Richard Herzog Photography

Most photographers think composition is about rules like the rule of thirds or leading lines.

But after years in the field, I’ve found the real issue is much simpler—and much more powerful.

We stop at the first place that looks “good enough.”

The problem is, good enough is usually where average photos are born.

Great landscape images come from something else entirely: awareness of visual weight, balance, and how your eye moves through the frame.

A few steps left or right can completely change the relationship between foreground, midground, and background.

That’s why I use what I call the Five-Minute Rule—before I commit to a composition, I move. I explore. I let the scene reveal itself instead of forcing the first view I see.

The camera doesn’t create stronger images.

Your position does.

📷 NOW, get out and shoot!

https://youtu.be/Mr7AcVGCpbQ

Most photographers miss this composition mistake. Small shifts create stronger images. My business website: https://www.RichardHerzog.com Herzography GE...

One thing I highly recommend avoiding in mobile photography is getting locked into a proprietary filter ecosystem.

At first it sounds convenient — one case, one filter system, one mounting setup.

But over time, it can seriously limit your creativity.

One of the best parts of mobile photography is flexibility. You should be able to move from cinematic video… to landscapes… to macro photography… without your gear getting in the way.

That’s why I appreciate flexible systems like Maven filters that allow you to experiment with different looks and shooting styles without rebuilding your setup every time.

Your phone case shouldn’t decide what kind of photography you can create.

Have you ever regretted buying into a proprietary camera or filter system?

https://youtu.be/78jzwTb1rUA

Don’t get locked into proprietary filters. Use 67mm Maven filters for creative freedom. My business website: https://www.RichardHerzog.com Herzography GE...

Most phone filter systems lock you into proprietary accessories and tiny filters.

The Maven Pivot Filter System takes a different approach — giving mobile photographers and creators the flexibility to use magnetic filters, larger filter sizes, macro diopters, ND filters, CPLs, and more.

A modular system designed for creativity instead of limitations.

https://youtu.be/cG9vTvZ4Iyo

Turn your phone into a modular creative system with the Maven Pivot Filter System My business website: https://www.RichardHerzog.com Herzography GE...

I made a pretty major change to my iPhone 17 Pro Max filming setup.

After using the Freewell Filmmaker case system for a while, I decided to switch over to the Neewer cage system — and it completely changed my workflow.

What surprised me most was that this wasn’t really about features…

It was about reducing friction while shooting.

Things like:
• Faster filter changes
• Better tripod mounting options
• Proper strap support
• Easier cable access
• More flexibility for future accessories

The Neewer setup feels much more like working with a real camera rig now.

I break down exactly why I switched, what frustrated me with the old setup, and what I’m gaining with the new one in the full video

https://youtu.be/WzBg4ytWmN4

Flexibility - Switched from Freewell to Neewer cage for iPhone 17 Pro Max—workflow breakdown. My business website: https://www.RichardHerzog.com Herzography GEAR: https://www.richardherzog.com/Pages/Gear ALL Photo Gear B&H: https://bhpho.to/43UJuY9 ...

One of the biggest challenges in landscape photography is getting everything sharp from front to back.

In my latest video, I walk through 3 different focus stacking methods and when to use each one:

📷 In-camera focus bracketing
📱 Using an iPhone app to calculate hyperfocal distance
🔍 Manual focus stacking with focus peaking

I also explain hyperfocal distance in simple terms and how it can reduce the number of shots you need to take.

If you’ve struggled with soft foregrounds or blurry backgrounds, this video should help.

https://youtu.be/AtkrazHs1w8

Focus Stacking Without Guesswork - The Best Way to Focus Stack Landscapes My business website: https://www.RichardHerzog.com Herzography GEAR: https://www.richardherzog.com/Pages/Gear ALL Photo Gear B&H: https://bhpho.to/43UJuY9 ...

I always carry more filters than I need… but these are the ones I actually use every time I go out to shoot.

My core kit is simple: polarizers, ND filters, close-up and infrared . That combination handles the majority of lighting situations I run into — from cutting reflections to balancing exposure in high-contrast scenes.

Everything else in my bag is more “just in case.” These are the essentials.

If you’re trying to simplify your gear and focus on what really matters, this is a great place to start.

I put together a short video showing exactly what I carry and why.

https://youtube.com/shorts/OZHtADz2DAg

Richard Herzog Photography 2 likes. "Maven Filters Go Bag "

Most lenses are pretty straightforward.

You frame your shot… focus… and shoot.

But every once in a while, a lens comes along that completely changes that process.

The Laowa 55mm f/2.8 Tilt-Shift 1x Macro Lens gives you control over both focus and perspective—something that opens up a lot of creative possibilities once you understand how to use it.

It’s not the easiest lens to learn, but it’s one of the most rewarding.

I just put together a full review walking through how it works and when it actually makes sense to use.

https://youtu.be/SK-pu21Qb8Y

Facebook Tags

Richard Herzog Photography 1 like. "Laowa 55mm TS 1X Review"

I’ve tested a lot of mobile gear over the years, and most of it ends up being too bulky or just not practical to carry.

But this one is different.

The OMOTON TP06 is small enough to fit in your pocket, strong enough to mount almost anywhere, and flexible enough to handle just about any shooting situation.

For $36, it’s one of the easiest recommendations I’ve made in a long time.

Have you found any mobile gear like this that you actually use regularly?

https://youtu.be/VHETUT_82dU

This might be the most useful iPhone accessory I’ve used… and it fits in your pocket. Review of the OMOTON TP06 magnetic tripod and selfie stickOMOTON TP06 for MagSafe Tripod Hook with Magnet Back & Arca-Swiss Base https://amzn.to/4srM8Q3My ...

One of the biggest breakthroughs in my landscape photography came from something simple:

Composing in black and white.

Not the final image — just the viewfinder.

It removes the distraction of color and forces you to focus on what really matters:
light, contrast, and composition.

Try it next time you’re out shooting. You might be surprised at what you start to see.

Compose better landscapes by seeing light and contrast—not color. Try this trick! My website: https://www.RichardHerzog.com Herzography GEAR: https://www.richardherzog.com/Pages/Gear ALL B&H Gear: https://bhpho.to/43UJuY9 MAVEN MAGNETIC ...

Why shoot multiple HDR exposures when you can balance the scene in one frame?

Graduated ND filters help control dynamic range by darkening the sky while keeping the foreground properly exposed. The result is a natural-looking landscape photo with less editing and no HDR artifacts.

Sometimes the best exposure happens right in the camera.

https://youtu.be/l1VJlO_h8ys

Shoot landscapes in one frame. Learn why grad ND filters can beat HDR bracketing. My business website: https://www.RichardHerzog.com My business website: https://www.RichardHerzog.com Herzography GEAR: https://www.richardherzog.com/Pages...