select the opposite of your selection. This is also a good Photoshop shortcut to use when working with masks.
33. Deselect the current selection
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+D
After working with your selection, use this combo to discard it! (This is one I use constantly!)
34. Reselect the last selection
The shortcut: Shift+Ctrl/Cmd+D
This will restore the last active selection. It is super helpful if you deselect an element and then notice something else you need to alter.
35. Show all Photoshop keyboard shortcuts
The shortcut: Ctrl/Cmd+Alt/Opt+Shift+K
Worried you might forget one of these shortcuts? Don’t be! You can always use this simple command to bring up the keyboard shortcut Help dialog, which displays literally every shortcut Photoshop offers.
Additional resources with helpful Photoshop shortcuts
I’ve been using Photoshop on a near-daily basis for the better part of a decade now. Over the years, I’ve picked up a ton of shortcuts, and I wanted to share some of my all-time favorites with you. These are the ones that rocked my world when I learned them, and if they’re new to you, I’m confident they’ll have the same effect!
Correction from the video: For the brush resizing trick, the PC instructions I gave didn’t seem to be working for most users. The correct translation (this is for PC users only) is to hold down the Alt key, then click and drag using the right mouse key. If you’re on a pen tablet, use whatever button you have set for the right-click.
Well? Is your mind blown!? The brush resize and zoom shortcuts seriously changed my life when I learned them. I can’t tell you how many years I spent right-clicking to change brush hardness and fumbling with bracket keys to resize the brush.
Photoshop shortcuts: final words
Hopefully, you appreciated at least a handful of these shortcuts! So memorize them – and incorporate them into your own workflow.
Now over to you:
Did I miss any critical Photoshop shortcut commands? Which do you use? And which of these commands do you plan to use regularly? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What’s the best tripod for landscape photography you can buy today? When considering the perfect landscape tripod, there are literally hundreds of products to choose from – the tricky part is narrowing down all the options to find one that’s right for you!
This guide will help you wade through the various tripods on the market to find the one that fits your needs. Of course, as with many aspects of photography, it’s difficult to offer a single best tripod to purchase for capturing landscapes. It depends on your goals, your gear, and whether features like budget and portability matter more than height and durability.
I would, however, caution you against getting a very inexpensive, do-it-all model like the kind you might find at a local department store or online retailer for $25-$50 USD. These tripods might seem good, and some have long lists of features, but they are often made with cheap materials that will not hold your camera steady and will break very quickly. So if you’re after a genuinely good tripod for landscape photography, scour this list; you’re certain to find a much better option that suits your needs.
(Also, if you want to learn when you should use a tripod for the best landscape images – and how you should work with a tripod for pro-level results – make sure to read all the way to the end!)
When Peak Design released its Travel Tripod in 2019, it sent shockwaves through the photography community. The tripod was (and is!) small, light, and incredibly versatile, which made it appealing to a wide range of photographers.
All was not sunshine and roses, and shutterbugs quickly took note of some important downsides. This new tripod was expensive, limited in certain ways, and included some highly unconventional design choices. But despite the drawbacks, the Peak Design Travel Tripod earns my recommendation as the absolute best tripod for landscape photography you can buy.
I have used this tripod extensively, from mountaintops in the southwest United States to remote hiking locales along the USA-Canada border, and there’s simply nothing else like it. Its diminutive size when fully collapsed, coupled with the extremely low weight, is a boon to landscape photographers who value quality as well as portability. The built-in ball head is flexible, the legs are stable, and with the center column extended, the entire package is nearly as tall as any other tripod on this list.
I wouldn’t recommend the Peak Design Travel Tripod for use with ultra-heavy cameras, since the thin (but very strong) construction can’t quite keep up when you start attaching pounds of gear. But for most landscape photographers, this tripod hits the sweet spot between size, features, and portability.
Pros
Outstanding portability
Highly flexible
Lots of little design touches, like the phone holder tucked into the center column
Cons
The carbon fiber version is very expensive
Not as tall as other tripods
Not designed for very heavy camera/lens combinations
If you’re a landscape photographer on a budget, you can’t go wrong with the Benro MeFOTO Roadtrip. It’s not as compact or versatile as other items on this list, but it offers amazing flexibility – especially considering the price.
