Scout Like a Pro: Find Landscape Photography Locations

Overview

Do you love to explore the outdoors and capture stunning images? Join naturalist, photographer, and outdoor educator Meredith Fontana to learn how to scout new and exciting places to take landscape photos. In this course you will learn: * How to use Google Earth and Gaia GPS to scout and discover unique locations to photograph. * Identify topography and terrain features that make great photography spots. * Search for hidden gems and locations that are off the beaten path. * Tips for finding the best times of day to shoot a location. This course is for: Anyone who loves to explore the outdoors and escape the crowds. Hikers, backpackers, cyclists, and overlanders will find this course especially useful. Anyone who wants to capture the beauty of our planet with a camera, no matter what type of camera you have. Instructor bio: Meredith Fontana is a landscape photographer, naturalist, and outdoor educator based in Denver, Colorado. Having previously worked as a paleontologist, she has a deep appreciation for the natural world and loves to share her knowledge with others. Meredith enjoys capturing the beauty of nature through her camera lens and teaching others the art of photography. In addition to her career as a photographer, she also works as an outdoor guide, leading groups through the wilderness and sharing her passion for photography and the great outdoors. When not teaching or guiding, you will most likely find her backpacking or trail running with her canine companion, Lambchop.

Syllabus

Foundations of Scouting

This module lays the groundwork for scouting unique photography locations. You’ll learn what scouting is, why it matters, and how to think critically about what makes a great photo spot. By the end, you’ll have the foundational knowledge to begin scouting with purpose.

Digital Tools for Scouting: Google Earth & Gaia GPS

In this module, you’ll dive into digital tools that make modern scouting efficient and precise. You’ll explore Google Earth and Gaia GPS, learning how to set them up, customize layers and overlays, and combine data from both platforms to prepare for location scouting with confidence.

Route Design and Export Techniques

This module shows you how to transform research into action by designing and exporting routes. You’ll learn to use Gaia GPS to plan routes to promising photo spots and connect those routes seamlessly with Google Earth, ensuring your scouting is both practical and precise.

Real-World Applications & Next Steps

This final module brings all the tools and strategies together with real-world case studies and a concluding reflection. You’ll see step-by-step planning for three different photography adventures—hiking, overlanding, and mountain biking—then wrap up by summarizing key strategies and identifying how to apply these scouting skills to your own creative workflow.