Why Landscape Photographers Should Stop Chasing Sunsets
Australian landscape photographer Mitch Green argues that fixating on colorful sunsets and sunrises hinders artistic growth. He explains that stunning skies dominate compositions, are generic across locations, and represent the easiest framing choice. By excluding the sky, photographers can create more considered, personal, and meaningful images that highlight landforms, textures, and subtle details. Green, based in Tasmania, shares his journey from chasing epic light shows to photographing smaller scenes in varied light conditions, advocating for a broader approach beyond golden hour.
Key facts
- Mitch Green is an Australian landscape and nature photographer based in Tasmania.
- Green grew up on the South Coast of NSW, Australia.
- He was drawn to landscape photography by skies over Bombo Quarry and Cathedral Rocks.
- He argues that colorful sunsets are too brilliant, generic, and easy.
- He recommends excluding the sky from frames to capture stronger compositions.
- He now photographs a wider range of light, including shade, backlight, and overcast conditions.
- His photography journey has led him to experience nature with more presence.
- The opinion piece was published on PetaPixel.
Entities
Artists
- Mitch Green
Institutions
- PetaPixel
Locations
- Australia
- South Coast of NSW
- Bombo Quarry
- Cathedral Rocks
- California
- Kazakhstan
- Cradle Mountain
- Tasmania