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The Importance of a Beginner’s Mind in Photography — Mikko Lagerstedt
As a professional landscape photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing breathtaking images of nature, traveling to some of the most stunning locations, and sharing my passion for the beauty surrounding us. However, my journey didn’t begin overnight. After graduating from a graphic design school in 2008, I decided to immerse myself in the world of photography. When I started, I focused on the technical aspects of photography. I photographed everything and anything. No constraints. I was testing out different settings and following my inspiration.

Over time I realized that maintaining a beginner’s mind is one of the most essential factors in my growth as a photographer. And when I feel uninspired, it’s usually because I get caught up with doing the same things repeatedly. Then I remind myself to start again with a beginner’s mind, following my inspiration. Sometimes I might start it with either a new location or technique.

While researching for this blog post, I came across the concept of “beginner’s mind,” an ancient Buddhist principle known as “Shoshin.” This way of thinking emphasizes the importance of approaching our experiences with an open, curious, and humble mindset, regardless of how advanced we may become in our chosen fields.

In this post, I will share how embracing a beginner’s mind has shaped my photography journey and how it can benefit photographers, artists, and creatives of all levels.

Maintain Curiosity

One core principle of a beginner’s mind is maintaining a sense of curiosity. When I first started photography, I was eager to learn everything I could about the craft. Over time, I’ve found it essential to keep that curiosity alive, continuously exploring new techniques, subjects, and perspectives. This constant drive to learn has allowed me to grow and evolve as a photographer. It has not always been easy. And at times, I have lost that spark or inspiration. But then I know I need to focus on being a beginner again and find that curiosity.
- How can you expand your creative horizons by exploring new subjects or techniques you haven’t tried before?
- What resources or learning opportunities can you seek to deepen your understanding of your craft further?
Embrace the Unknown

Throughout my photography journey, I’ve found that embracing the unknown and stepping out of my comfort zone has led me to some of my most memorable experiences. One story comes to my mind: My initial idea was to capture some seascapes, but on my way to the coast, I saw a massive cloud of smoke. I started driving towards the smoke. Finally, I arrived near a field where I saw prescribed burning. While taking photographs, I saw a man standing amid it all, taking pictures of the area. I took a photo I still can’t believe is a single frame where birds were flying perfectly with the composition I chose.

A beginner’s mind encourages us to take risks and experiment, leading to unexpected discoveries and growth. In those moments of uncertainty, like venturing into unfamiliar locations or trying a new technique, I’ve often found my most creative and unique ideas.
- What fears or hesitations might discourage you from trying something new in your photography or creative work?
- Can you identify a specific project or idea that pushes you outside your comfort zone? How might you approach it?
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23/04/2025
The Best AI Image Editing Tools for Landscape Photographers 2023 — Mikko Lagerstedt
My Workflow & AI

I mostly use Lightroom CC Classic as my daily choice. The AI tools inside Lightroom are powerful, and I often use the masking panel to create selections and fine adjustments. Occasionally, when I need to do some heavy editing, such as removing a difficult part from an image, I turn to Photoshop. The Content-Aware Crop is brilliant for adding more sky to a picture if cropped too tightly. Or, if I need to have more flexibility with layers, Photoshop is an excellent choice.

For experimenting with a photograph or when I feel too comfortable with editing, I use Luminar Neo. I can easily step into a beginner’s mindset while working with it. And finally, my go-to sharpener at the moment is Topaz Labs Sharpen AI, which does an excellent job when I need to add sharpness to my images. Also, GigaPixel AI is fantastic for ensuring my photographs look brilliant when printed.

AI image editing tools can significantly improve your landscape photography editing process. By using Lightroom, Photoshop, Luminar Neo, and Topaz Labs, you can achieve beautiful results and bring your creative vision to life. While these tools are powerful, they may have some flaws, so finding the right balance and workflow that suits your needs is essential. I recommend exploring and incorporating these tools into your workflow to enhance landscape photography.

