For many people, landscape photography has become a popularity contest, chasing likes and adulation over creative inspiration and an individual voice. And that is a shame for many reasons, both individual and collective. This important video essay features an experienced landscape photographer discussing the issue and what really matters in the craft. 

Coming to you from Alister Benn of Expressive Photography, this insightful video discusses the meaning of the pursuit of landscape photography. As Benn discusses, one of the most frustrating aspects of the collective craft is the disrespect sometimes displayed toward the environment and wildlife in the pursuit of shots. While most of us can agree that getting a shot does not justify destruction of the natural world, I think more of us get sucked into the pursuit of online clout without realizing it. Not only is this unfulfilling in the long run, it often censors individual creative voices because people stop developing their own style and instead chase the latest social media trends. And why pursue a creative craft if you are not expressing your individuality? Sometimes, it is important to take stock of things, get out into the field, and reset your expectations and experience a bit. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Benn.