Getting that great shot - that one-in-a-million - isn’t as easy as you might think. If you watch any of my videos, or read any of my blogs, you’ll know how real the struggle is.
Unlike most of my local photographers (it seems anyway), I tend to plan my shoots down to the finest detail - location, composition, sunset/sunrise direction, tide times and weather. I always go out to get that one shot, not take hundreds and sift for the best ten. I want one. I can always plan to get the others another time.
Ten years ago this would have been almost impossible without five to ten recce visits. Thankfully, we’ve now got all of this info in the palm of our hand, as long as you’ve got data. There are loads of apps that give you as much information as your brain can handle so you can plan precisely. It doesn’t always go to plan - sometimes the info is off - but here we go anyway.
Here are my favourite apps that, in my humble opinion, will help your landscape photography go further - in the prep stage, taking the shots, and getting them out on social media.
Note: I’m on Android, but most/all of these have iPhone versions. I’m not sponsored by any of these, and alternatives are available.
Phone Apps
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Exposure Calculator
My most used app. I love long exposure photography. This calculates exposure when I add an ND filter so I can slow the shutter for silky seas or dreamy skies. I’ve tried others (including the Lee app) but this is the easiest to use.
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TPE (The Photographer’s Ephemeris)
Probably my second most used. It shows when and where the sun rises and sets - and more. It’s simple and quick for tracking sun and moon. There’s a paid version, but there’s also a free, ad-supported option that’s fine for short use.
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PhotoPills
The photographer’s Swiss Army knife. Plan astro shoots, phases of the moon, Milky Way position and height, plus brilliant AR to find it in the sky. Also useful for timelapse, location planning, sun/moon tracking and hyperfocal distance. It’s only number three for me as I don’t use all its functions and I still prefer TPE for sun tracking.
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Instagram
The place to showcase your work. I try to upload weekly and keep my feed consistent - it helps growth. See mine here for inspiration.
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Tides Near Me
Invaluable for tide times. I shoot a lot of seascapes and often want low tide - in Southsea, low tide reveals sandy beach and I love the glistening sunset on wet sand. Simple to use. If you’re outside the UK, pick a local equivalent.
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500px
A photographer-focused alternative to Instagram, geared more to pros. Images can be rated and featured. I use it less these days, but it’s worth a look. Visit 500px.com.
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No Crop
Ever uploaded to Instagram and lost the edges? This adds borders to bring ultra-wide images back into the right dimensions so nothing gets chopped. Handy for panos.
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Twitter
I use it less than other platforms, but it’s still useful for reach and conversations. Follow me here if you like.
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Facebook
My favourite social platform and where a lot of my business ends up. Many of you probably came here from Facebook. It definitely deserves a spot on this list.
There it is - my list of great apps. Let me know what you think in the comments. Got one you want me to try? Go forth and get photographing!