Unlock Your Creative Potential

As you delve deeper into the world of AI-powered photo editing tools and unleash their potential, consider exploring some of the resources I’ve created to help photographers at all levels improve their skills and find inspiration.
- The Complete Photography Collection. This all-inclusive package features all of my tutorials, presets, and eBooks, offering a comprehensive guide to enhancing your landscape photography and achieving the recognition your photos deserve.
- Epic Preset Collection. Transform your editing process in Lightroom with my presets to help you unlock your creative potential and bring your images to life.
- 1-on-1 Photography Coaching. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, my new online 1-on-1 coaching service is designed to provide personalized guidance and support to your needs and goals.
- Free Tutorials. For those just starting or looking to expand their skills without breaking the bank, check out my collection of free tutorials covering various aspects of photography and editing.
Remember that AI is a tool; like any tool, it can’t replace the human element in the creative process. Embrace your intuition, emotions, and experiences as a photographer, and let them guide your editing choices. This will help you create images that not only look interesting but also resonate on an emotional level.

Your personal style and artistic voice are what makes your photography unique. While AI tools can help you achieve technical perfection, preserving your creative identity and ensuring that your images reflect your personal touch is essential.

Let me know if you use any of these tools or want to try them out. Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: I’m an affiliate of some of these programs. Remember that using the affiliate links in this article helps support my work and enables me to continue sharing my experiences and insights with you.
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23/04/2025
The EPIC Preset Collection 2023 Update — Mikko Lagerstedt

Today, I’m thrilled to share the new 2023 update to The EPIC Preset Collection. So, in this article, I’ll be going through The EPIC Preset Collection. With the help of these updated tools, I can make easier selections and enhance my photography adjustments and editing to bring my vision to life easier than before.

If you already have EPIC Presets, you should have received an update in your email.

What is new in the 2023 EPIC Preset Collection?

How can you make the most comprehensive collection even better? By experimentation and with a passion for creating unique tools to help others. I believe the new updates suit perfectly for different styles and give you the tools to turn your images EPIC! Implementing the AI Masks to a collection this complete is the perfect way to make it even better.

If you want to see how it works in real life, check out the video below. Note that these are just quick edits and if you would like to see more edits with The EPIC Preset Collection, let me know!

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23/04/2025
What’s in my camera bag in 2023? Nikon Z7 II or Z8 for landscape photography? — Mikko Lagerstedt

I don’t often write about gear, but it’s the most common question I get, so today, let’s talk about gear and what I currently use in landscape photography. Throughout my journey, I’ve experimented with various Nikon cameras, from D90 to Z7 II and now to the new Z8. I have used lenses from Nikon, Sigma, Tokina, Tamron, and Laowa, ultimately finding the current setup that allows me to express my creative vision.

I used the new Nikon Z 8 for a week in March, and it was fantastic. From a quick overview, I think it delivers an excellent upgrade for the autofocus and video options compared to the Nikon Z 7II. I’ll receive my copy of the Nikon Z8 later, so I can give you more thoughts about the camera. These are my honest opinions about the gear I use. Even though I’m a Nikon Creator, this post is not sponsored by Nikon.

Nikon Z7 II

I have used the Nikon Z7 II as my primary camera for the past year. Before that, I used Nikon Z7 and D810. You can view my review of the Nikon Z7. Now with the Nikon Z7 II, I barely use anything else. The SD card slot is a great addition to the previous version. I’m not currently shooting video much, but that part has also been upgraded from Z7. The battery life is slightly better than in the Z7. When I want to capture time-lapse as well as stills I bring with me the Z7 to have the option to shoot two different perspectives at the same time.

Sensor

Although not the highest-megapixel sensor in the market, the Nikon Z7 II‘s 45.7-megapixel sensor produces high-quality images with incredible detail. It is essential in landscape photography, where every nuance, from the texture of rocks to intricate patterns, adds depth and richness to the final image.

