11 Fail-Safe Tips for Landscape Photographers
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Going out in nature and taking pictures of what you see is one of the most enjoyable things you can do with a camera. Some people make a living from it, but most take up landscape photography because it is very pleasurable and rewarding.
We have eleven tips for them that will guarantee amazing shots and more enjoyable experiences the next time they go shooting out into the wild.
1. Spectacular skies
One of the most important elements in any landscape photo is the sky. You want something that people will look at. Try to avoid white, dull skies and include clouds as often as you can. Consider enhancing beautiful skies in post-production and use a polarizing filter for those blue, summer skies to make the color and contrast stand out.
2. Motion
Landscape photography is usually all about still scenes, but you can give your images some extra weight with motion. Set your camera for long exposures and capture moving waves or flowing rivers. Even clouds can create motion in the sky if you keep your shutter open long enough.
(Success Tip: Master landscape photography with a simple deck of cards here)
3. Shoot in the golden hour
I know this is a tip you hear and see everywhere, but it is that important. You'll most likely have very little time on your hands to capture a scene, so it’s best to schedule everything properly. Use apps to learn when the sun is in the correct position in the location you want to photograph and make sure you're there on time.
4. The holy tripod
There’s a saying among old-school pros: there’s no lens like a tripod. That’s true for a number of reasons. You want your camera to be completely stable for motionless images. You also want to take your time with composition and the best way to do that is to slow things down a little. A tripod will be of great help in this regard.
5. Include a foreground
Foregrounds will make your photos more interesting and give them a sense of depth. There are a lot of elements you can place in your foregrounds, but some of the most used are rocks, trees and flowers.
6. Leading lines
Use leading lines to guide your viewer into the frame and lead their attention to the points of interest. Look for natural symmetry in nature in elements like forest lines.
7. Make bad weather your friend
The truth is nobody really likes to photograph in harsh weather. It can be very frustrating and exhausting, not to mention dangerous for both photographer and camera gear.
But it’s also true that bad weather produces spectacular light and makes scenes very dramatic. If I could choose between shooting a scene at dusk and doing it just before a heavy storm, I would always choose the second.
8. Straighten that horizon line
It’s one of least favorite things for landscape photographers to try and keep their cameras straight enough to get a perfect horizon. You can make it easier by using a tripod and relying on the guidelines in the viewfinder or LCD screen.
9. The importance of perspective
The most spectacular landscape photos are those taken from the hardest places to get to. Remember that the next time you go shooting. It takes a bit of sacrifice and stepping out of your comfort zone to find an interesting, different perspective. Just make sure you stay safe and use the proper gear and clothing.
10. Points of interest
It’s best to have a point of interest in your photos, something that will draw attention. It can be a lodge in the distance, or even the moon or a tree. The point of adding such an element is to increase the visual appeal of the image. Instead of having an even, yet mostly empty scene, put something in there that will grab the attention of the viewers.
11. Maximum depth of field
You want everything in the frame to be completely in focus. Having a clear foreground and a blurred background isn't really called landscape photography .The best way to achieve this is to close down your aperture as much as you can. However, keep in mind that this can possibly result in underexposure, so boost the ISO a little, or turn to your trusty tripod once more.