Ever had trouble turning that jaw-dropping mountain/lion/waterfall in front of you into a picture that doesn't look like a dull, blurry smudge? Join the club. But don't panic, outdoors and wildlife photography experts Ken and Kitty Clark from Wolfshead Photographic are here to help turn your messes into masterpieces, with these 10 essential tips.

1. Shoot into the sun

We have always been told that the photographer should have the sun behind them… but shooting into the sun often brings a beautifully ethereal quality to your images with interesting lens flair. This can also give you some dramatic silhouettes.

2. Rule of thirds

Imagine a noughts and crosses board in your viewfinder. When you're shooting a landscape image, try placing the horizon line on either the top or bottom third. When you have a main subject try placing it on one of the intersections of your imaginary noughts and crosses.

3. Contrast is Key

Try finding contrasting elements in your images; light and dark, hard and soft, still and moving, this will give you an instant point of interest.

4. Tone on tone

Then again… on occasion it works very nicely to go monochromatic. Blue sky on blue sea, grey cliffs against a stormy sky and so on.

5. Patterns and repetition

Think of ripples in the sand or a mass of grasses, or a fleet of sailing boats. By focusing on just one repeated element you can easily create striking and contemporary images.

6. Change your point of view

Sometimes getting close to the ground or maybe up a little higher will give you an interesting dynamic to your images.

7. Change your format

Why not try shooting in squares or long and thin panoramics? Don't forget to try turning the panoramic on its end, a perfect format for tall trees, waterfalls and skyscrapers!

8. Foreground interest

When shooting landscapes try putting something in the foreground, near to the camera, this will 'lead your eye' into the image.

9. Get Steady

Long exposures in low light can create stunning effects. Using a tripod or even a wall to steady your camera is key.

10. Choose your focus

Most camera phones and DSLRs will give you the option of choosing your point of focus. Using this feature along with selective focus options and/or shallow depth of field will create a professional end result.

Ken and Kitty Clark from Wolfshead Photographic talk at the Outdoor Adventure & Travel Show at London ExCeL, which takes place from February 11-14. telegraphoutdoorshow.co.uk