Dynamic Range

The dynamic range of a camera refers to its ability to capture detail in both the brightest and darkest parts of a scene. It is essential when photographing landscapes with high contrast between bright skies and shadowy foregrounds. The Nikon Z7 II excels, allowing me to capture images that retain detail even in challenging lighting conditions.

Low-Light Performance

One of my favorite aspects of landscape photography is capturing the beauty of the night sky. The Nikon Z7 II‘s excellent low-light performance allows me to photograph the stars and the Milky Way with minimal noise and incredible detail. The camera’s high ISO capabilities and noise reduction ensure that my astrophotography images are clean and sharp.

Nikon Z7 II pros and cons

+ Exceptional image quality
+ Low-light capability
+ Dynamic Range
+ Low weight, only 705 g
+ Dual card slot
– No in-camera RAW video capabilities
– Relatively slow autofocus
– Could have a better battery life

Nikon Z7 II

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23/04/2025
Morning Echo — Mikko Lagerstedt

I wanted to write something different this week. Since it’s been very much a lot of misses on the photography part lately. Even though I have been photographing quite a lot recently, there are times when it just doesn’t happen, and you end up empty-handed.

Sometimes, I find it inspiring to reminisce about certain moments while out photographing. The morning I captured the “Morning Echo” photograph was one of those special moments. I left to photograph at this beautiful secluded beach at Päijänne Lake in Finland. My idea was to capture the night sky from this place, spend the night under the stars, and see what the morning would look like.

As I drove to the location, it was already getting dark. Going through the forest and finally arriving at the beach, the moonlight started to illuminate the horizon. It was a beautiful autumn night. I set my camera to take a time-lapse of the beach with the moonlight and stars. The time-lapse came out ok, but nothing special. But as the temperature dropped, the humidity rose from the warmer lake.

In the morning, I woke up before sunrise and explored different views from the location. The mist was already thick, so I was excited to capture different views. Finally, as the light was getting stronger, I went out to the water and tried to see if I could go into the frame and capture myself.

As I walked back and forth from the camera, I set a self-timer that would take nine images after 20 seconds, and I moved and stood in the clear and shallow water. Finally, I captured something I enjoyed.

Inspired by the feeling of solitude, I edited the image to look a bit darker than it was. Those little ripples in the foreground were perfect to give the view more atmosphere.

Equipment, Camera Settings & Post-Processing

Nikon D810, Nikon 14-24 mm f/2.8 AF-S, and RRS Tripod.

ISO 100, 24 mm, f/8.0 @ 1/160 sec.

I edited the photograph in Lightroom. I made changes, such as adjusting white balance, exposure, and contrast, to make the image look how I saw the scenery. The colors were edited with the help of my Preset Collections.

I hope you find this bts post inspiring! Remember that the early morning is one of the most beautiful times of the day.

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22/04/2025
The Art of Night Photography — Mikko Lagerstedt

I hope you are having a wonderful Summer. Even though I love summer, I find it challenging for photography. I have never been a big fan of the midnight sun or bright nights. The mist is something I find inspiring to photograph, yet there are only a handful of mornings when there is some mist in the summer. And as soon as the nights get darker and colder, I find myself inspired to go out and photograph. So for the upcoming dark season, I started writing a comprehensive and inspiration-filled tutorial about night photography. I hope you enjoy it.

As someone who has spent quite a few nights photographing different views, I find night photography fascinating and inspiring. As I was writing this post with the amount of knowledge I’ve gathered, I felt I needed to put this into an eBook, but then I thought to share it on my blog. If you enjoy my posts, you can support me by sharing this article or even buying me a coffee to keep me recharged and continue writing!

At night, our surroundings transform into a different kind of beauty. The sky becomes a vast canvas of stars, the moon casts a gentle glow, and the aurora comes alive in a luminous dance of lights and shadows. These mesmerizing views can be captured, making night photography a captivating genre full of creative opportunities and unique challenges.

The journey to night photography is planning, patience, and learning. It’s also understanding the nuances of light and darkness and mastering the technical aspects of long-exposure photography. The night presents a different kind of quiet and solitude, allowing introspection and creativity.