The legs fold up around the ball head to save space, and you can lock them into several positions during setup. The center column makes it easy to adjust your landscape photography framing along the vertical axis, and it extends the overall height of this tripod to 61 in (157 cm), which should suit the needs of many landscape photographers reasonably well.
The legs each have a series of twist-lock mechanisms to extend the sections and keep them in place. I’m personally not a big fan of this style and instead prefer the clip-lock or twist-lock systems found on other tripods, but again, the main point of this tripod is to serve a more budget-conscious audience.
One nice feature is the ability to convert it to a true monopod by removing a leg and attaching it to the center column, though that’s not highly relevant for landscape shooters. It does speak to the overall versatility of this tripod, and for photographers who want one inexpensive option for landscapes plus other situations, the Benfro MeFOTO Roadtrip is a solid choice.
Pros
Inexpensive
Flexible
Can be converted to a monopod
Includes a nice ball head
Cons
Not as tall as other options
Twist-lock extension mechanisms aren’t to everyone’s liking
3. Manfrotto MT190XPRO3 with Manfrotto 496 Center Ball Head (Best semi-professional landscape tripod)
There’s a bit of a paradox with camera gear: the more you spend, the less you get. Whereas many less expensive tripods come with everything you need to go out and start shooting, higher-end tripods often come as two separate pieces: legs and heads. The Manfrotto MT190XPRO3 is an outstanding set of tripod legs, but it also needs a head, and for that I recommend the 496 Center Ball Head.
The Manfrotto legs aren’t small and light so they might not be the first choice for travelers, but they are strong, sturdy, and tall enough to give you unique landscape photos you can’t get with shorter tripods. The legs can be locked into several positions, and adjustments are quick and easy thanks to the clip-lock leg extensions. My favorite feature is the center column adjustment, which lets you extend the column and then reposition it horizontally to capture photos in entirely new ways.
The 496 Center Ball Head refines the design Manfrotto has used for years, and while it doesn’t offer anything particularly revolutionary, it does give you stability and impressive ease of use. Large, chunky knobs let you easily reposition the ball head and then lock it firmly in place, and it’s designed to hold over 20 pounds of gear.
Bottom line: This setup is great for landscape shooters who use professional-grade cameras and lenses and don’t trust their gear to a flimsy support system.
Pros
Sturdy
Easy to adjust ball head position
Simple but effective leg-locking mechanisms
Cons
Bulky and not ideal for backpacking
Not as tall as other tripods
4. Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler (Best professional tripod for landscape photographers)
For landscape photographers who want a no-compromise solution to the tripod problem, it’s hard to beat the Gitzo GT2545T Series 2 Traveler. It’s small, lightweight, extends to over five feet, and is designed to take a beating.
Gitzo has made a name for itself in the photography community as a maker of tough, reliable gear for the most demanding situations, and this tripod is no exception. While it’s not quite as small and compact as the Peak Design Travel Tripod, it folds down small enough to fit in most backpacks or suitcases, and the carbon fiber construction keeps it lightweight for hiking out to your favorite landscape photography spots.
This tripod frequently comes paired with a ball head, but you’re free to just buy the legs and choose your own head to fit your needs. However, the often included ball head is great for landscape photographers and one I strongly recommend. Its huge knobs are easy to loosen and tighten, and the head can be moved into nearly any position you need. Unlike some less expensive ball heads, this one is coated with a special material to minimize sticking – perfect for photographers who shoot in inclement weather.
Pros
Extremely high-quality build
Very lightweight but capable of supporting large cameras and lenses
Folds down small for portability
Cons
Expensive
Not as compact as others on this list
Height is decent when fully extended, but not outstanding
5. JOBY TelePod Pro (Best tabletop tripod for landscape photography)
Large tripods that extend high up into the air are great for capturing nature and landscape shots, but sometimes you just need something small and versatile. And if you prioritize compactness over everything else, I recommend the JOBY TelePod Pro.
Designed for small setups like a consumer-grade DSLR or mirrorless camera paired with a lightweight lens, this tripod folds down smaller than a water bottle so you can literally take it anywhere. It has sturdy, rubberized feet and a fairly unique design element: an extendable center column instead of extendable legs. This comes at the cost of stability but helps maintain the outstanding size and portability.
