Why I Gave Away My Landscape Photography Book for Free
Ever wondered why someone would spend months writing a book, only to give it away for free? I've been asked this a lot since I launched "Essential Landscape Photography Skills" as a free resource, and honestly, the answer is pretty simple: I wanted to give back. This book, in a way, is a culmination of everything I've learned, and the inspiration behind it stemmed from my articles and videos for Fstoppers and YouTube. It felt right to share it openly.
A Book Born from Experience (and a Few Mistakes!)
Over the years, I've been incredibly lucky to travel to some breathtaking places, capturing moments that still take my breath away. And let me tell you, I've had my fair share of "oops" moments alongside the triumphs. Sharing what I've learned along the way has always been something I enjoy. I truly believe that photography is best learned by doing – getting out there, making mistakes, and figuring out what works. But I also know that a little structure can be a game-changer.
That's where this book comes in. It grew out of my "Essential Landscape Photography Skills" video series, where I broke down the fundamentals into practical, easy-to-digest lessons. The response was amazing, and it made me realize there was a real need for a resource that gathered all these concepts in one place – something photographers could refer to, no matter where they are on their journey.
So, "Essential Landscape Photography Skills" was born. It's packed with knowledge, tips, and insights, designed to be accessible and useful for anyone who wants to improve their landscape photography.
Why Free? Three Simple Reasons.
Giving Back to the Community: Photography has given me so much. Incredible experiences, a career I love, and a fantastic community of passionate people. I've learned so much from others over the years – workshops, online content, even just chatting with fellow photographers in the field. Not to mention all the laughs, mishaps, and those truly magical moments when the light is just perfect. I wanted to give something meaningful back.
Removing Barriers to Learning: There's a ton of great educational content out there, but I know that not everyone can afford it. I didn't want cost to be a barrier for anyone genuinely eager to learn. Making this book free ensures that anyone interested in improving their landscape photography has access to valuable information, regardless of their budget.
Helping You Capture Better Shots: My ultimate goal is to help photographers take better photos. I know how frustrating it is to feel stuck – struggling with composition, light, or finding the right locations. This book is designed to address those challenges and offer practical solutions.
What's Inside?
"Essential Landscape Photography Skills" covers all the key aspects of landscape photography, giving you a solid foundation. We're talking everything from finding those hidden gem locations (and avoiding the crowds!) to understanding how different types of light affect your images. We dive into weather patterns, how to predict conditions, and how to adapt your shooting accordingly. Of course, we tackle exposure, dynamic range, and those common hurdles we all face. And we explore the power of patience – waiting for that perfect moment.
We also get into composition, framing, and specialized techniques for seascapes and waterfalls. We even touch on how the seasons affect landscapes and the importance of learning from our mistakes. I wanted to cover it all, hoping to spark that fire in others to get out and shoot!
The Response Has Been Incredible
The support since launching the book has been overwhelming. The messages, emails, and comments I've received tell me it's helping people, and that's exactly why I did this. Hearing how it's given someone a new perspective or helped them improve in ways they hadn't considered before means the world to me.
Of course, if you'd like to support what I do, you're always welcome to grab the book for the $4.99 "high five" price instead of using the free code.
Finally,
So, why free? Maybe I'm a little crazy. Maybe I won the lottery (nope!). Or maybe, just maybe, I wanted to give something back to the community that has been so supportive throughout my photography journey.
I really hope this book helps you capture amazing shots, enjoy photography even more, and approach it with a renewed sense of creativity. If you haven't downloaded it yet – what are you waiting for? It's free, packed with valuable insights, and ready to help you take your photography to the next level.
And if you've already read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts below! Happy shooting!