The Best Camera Settings for Landscapes

Landscape photography is one of the most rewarding types of photography because it allows you to capture the beauty of nature exactly as you see it. Over the years, I've experimented with many different camera settings and have found a setup that works well for me when photographing the stunning landscapes of Southern Utah and beyond.

My Camera Setup

I currently shoot with a Nikon D750 paired with a 24-300mm lens. This combination gives me plenty of flexibility, whether I'm photographing a wide canyon scene or zooming in on distant rock formations and mountain peaks.

One setting I always adjust is the color profile in my camera's main menu. I increase the color saturation to the highest setting available. My reasoning is simple: I want the camera to capture the rich colors I see in the field rather than trying to recreate them later in Photoshop.

I also increase the sharpness setting by one click. This gives my images a little extra crispness without making them look unnatural. For contrast, I typically leave the default setting alone because Nikon's standard contrast settings have always produced results that I like.

I took this one not knowing how special it would be. But hey, we all get lucky sometimes.

Why I Prefer Stronger Colors In-Camera

Many photographers prefer to keep their images neutral and add color during post-processing. While there is nothing wrong with that approach, I personally prefer to capture as much of the scene's natural color as possible while I'm shooting.

When I review my images on the camera screen, I want them to closely resemble what I experienced in person. By boosting the color settings in-camera, I often find that my photographs require less editing later.

Always Use a Tripod for Zoom Shots

One lesson I've learned the hard way is that zoom photography and camera shake do not mix.

Whenever you're shooting at longer focal lengths, even the slightest movement can soften an otherwise perfect image. There have been several occasions where I returned home only to discover that a photograph wasn't as sharp as I thought because I didn't use a tripod.

Now, anytime I'm zooming in on distant subjects, I make it a habit to use a sturdy tripod. The extra stability makes a huge difference in image sharpness and can save you from disappointment later.

Rock N Roll Tree. A zoom shot in Bryce Canyon of a tree bent over. Looks like he is playing a guitar!

Additional Landscape Photography Tips

• Shoot during sunrise and sunset for the best light.

• Use a tripod whenever possible, especially in low light.

• Keep your lens clean and free of dust.

• Take multiple exposures when conditions are changing quickly.

• Be patient and wait for the best light to develop.
  

Final Thoughts

There is no single "perfect" camera setting for every landscape photographer. The best settings are the ones that help you consistently create images you love.

For me, increasing color saturation, adding a touch of sharpness, leaving contrast at its default level, and always using a tripod for zoom shots has helped me produce landscape photographs that better reflect what I saw in the field.

Experiment with your own settings, find what works for your style, and most importantly, get out there and enjoy the adventure of photographing nature.

A row of aspen trees in the fall colors which I adjusted in Photoshop to have a more orange effect.

P.S. – A Little Secret I've Learned Over the Years

Instead of trying to cram every red rock you see into one frame by zooming in too much and only having tons of close ups... Try seeing the photo (a wide one) sitting in a huge frame inside of a doctor's office, or a waiting room. You see how wide and beautiful it looks. Then take your photos based on that wide scape of thought. But it is also good to always shoot wide, medium... Then close-up. I always do this to capture every angle the best. But don't forget to think about those shots that are wide angle and great for printing landscape views of the canyons.

-Carl

Copyright 2026 by Carl Mazur Photography: "The Best Camera Settings for Landscapes"

You can publish this blog post on your social media by copying this link here: "The Best Camera Settings for Landscapes"