Of course, with the JOBY TelePod Pro, it’s important to keep expectations firmly in check. It’s almost like a selfie stick with three feet, and that makes it unappealing for a lot of longtime landscape photographers. But for those new to this type of photography, or people who don’t have big cameras and lenses, the TelePod Pro is just about perfect.
Pros
Inexpensive
Incredibly compact
Highly portable
Easy to use in a wide range of landscape situations
Cons
Not ideal for large cameras
Extending center column design limits overall stability
In landscape photography, wind, snow, rain, dirt, dust, extreme heat, and cold are all par for the course – and in such conditions, it helps to have a tripod that will never let you down. That’s where the Feisol Elite Tripod comes in.
It’s a great option for those who value build quality and durability over all else, thanks in part to thick legs capable of holding over 60 pounds, which eclipses just about everything else in its class. The carbon-fiber construction results in a high price tag but a reasonable weight, which is great if you’ll be carrying this on your back or over your shoulder for long distances.
While not as versatile as some other options on this list, the Feisol Elite Tripod does have one key advantage: its size. It’s certainly no tiny, compact device like the Joby TelePod Pro. The Feisol Elite Tripod is approximately two feet long when folded, and it reaches a towering height of nearly six feet to help you get the shots that other landscape photographers can only dream about.
The Manfrotto MK055XPRO3-3W tripod packs everything but the proverbial kitchen sink. Yes, it’s large and definitely not appropriate for long hikes or tromping around through the backcountry, but if you’re a landscape photographer who wants to buy one single tripod that includes everything you need for rock-solid stability, this one is it.
You won’t get a carbon fiber build, and good luck stuffing this beast in a backpack – but it is rock solid, has easy-to-use flip locks to extend the legs, and reaches a stratospheric height of more than 72 inches. It will handle any situation you can throw at it as long as you’re able to lug it to your location.
While you can customize this tripod with a different ball head, the included 3-way pan/tilt head is excellent for landscape photography. It offers a more careful, considered approach than the knob-turning of other ball heads, and the large adjustment handles connect you to the tripod in a way that I really like. As with other high-end Manfrotto tripods, the center column can be repositioned horizontally for even greater maneuverability.
Pros
Great compromise between features, flexibility, and price
Sturdy, supportive legs
Can extend over six feet
Cons
Included pan/tilt head is not suited for everyone
Not very portable
Load limit is good but not great considering the size
8. Vanguard Alta Pro 263AP (Most flexible tripod)
The Vanguard Alta Pro 263AP is an excellent option for landscape photographers who want advanced features at a much more reasonable price point than Gitzo or Feisol tripods. It’s relatively compact – though not as diminutive as the Peak Design Travel Tripod – and extends to a very respectable 70 inches. The center column can be positioned in a variety of ways, and the ball head can be rotated and repositioned in almost every manner imaginable.
What I really like about this tripod for landscape photography are the little touches that make your shooting experience just a little more pleasant. The feet have metal tips for maximum stability (and while they might not seem especially useful, you’d be surprised how often they come in handy when you’re shooting in the great outdoors!). The center column can be repositioned while also adjusting its height, allowing you a near-unprecedented level of versatility.
And while some photographers would rather have a more traditional ball head, I do appreciate the large, easy-to-use handles that let you adjust pan, tilt, and rotation separately. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this tripod to most photographers, as it is well-suited to almost any photographic situation.
Pros
Relatively inexpensive compared to some others on this list
Highly versatile
Great for a variety of situations, not just landscapes
Cons
Included tripod head is not to everyone’s liking
Not very small when collapsed
9. Joby GorillaPod with smartphone mount (Best tripod for smartphone landscape photography)
It’s often said that the best camera is the one you have with you, and for many people, that means their mobile phone. Extend that maxim just a bit, and we might say that the best tripod is the one you have with you. For landscape photographers who rely on their smartphone to create landscape images, this tiny Joby tripod is one that I’m always happy to recommend. Its unique wraparound legs let you capture stable images on just about any surface imaginable, and the entire tripod can be wrapped around objects, including trees, fence posts, benches, and more.
While I wouldn’t recommend a GorillaPod to anyone who shoots with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, it’s ideal for mobile phone shooters. The tripod will sit firmly in place with a phone attached, and the ball head is great for repositioning your phone to get your shot just right. It’s small, light, highly portable, and comes at a very reasonable price.