This tutorial explores my journey in night photography and guides those who wish to venture into this fascinating genre. Check out my Star Photography Masterclass eBook if you want to dive deeper into night photography and editing.

In this tutorial, we go into various parts of night photography, from capturing Milky Way and moon to vertoramas night. I’ll share the techniques, equipment, and settings I’ve found most effective for capturing stunning nighttime images.

Throughout this post, I challenge you to remember that photography is not just about capturing a scene; it’s about conveying a feeling and telling a story through your lens. The night reveals mystery, tranquility, and natural beauty, and I hope my experiences and insights inspire and guide you in creating unique stories under the stars.

Here are a few other night tutorials I’ve written before:

Additionally, I have written the Star Photography Masterclass eBook, which includes more details about my process.

1. The Magic of the Night Sky

It is truly unique how the sky presents remarkable spectacles every night. There is always something captivating to observe, from stars and planets to the moon. Of course, those bloody clouds can block the views, but it’s part of the game.

Sometimes, we are blessed enough to witness extraordinary events like the Northern Lights or meteor showers. Although capturing these breathtaking sights through photography can be rewarding, it takes expertise and a lot of patience.

Planning

Photographing the night sky starts with planning. Unlike other genres of photography, where spontaneity can lead to the best shots, night sky photography demands careful thought and preparation. The key factors to consider include the weather, moon phase, light pollution, and the position of celestial bodies. Clear skies are ideal for capturing stars, while the moon’s phase can significantly affect your scene’s lighting. Light pollution can hinder your ability to capture the fainter stars, so venturing away from city lights is often necessary. Finally, knowing the position of celestial bodies can help you plan your composition. There are various apps available that can help you with these aspects of planning. PhotoPills, TPE and Stellarium, are great tools to use.

Camera Settings

The next step is understanding the crucial camera settings for night sky photography. Night photography is a game of light – or, more accurately, the lack of light. Because of this, you’ll need to adjust your camera settings to capture as much light as possible. This means shooting in Manual mode and understanding the “Exposure Triangle” – the relationship between aperture, shutter speed, and ISO.

Shutter speed is critical in night sky photography. Your aperture should be as comprehensive as possible to allow maximum light into the lens. For most lenses, this will be between f/2.8 and f/4. A common rule for shooting stars without creating star trails is the ‘500 Rule’: Divide 500 by your lens’ focal length to determine the longest exposure time before stars begin to blur due to the Earth’s rotation. However, this rule isn’t infallible and may require some adjustments based on your specific camera and lens combination.

ISO settings can be tricky. A high ISO increases the sensor’s sensitivity to light, which is beneficial in low-light conditions. However, pushing the ISO too high can result in a noisy image. Start with an ISO setting around 1600 – 6400 and adjust based on the results you’re getting. I might go as high as 8000 ISO in complete darkness.

Focus

Focusing at night can be challenging, as autofocus systems often struggle in low light. A common technique is manually focusing on a bright star or distant light. Some photographers use the infinity (∞) symbol on their lens as a starting point, fine-tuning from there.

Try different compositions, play with settings, and, most importantly, take the time to enjoy the process. The night sky is a fascinating subject that rewards patience and curiosity. So, step out into the night, and gaze upwards.

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22/04/2025
1st of August – 30th of September 2023 — Mikko Lagerstedt

I’m excited to announce my new exhibition, ‘In the Solitude of Nature.’ It’s an exhibition including my best photography from the Nordics of the past ten years of my photography journey.

The exhibition is in the Redi Shopping Center, in Finnfoto Gallery in space A2-03, starting on the 1st of August 2023 and running until the 30th of September. The gallery is open 8-23, and it’s free entry. Below are the exhibition notes if you want to read about it.

Exhibition information

‘In the Solitude of Nature’ is a photography exhibition that showcases Mikko Lagerstedt’s profound vision of Nordic landscapes and atmospheric moments. Capturing unforgettable landscapes from the morning mist to the darkness of night. The images do not just capture places; they capture emotions, bringing you closer to the silence of nature.

