Getting the perfect landscape photo isn’t just about finding the right scene—it’s about dialing in the best camera settings to bring that scene to life. Whether you’re photographing snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, or desert horizons, knowing how to set your camera is essential to capturing the details, tones, and depth of nature’s beauty.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the best camera settings for landscape photography, and explain how each choice affects your final image.
1. Use Manual or Aperture Priority Mode
Manual Mode (M): Gives you full control over shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. Perfect for learning and fine-tuning your exposure.
Aperture Priority Mode (A or Av): Allows you to select the aperture, while the camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed. Ideal when depth of field is your top priority.
Recommended for Landscapes: Start with Aperture Priority if you’re new, then move to Manual as you become more comfortable.
2. Set a Narrow Aperture (f/8–f/16)
A narrow aperture provides a wide depth of field, ensuring both foreground and background are in sharp focus.
- f/8 to f/11: Great balance of sharpness and light.
- f/16: Useful for ultra-sharp images with deep focus.
Note: Extremely small apertures (like f/22) can introduce diffraction, softening your image slightly.
3. Use Base ISO (Usually ISO 100 or 200)
Keep your ISO as low as possible to minimize digital noise and maintain maximum image quality.
- ISO 100 or 200: Best for bright outdoor conditions.
- Only increase ISO when shooting in low light without a tripod.
4. Adjust Shutter Speed Based on Light and Movement
- Fast shutter speeds (1/125s or faster): Good for windy conditions or handheld shots.
- Slow shutter speeds (1s, 5s, 10s+): Ideal for smoothing water, clouds, or adding drama to skies—just be sure to use a tripod.
Bonus Tip: Use a remote shutter release or your camera’s timer function to avoid camera shake during long exposures.
5. Enable Auto White Balance (AWB)
Most modern cameras do a great job with AWB, but:
- Cloudy or Shade mode can warm up your image during overcast days.
- Custom White Balance may be helpful when editing in post-processing.
If you shoot in RAW (which you should), you can always adjust white balance later.
6. Use Manual Focus for Precision
Autofocus can struggle with scenes that lack contrast. Switch to manual focus and zoom in using Live View to nail critical focus, especially on foreground elements.
Tip: Use focus peaking if your camera offers it—it highlights the areas in focus.
7. Turn On Highlight Alerts or Histograms
These tools help you avoid blown-out skies or clipped shadows. The histogram provides a real-time chart of your exposure, while highlight alerts flash overexposed areas.
Aim for a balanced histogram with no spikes at either end.
8. Use a Tripod and Turn Off Image Stabilization
Image stabilization (IS) is helpful for handheld shots, but it can cause blur when used with a tripod. Turn IS off when your camera is locked down.
Use a tripod anytime you’re shooting below 1/60s or using a telephoto lens.
9. Shoot in RAW Format
RAW files retain more image data, giving you greater control in post-processing. They’re especially helpful in recovering highlights, adjusting color, and correcting exposure.
Pro Tip: Make sure you have enough storage space—RAW files are significantly larger than JPEGs.
10. Bracket Your Exposures
Take multiple shots at different exposures (under, normal, over) to ensure you capture the full dynamic range of the scene. You can blend them later in post-processing to create balanced, richly detailed images.
This is especially helpful in:
- High-contrast scenes (like sunsets)
- Scenes with bright skies and dark foregrounds
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best camera settings for landscapes means striking the right balance between creativity and technical precision. The scene, lighting, and subject all play a part—but with the right tools and a solid understanding of your camera, you can consistently capture breathtaking images.
Practice these settings regularly, review your results, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Landscape photography is as much about the journey as the final frame.
Stay inspired, stay curious, and keep shooting!