If you shoot landscapes with your mobile phone, there’s almost no reason not to get this tripod. And despite some limitations, it’s a great solution and a welcome addition to your gear kit.
How to choose the perfect landscape photography tripod
A tripod is an essential piece of equipment for a landscape photographer. Sure, you won’t always need to use it. But you’ll find yourself in situations where it can help you capture a high-quality image you wouldn’t be able to get otherwise.
But how do you choose the right tripod? There are hundreds (if not thousands) of options out there, with prices ranging from $10 to more than $1000. How do you know which one will best suit your needs?
The first tripods I bought were cheap $20 aluminum models from the local electronic shop. While most photographers start with such a tripod, I strongly advise you not to buy one. For landscape photography, they simply won’t do a good job. In some situations, they may even do more harm than good (and they also break more easily than a higher-quality model).
So what should you consider before purchasing your next tripod for capturing landscapes? Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Price and quality (i.e. what does your budget allow?)
Flexibility
Weight (aluminum vs carbon fiber)
Taking these topics into account before you buy will make it easier to find the best one for your needs.
Price
The first thing most of us consider is the price. Photography equipment is rarely cheap, and if you want quality, you need to pay for it. As I said earlier, a tripod can cost you anything from $10 to several thousand. But are more expensive tripods necessarily better?
In general, yes. A $1000 tripod will outperform a $200 tripod in most tests. But that doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. Ask yourself what you need. What type of landscape photography do you do? Do you need the most expensive model? For most people, the answer is no.
Chances are a mid-range ($200) tripod will be more than adequate and perform perfectly in most scenarios.
Flexibility/height
What about specs? Should you choose a short tripod or a tall one? Can the legs spread wide, or are they locked into a fixed position? Do you prefer flip-locks or twist-locks?
Let’s start with the height. In most situations, you won’t need a tall tripod – yet if you shoot landscapes frequently enough, there may well come a time when you need that extra leg length. Is it worth paying extra for? If you often find yourself photographing in rivers, on top of rocks, or along rugged seasides, then yes. But if you’re not into extreme landscape photography and always mount your tripod on flat and stable ground, I wouldn’t bother.
Next, while a tall tripod is nice, it’s also handy to have one that lets you get close to the ground. For this next image, the tripod held my camera just a few inches off the ground, which allowed me to get extra close to the flowers in the foreground:
Image by Christian Hoiberg
So what’s more important to you? Having a tall tripod or being able to take photographs from a low perspective?
The good news is that some of the more expensive tripods can give you both. While they can stand close to six feet tall, they can also lay more or less flat on the ground for those low-perspective scenic shots.
Weight
The final thing to consider is the tripod’s weight. This is important, especially if you head out on long hikes. Your backpack can get quite heavy once you add all the gear you need, so the last thing you want is unnecessary weight from a tripod.
Now, a lightweight tripod isn’t necessarily low-quality. In fact, some of the best tripods out there are lightweight. You just need to make sure they’re sturdy and can support the weight of your camera. Unfortunately, these tripods are rarely cheap and are often found at the higher end of the price range.
If you’re an avid hiker and tend to go a long way to photograph your subjects, I strongly recommend looking into a lightweight carbon fiber tripod. These tripods are just as sturdy (if not more sturdy) than the heavier aluminum alternatives.
Image by Christian Hoiberg
But if you’re not into hiking, weight might not be such an issue. In fact, if you photograph in rough conditions, you may prefer the extra weight. When photographing beaches in Arctic Norway, I depend on having a sturdy tripod that won’t break when hit by waves or move when the waves are receding. In these situations, a low-quality travel tripod is far from ideal. Even strong winds can make these tripods vibrate, leading to blurry images. A heavy and solid tripod is a much better option.
Which tripod should you buy?
Unfortunately, I can’t answer this question for you. It really depends on who you are and the kind of photographs you take. But when you’re ready to buy one, consider what I’ve talked about and ask yourself what you need. Do you need a light tripod you can easily bring on long hikes? Do you need a sturdy tripod that can handle wind and rough conditions? Perhaps you need a combination of the two.
And what about the price? Do you really need the most expensive model, or will a medium-priced alternative do the job?
Answering these questions should help you narrow down the options, and help you find the tripod that is best for you.