On display are photographs from Finland, Norway, Iceland, and Sweden, revealing the hidden treasures of these places. The photos are stories created through light, shadow, and color. They are an invitation to step away from everyday life, take a deep breath, and step into the heart of the Nordic countries, where the beauty of the landscapes is untouched, and time seems to stand still.

The exhibition photos present images from both near and far, reminding us that we do not always have to travel to the ends of the Earth to experience magnificent landscapes. The ‘In the Solitude of Nature’ exhibition beautifully manifests different seasons, weather conditions, and locations.

Each photograph in the exhibition holds a story or message. It is up to you to find them.

—

Mikko Lagerstedt (b. 1982) is an internationally acclaimed landscape photographer specializing in minimalist and atmospheric landscape images. Born and raised in Finland, the rural landscapes of his childhood in Kauhava have instilled in him a love for nature and art. His photographs are like visual poems, telling stories through light, shadow, and color.

Lagerstedt’s initial inspiration for photography was born in 2007, on a trip to a relative’s cottage when rain turned into sunshine. It created a stunning combination of fog and light, which he captured with his compact camera— this beautiful moment sparked the desire to document and photograph such atmospheric moments. More than 1.7 million people worldwide follow Mikko’s images on social media.

His images have gained widespread attention and recognition globally. They can be found in the book “Masters of Landscape Photography,” which features photographs from the most renowned landscape photographers. His works have been featured in prestigious publications, including BBC, Business Insider, Daily Mail, and The Telegraph. Additionally, Mikko has worked with photographer Konsta Punkka on the YLE mini-series Exploring Earth, filmed in Patagonia, Chile. One of his most famous photos, “Reflect,” gained special attention when renowned real estate agent Ryan Serhant shared it on social media.

Lagerstedt’s style is characterized by a minimalist approach, capturing the essence of the world in all its splendor – from the peace of a foggy morning to the ethereal brightness of the Northern Lights. He aims to evoke emotions by capturing fleeting moments of nature and creating a deeper connection between the viewer and the landscape.

The meditative nature of landscape photography is emphasized in his work, where being present in the moment and capturing the diversity of nature in his own way is vital. The goal of his images is not just to interest people but also to make them feel something when looking at them as if they were in the picture themselves.

In Finnish – Suomeksi

Luonnon hiljaisuudessa

‘Luonnon hiljaisuudessa’ on valokuvanäyttely, joka esittelee Mikko Lagerstedtin syvällisen näkemyksen Pohjoismaiden maisemista ja tunnelmallisista hetkistä. Aina aamun usvasta, yönpimeyteen taltioiden unohtumattomia ja ajattomia maisemia. Kuvat eivät vain vangitse paikkoja, ne vangitsevat tunteita, tuoden sinut lähemmäksi luonnon hiljaisuutta.

Esillä on valokuvia Suomesta, Norjasta, Islannista ja Ruotsista, jotka paljastavat paikkojen piilotetut aarteet. Valokuvat ovat tarinoita, jotka on luotu valon, varjon ja värin avulla. Ne ovat kutsu pois arjesta, hengittää syvään ja astua Pohjoismaiden sydämeen, missä maisemien kauneus on koskematon ja aika tuntuu pysähtyvän.

Näyttelyn valokuvien tarkoitus on esitellä kuvia läheltä sekä hieman kauempaa. Muistuttaen, että aina ei tarvitse matkustaa maailman ääriin, jotta voi kokea upeita maisemia. Eri vuodenajat, sääolosuhteet ja paikat näkyvät upeasti ‘Luonnon hiljaisuudessa’ -näyttelyssä.

Jokainen näyttelyn valokuva kätkee sisäänsä tarinan tai viestin. Sinun tehtäväsi on löytää ne.

