What is the best way to become a better outdoor photographer?

Talking of histograms, people often overlook the built-in exposure histogram function which is a feature of  DSLRs and many compact cameras. This feature is often combined with a 'flashing highlight' warning. I use this to review what I have just taken, and adjust the exposure if necessary. Maybe this is because I am old fashioned and still like to get it right at the time of capture, if possible. Modern cameras have excellent metering systems, but it is still prudent to check the histogram when shooting a 'difficult' scene.

There will always be scenes which exceed the brightness range of which the camera is capable of recording. The photographer will then have to decide whether to meter on the highlights or on the the dark areas. This can be where the Graduated ND filter or Photoshop come to the rescue.

More good advice there Edward.

The histogram is an excellent tool that can be confusing when first seen, but doesn't take long to understand. As to deciding where to meter the scene from the basic rule of thumb seems to be 'expose to the right' in that the highlight range of the histogram is to the right hand side of the graph. This is practically the same as the rule for exposing transparency film, when you would usually expose to get acceptable highlights but have no control over deep shadows. At least with digital software you have a reasonable chance of recovering some detail from the shadows than you have from blown highlights.

Videos showing tips from one of Australia's best outdoor photographers.  http://www.kenduncan.com/index.php/photo-tips