Personally, I have two tripods: a lightweight travel tripod I can bring on long hikes, and my main tripod that’s a little heavier (and more expensive) but solid enough to use in even the roughest Arctic conditions.
Tripods in landscape photography: a quick guide
Now that you’ve (hopefully) identified the right tripod, let’s take a look at how and when you should use a tripod for amazing landscape shots.
When is a tripod necessary for landscape photography?
Tripods are bulky and heavy. For some, a tripod is just another object that makes shooting landscapes more difficult due to the inconvenience. So the question arises – is the effort worth the cost?
I certainly think so; for most forms of landscape photography, a tripod is an essential piece of equipment.
Tripods are essential for capturing razor-sharp images, especially in low-light situations where you want to keep your ISO low.
While increasing the ISO lets you use a quicker shutter speed, it can introduce unwanted grain/noise and reduce the overall quality of your image. But keeping the ISO low means you’ll need a longer shutter speed. (Yes, you can adjust the aperture. But I won’t be talking about that here).
Capturing a sharp image using a shutter speed of 1/10th of a second or slower with a handheld camera is almost impossible. It’s very difficult to avoid any camera movement which, with such a slow shutter speed, means you’ll introduce some blur into the image.
Mounting the camera on a tripod lets you use slower shutter speeds and still capture sharp images. The camera sits still on the tripod, so you don’t have to worry about the motion of you holding it.
Using a tripod also allows you to use even slower shutter speeds and capture long exposures (i.e. images that make use of extra slow shutter speeds).
Tips for using a tripod in landscape photography
Over the years, I’ve learned some hard lessons when it comes to landscape photography and the obligatory use of a tripod. Love them or loathe them, tripods are an essential piece of kit for landscape photography. With these 5 simple tips, I hope to help you love your tripod and improve your photography experience.
1. When going vertical, use the right approach
When you need to shoot a vertical image, you’ll find it much more comfortable to tilt your camera to the left (counterclockwise) when using a ball head. If you tilt it to the right (clockwise), you’ll discover that things get really cramped, especially if you want to get your camera low to the ground; you may not be able to physically fit your arm in the space you’ve got left.
Tilt the tripod head to the left! (Image by Gavin Hardcastle)
Also, most cameras also have the battery compartment under the handgrip on the right side, so when you need to change batteries, you’ll find it much easier if your camera is tilted to the left. If you look at the image above, you’ll notice all of the camera controls are easily accessible on the top of the camera.
2. Don’t force your tripod into position
An example of the camera being forcibly adjusted. Instead of stressing the clip, simply adjust the ball head. (Image by Gavin Hardcastle)
I often see my beginner students trying to use brute strength to reposition the camera on their ball head tripod. The result will eventually be a broken ball head, and on one extreme occasion, I actually watched the camera pop out of the clip and plummet to its untimely death.
So if you need to reposition your camera, simply loosen one of the locking mechanisms on the ball head, reposition it, and then tighten the locking mechanism. You’ve paid for all of that engineering; you might as well use it!
3. Let go of the tripod when you shoot
Unless you’re worried it’ll blow away, let go of your tripod! (Image by Gavin Hardcastle)
Sounds obvious, right? I’ve been shooting professionally for years, and yet I still occasionally do this. It makes sense to hold onto your tripod when shooting in gale-force winds. But in most circumstances, you won’t need to do that, and you’ll capture much sharper images without the vibration caused by your hands touching the tripod.
The purpose of a tripod is to keep your camera perfectly still so that you capture a sharp image. Touching it defeats the purpose – so hands off!
4. Make sure everything is locked down tight
Image by Gavin Hardcastle
A common problem with tripods is that the screw that attaches the clip mount to the ball head works itself loose. Be sure to always carry the correct hex key for those rare but vitally important moments when you need to apply a bit of tightening.
I also recommend that you make sure that all of the other mechanisms on your tripod are firmly locked down. If there’s even the slightest amount of play, you’ll have problems during post-processing if your images don’t line up and you plan on blending multiple exposures.
Check that the legs lock securely, as well; the screws may need to be tightened from time to time. Sometimes the legs work themselves loose and can slowly close in on themselves, causing movement during your exposure or even the entire tripod to collapse.