—

Mikko Lagerstedt (s. 1982) on kansainvälisesti tunnettu maisemavalokuvaaja, joka on erikoistunut minimalistisiin ja tunnelmallisiin maisemakuviin. Syntynyt ja kasvanut Suomessa, lapsuuden maalaismaisemat Kauhavalla ovat luoneet hänen rakkautensa luontoon ja taiteeseen. Valokuvat ovat kuin visuaalisia runoja, jotka kertovat tarinoita valon, varjon ja värin kautta.

Lagerstedtin ensi-inspiraatio valokuvaukseen syntyi vuonna 2007, matkalla sukulaisten mökille, kun sade muuttui auringonpaisteeksi. Tämä loi upean sumun ja valon yhdistelmän, jonka hän taltioi kompaktikamerallaan. Tämä kaunis hetki herätti halun tallentaa ja valokuvata tällaisia tunnelmallisia hetkiä. Sosiaalisessa mediassa Mikon kuvia seuraa yli 1,7 miljoonaa ihmistä ympäri maailmaa.

Kuvat ovat saaneet laajaa huomiota ja tunnustusta eri puolilla maailmaa. Niitä löytyy kirjasta ”Masters of Landscape Photography”, joka sisältää tunnetuimpien maisemavalokuvaajien valokuvia. Töitä on esitelty arvostetuissa julkaisuissa, kuten BBC, Business Insider, Daily Mail ja Telegraph. Lisäksi Mikko on työskennellyt yhdessä kuvaaja Konsta Punkan kanssa Ylen lyhytsarjassa Exploring Earth, joka on kuvattu Chilen Patagoniassa. Yksi suosituimmista valokuvista, “Reflect”, sai erityistä huomiota, kun tunnettu kiinteistövälittäjä Ryan Serhant jakoi sen sosiaalisessa mediassa.

Lagerstedtin tyylille on tunnusomaista minimalistinen lähestymistapa, joka vangitsee maailman olemuksen sen kaikessa loistossaan – aina sumuisen aamun rauhasta revontulien eteeriseen kirkkauteen. Pyrkien herättämään tunteita tallentamalla luonnon ohikiitäviä hetkiä ja luomaan syvemmän yhteyden katsojan ja maiseman välille.

Maisemavalokuvauksen meditatiivinen luonne korostuu työssä, jossa on oltava läsnä hetkessä ja taltioitava luonnon moninaisuus omalla tavallaan. Kuvien tavoitteena on, että ihmiset eivät vain kiinnostu niistä, vaan myös tuntevat jotain katsoessaan niitä, aivan kuin he olisivat kuvassa.

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22/04/2025
A Journey of Discovery with Mikko — Mikko Lagerstedt
Today, I’m excited to announce something entirely new! Photography challenge I’ll participate alongside you. This challenge is designed to push our creative boundaries, help us improve our skills, and, most importantly, have fun! This is an experiment and I don’t know how many participants we will have, but I’m looking forward to seeing as many as possible. There might be a small reward at the end of the challenge, but the main reward is to inspire yourself!

The Challenge: “Discovering the Unseen”

The theme of this challenge is “Discovering the Unseen” The goal is to capture something people often overlook in your local area. It could be a hidden corner of a park, a unique architectural detail, or an unusual perspective on a familiar scene. The aim is to encourage us to look at our everyday surroundings with fresh eyes and discover beauty in unexpected places.

Challenge Guidelines
1. Location – The location should be within a 20 km / 12-mile radius of your home. This is to encourage exploration of your local area.
2. Timing – The challenge will run for one month. From the 14th of August to the 14th of September 2023. This should give you plenty of time to scout locations, plan your shots, and experiment with different techniques.
3. Sharing Your Work – Share your final image on Instagram using the hashtag #DiscoverWithMikko. At the end of the challenge, I’ll feature some of my favorite entries on my Instagram Stories. If you don’t have Instagram and want to participate, please send me your photographs at hello@mikkolagerstedt.com.
4. Feedback – Feel free to comment on other participants’ photos and share your thoughts and love. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from each other and build a supportive community.
Challenge Ideas

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas:
1. Night photography. Try capturing a familiar urban or landscape scene at night. Look for interesting light sources, reflections, or shadows.
2. Minimalist landscapes. Try to capture a landscape in a minimalist style. Look for simple compositions, clean lines, and a limited color palette.
3. Details. Explore the tiny world of your backyard or local park with macro photography. You might discover a whole new world in the patterns of a leaf, bark texture, or an insect’s intricate details.
4. Abstract architecture. Look for unusual angles or details in local buildings that can be turned into abstract images.
Remember, the goal of this challenge is not to take the “best” photo but to push your creative boundaries and see your local area in a new light. I can’t wait to see what you all come up with!