5. Empty the water out of the tripod legs afterward
If you do a lot of shooting in rivers, lakes, and oceans, you’ll discover that your telescopic tripod legs magically suck in and store water. To avoid a surprise drowning of your camera, be sure to remove the camera before you pick up the tripod and tip it upside down. Otherwise, water from the legs will pour out of the top of the tripod – all over your precious camera.
It’s also a good idea to do this before putting the tripod back in your car, tent, or camera bag. The last thing you want is a soggy tent!
One more resource for landscape tripod photography
In this video from Julian Elliott Photography, you get seven handy tips for using a tripod in landscape and travel photography:
So watch Julian’s video and find out how to get the most out of your tripod, how to keep it in good condition, and how to use it.
The best tripod for landscape photography: final words
While you don’t necessarily need a tripod for landscape photography, it will get you consistently better results. You can use lower ISO values, narrower apertures, and longer shutter speeds, plus you can capture shots you just can’t reach when shooting handheld.
If you’re looking for your first tripod, or if you already have a tripod and are aiming to upgrade, hopefully one of the options on this list will be just right for you!
And remember, these are my personal picks for the best tripods for landscape photography, but if you have a favorite I would love to hear about it – so leave your thoughts – and share any of your own landscape photos – in the comments below.
Landscape tripod FAQ
What is the best tripod brand for landscape photography?
Try to not think about this in objective, black-and-white terms. There are pros and cons to every tripod brand and plenty of tradeoffs. Instead of thinking about which brand is best, think about your needs, then choose a tripod that fits your budget.
Do I need to pay more for a weather-resistant tripod?
Some tripods advertise features like weatherproof knobs and dials, but I really don’t worry about this sort of thing too much. I wouldn’t recommend paying more for these features unless you have a specific use case in mind. Outside of using using your tripod in torrential rain every single day, any model will probably be fine.
Do I need a special type of camera for landscape photography?
Any camera will work for landscapes, from mobile phones to point and shoots to high-end mirrorless and DSLR models. Landscape photographers generally prefer wider lenses to capture more of the scene, but it’s also possible to get great landscape shots with a telephoto lens. Your camera is almost certainly not the limiting factor in landscape photography; no matter what camera you shoot with, a tripod will almost certainly help.
What type of head should I use on my tripod?
Some people prefer ball heads, while others prefer pan-and-tilt heads. There’s no one answer to this, but I personally gravitate towards ball heads simply for the size and convenience factor. One thing I do not recommend is using a tripod head designed for videography when shooting still photos. They generally do not allow the same level of free-form movement and positioning as a head designed for still images.
It’s a question that we all ask at one time or another. After all, why do we keep waking up at 4:00 AM to photograph the sunrise, when we could be warm and comfortable lying in bed? Why do we spend long hours tweaking our compositions and learning about photography fundamentals when we could be watching television or out with friends?
And some days, when we have no creativity at all and pressing the shutter button seems like the hardest thing in the world, we continue to persevere – but why? What is it about photography that’s so compelling?
What motivates us to keep going?
In this article, I’m going to share nine reasons why I think photography matters. Hopefully, these ideas will help you find clarity and motivation – and will encourage you to capture images, even when it feels like everything is pointless and you should put down the camera forever.
Let’s get started.
1. Photography helps us see the beauty in a complex world
Life isn’t always picture-perfect. Sometimes it’s chaotic, sometimes it’s overwhelming, and sometimes it’s just plain tough. But even amidst the clutter and the struggle, there are glimmers of beauty waiting to be found. That’s where your camera can be a transformative tool.
Photography trains your eye to search for those glimmers. When you look through the lens, you’re not just composing a shot; you’re actively seeking out the beauty in a world that desperately needs it. The petals on a rain-soaked flower, the warm hues of a sunset, or the joyful smile of a loved one all become focal points of wonder and appreciation.
Being able to capture that beauty serves a dual purpose. First, it provides a moment of solace, a brief escape from the turmoil around us. Second, it creates a lasting reminder that even when the world seems dark, there’s always light somewhere. Your photographs can be those beacons, encouraging you and others to find beauty even in the mundane.
So keep shooting, even when the world seems too complicated to handle. Your lens can act like a sieve, filtering out the ugliness and leaving only the beauty. In doing so, you’ll find that the world, despite its flaws, is still full of wonder that’s worth capturing, worth cherishing.
2. Our photographs tell us what is important to us
When you ask people what possessions they would rescue from their burning house, one of the most frequent answers is a photograph album or a computer with all their digital images.
Interesting, isn’t it? We would grab photos instead of valuable jewelry, even in moments of panic.
This impulse to save our recorded memories is a powerful force, one that tells us much about the role of photography in our lives – and speaks to our constant desire to distill our most precious moments into images.
We preserve the important events and people in our lives. The ceremonies of birth and birthdays, marriages and anniversaries, holidays and new houses are all recorded because they matter.
Photographs are a timeline of our lives filled with faces and places that we love. They are our story, which we can then share with others.
Ultimately, the thousands of images we take form a narrative of our lives.
3. Photography documents the world as it is
We live in a whirlwind. One moment you’re a kid playing in the yard, and the next, you’re an adult with responsibilities. The world doesn’t stop, not for a second. Ever noticed how quickly cars evolve, or how skylines change? It’s dizzying. But here’s where photography swoops in like a time-traveling superhero.
Capturing the world through a lens allows us to freeze moments in time. It’s not just about historical landmarks or world events; photography can document the little things too. Think about your childhood home, or the car you drove in college. Photos make them immortal, forever etched in the frame.
When you snap a picture of your family gathered around the dinner table, you’re doing more than creating a memento. You’re documenting a piece of life as it was at that exact moment. These snapshots become invaluable treasures, letting future generations peek into the world we once knew.
Photographs serve as visual textbooks, offering lessons about life, society, and the ever-changing world around us. They can reveal how fashion has evolved, or how a neighborhood has transformed over the decades. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s a record of human history on both grand and intimate scales.
I encourage you to wield your camera like a historian. Because when you capture that fleeting sunset or the laughter in someone’s eyes, you’re doing something profound. You’re documenting the world as it is, a world that will never quite be the same again.
4. Photographs are part of our legacy
I remember sitting on a train as it passed a playground where children were standing at attention for the annual school photograph. In the front row sat the teachers, and behind them, hundreds of children were neatly preened and uniformed. For the briefest second, the entire assembly was motionless. We passed just as the photographer clicked the shutter.
Then, as if in slow motion, the huge group scattered as children escaped their enforced immobility. The neat rows dissolved and broke down into individuals who were kicking balls or huddled with friends.
None of those children realized that the photograph was probably going to outlive them. A couple of generations later, the school photo might resurface among old papers in an attic, and someone would search for their grandfather among the fresh, young faces.
Photographs matter because they freeze moments of our lives that pass unremarkably and which seem to have little importance to us at the time. The significance of a photo might not even be ours – instead, it might be for others who search for the person we once were or the places we once knew.
Each photo can be a small piece of a jigsaw that completes the larger picture of our lives.
5. Photographs allow us to share and to communicate
Images are much more than a simple record. Photography speaks to the best and most generous part of our human nature – the desire to share what we find beautiful and interesting with others.
You only have to look at the multitude of photo-sharing sites to see this impulse at work, where millions of people share their personal, passionate, and sometimes quirky take on the world around them.
In other words, our images can share our lives with strangers. How powerful is that?
6. Photography makes us artists
Art isn’t limited to galleries and concert halls. In fact, you don’t need to be a traditional artist to create something awe-inspiring. That’s the magic of photography. With a camera in hand, anyone can be an artist.
Think of your lens as your paintbrush. The frame is your canvas, and light is your palette. You have the freedom to compose shots that evoke emotion, tell a story, or simply dazzle the eye. It’s an art form that’s accessible yet deeply personal, allowing you to project your vision onto the world.
We all have a unique way of seeing things. The way you frame a sunset, capture a smile, or even focus on a single raindrop can reveal your personality. Your perspective becomes your artistry, setting you apart in a sea of creators.
So, don’t underestimate the power of the photos you take. Whether you capture landscapes or portraits, whether you shoot in black and white or vibrant color, you’re making art. You’re transforming ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual narratives.
Take pride in your work. Display it, share it, celebrate it. You’re an artist, with your very own gallery at your fingertips. It’s time to recognize your photography for what it truly is: a form of art that you can excel in, one frame at a time.
7. Photography allows us to express ourselves
Our images can express joy and sorrow, wonder and sympathy. Every human emotion can find a place in photography.
For many years, I never valued my photographs of overcast landscapes, because I believed there was no beauty in a land with muted colors and a leaden sky. I wanted the land to be alive with color and vibrancy.