Happy shooting!
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22/04/2025
5 Tips to Capture Beautiful Photographs Nearby — Mikko Lagerstedt

It’s been one month since I introduced a challenge to all of you who follow me on my blog. The #DiscoverWithMikko challenge was to capture something nearby (no more than 20 km’s away) where you live. It was also to encourage you to try to capture something unique. The month flew by, and I can say that it was a tough challenge for me as well. Not many participated in this challenge, but I saw some beautiful entries on Instagram, which I’ll share in my stories @mikkolagerstedt.

I went out to photograph 15 times in the past month, whether to a nearby field or around the nearby lake. I didn’t take photographs each time because I couldn’t find anything to capture, but that’s how it goes at times. What this challenge reminded me of is that I really enjoy having options. In the future, I want to get a macro lens to capture those details and different perspectives.

There weren’t many great opportunities with the weather, but I eventually captured something I enjoyed. It wouldn’t be a challenge if it weren’t challenging, right?

Each of the challenge photographs I captured was edited with my EPIC Preset Collection. See the descriptions for more information of each edit and camera settings.

1. Keep an open mind and Find new places nearby

Finding something new from nearby places can sometimes be challenging. However, it was easier than I thought. I have driven, biked, and walked around a lot of the area where I live. But I still found a few spots I had never seen before. Keeping an open mind while searching for something to capture is essential. If you want to improve your craft, this approach will move you forward more than anything else.

The first capture was on a beautiful night about 11 kilometers from where I live. The night was amazing and misty. The light pollution wasn’t so evident because of the fog. I ventured to this field and saw this beautiful small bridge. I ran to the bridge while my camera was taking long exposure photographs. I stood there for a few minutes to ensure one of the 20-second exposures was sharp.

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22/04/2025
8 Ideas to Spark Your Creativity With Photography Projects — Mikko Lagerstedt

As a photographer, I have discovered that starting a project can help me channel my creativity and bring new dimensions to my work. A project can be a way to explore new techniques, themes, and perspectives, leading to personal and artistic growth. Currently, I am working on a new photography series that will challenge me to think more deeply about my craft and explore new horizons. While I cannot reveal my project, I encourage you to consider the benefits of taking on your own photography project.

A project can provide purpose and direction to your photography work. It can help you explore a specific subject or theme, experiment with different techniques, and improve your photography skills.

To inspire you, I have compiled a list of project ideas that can help you enhance your photography skills in various ways. These ideas cover different aspects of photography, such as exploring different genres and experimenting with lighting, composition, and post-processing techniques.

Selecting the right photography project can give new life and meaning to your work. It can allow you to explore new themes, experiment with new techniques, and help you take your photography to new heights. To help you get started, I have curated eight project ideas that can benefit photographers, whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting.

Project Ideas

1. One Landscape, One Day

Capture a single landscape over 24 hours. This exercise in patience and timing, observing how light transforms the scene, is fundamental for mastering exposure and understanding the nuances of natural light.

2. Seasonal Series

Document the same location across different seasons. This long-term project highlights nature’s transformative power and tests your commitment. It’s perfect for studying changes in color, light, and weather. Below is my try at capturing this location in different seasons.

Here is an ongoing series of this beautiful tree I’ve captured with different seasons, from Autumn to the start of Winter to Mid-Winter. The only season missing is Summer. However, I’ve shot it multiple times and never really gotten anything special in summer.

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22/04/2025