However, the lack of color in a landscape makes you search for other things that often go unnoticed in bright sunlight. This could be the symmetry of hills or a tree standing out from a forest of thousands.
To expand this further:
I have suffered from depression for most of my adult life, and photography gives me a language to express feelings for which I can find no words. We have a miserably poor vocabulary for mental illness, but photography has allowed me to develop a visual language for some of my most difficult emotions.
Relatedly, the act of taking photos can be therapeutic. By focusing through the lens, you become an observer of your own emotions. You get a chance to work through feelings you might not even know you had.
Great art often stems from vulnerability. When you use photography to express your true self, you join a rich lineage of artists who have turned to their craft for emotional release. From heart-wrenching photojournalism to evocative portraits, these pieces resonate because they come from a place of sincere emotion.
So go ahead, pick up your camera and shoot not just what you see, but also what you feel. It’s more than a snapshot; it’s a fragment of your emotions frozen in time. Through your photos, you can share your inner world, making connections that words alone could never forge.
8. Photography has the power to move us
Photographs can grab our attention and speak directly to our emotions. There are plenty of powerful photos – such as Nick Ut’s photograph of a crying Vietnamese girl whose clothes have been burned away by napalm – that can make us feel things.
On a more subtle level, photography teaches us lessons about a whole range of emotions. Grief has the power to wash away the brightness and color of our lives. There is no magic way to restore these. We have to be patient. But while waiting, we can search for the shapes and patterns that are still present in the grayness. They will lead us back to color eventually. During moments of great sorrow in my life, I have used images to express that hope of returning color.
Photography, at its best, is a powerful language that speaks to our emotions. It allows us to tell our story and shows others our framing of the world around us.
9. Photography can change the world
A single photo can stir the conscience of its viewers, incite action, and even alter the course of history. It’s not just art or a form of self-expression; it’s also an agent of change. Your camera can be a powerful ally in shedding light on issues that matter, both globally and right in your community.
Consider the impact of photojournalism. Images of war, poverty, and social injustice have moved entire generations to take action. These photos put faces and stories to the issues we hear about, making them feel more real, more urgent. Yet, you don’t have to travel to a war zone to make a difference. Everyday struggles in your own community are equally deserving of attention.
Let’s say there’s a park in your hometown threatened by development. A well-timed photo capturing the park’s natural beauty could rally your neighbors to its defense. Or perhaps you’re passionate about animal welfare. Your poignant images of shelter animals can encourage others to adopt or donate.
Photography has the power to go beyond mere observation and step into the realm of advocacy. Just like Ansel Adams used his camera to safeguard Yosemite, you can use yours to protect and highlight what you care about. The scope doesn’t have to be grand; the act of drawing attention is often enough to ignite change.
Whether it’s a social issue or an environmental cause, don’t underestimate the impact your photos can make. You’re not just a bystander; you’re a participant in shaping the world’s narrative. So pick up that camera and shoot with purpose, for your lens could very well be the catalyst the world needs.
Why photography matters: final words
Hopefully, you now have a better sense of the different reasons people pursue photography – and why photography is important. The reasons to pick up a camera are as diverse as the people behind the lens. Yet, the common thread weaving through every shot is the profound impact photography can have. It’s not just a hobby or a skill to master; it’s a journey that enriches your life and, quite possibly, the lives of others.
Photography captures more than moments; it captures emotions, realities, and ideas. It offers a unique blend of technical skill and artistic expression, inviting you to continually evolve. Every time you click that shutter, you’re participating in a form of storytelling that’s been embraced by humanity for over a century.
So, whether you’re aiming your camera at a sprawling landscape, a bustling cityscape, or the eyes of someone you love, remember this: each shot you take adds value to your life and potentially the lives of others. The importance of photography is far-reaching, and its impact is immeasurable.
Now I’d love to know:
Why do you do photography? What motivates you to keep taking pictures? What is it about photography that inspires you?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Declan O’Neill is a professional photographer who lives in the South Island, New Zealand. He travels extensively, capturing the beauty of New Zealand’s extraordinary landscape. The photographs that accompany this article are part of a series entitled “The Anatomy of Melancholy,” which is dedicated to the memory of his sister, Ann, who died from Multiple Systems Atrophy.
