Photo by Hernan Lopez via iStock
Getting started in beginner landscape photography is a thrilling prospect but can seem daunting at first.
You will have a lot of questions, such as what is the best beginner camera for landscape photography, what settings work best for landscape photos, how to get the most out of the gear you currently own and use, are physical prints worth doing, and so on.
Here, I’ve compiled a few beginner landscape photography tips that you should find beneficial. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents:
- Beginner Landscape Photography Cameras
- Beginner Landscape Photography Lenses
- An Easy Way to Protect Yourself From the Elements
- Settings for Landscape Photos
- Sharing Your Landscape Photography
- Beginner Landscape Photography Ideas
- Recommended Photography Gear
Beginner Landscape Photography Cameras
Photo by tomofbluesprings via iStock
To get started, let’s take a good look at your current camera, since it may be that you already have a great candidate for your best beginner camera for landscape photography in your bag right now.
You will want a camera that is versatile and capable, having the ability to capture RAW image files, user-adjustable exposure settings, interchangeable lenses, and a decent format size and image resolution. Many Full-Frame, APS-C, and MFT (Micro 4/3rds) format cameras in mirrorless and DSLR styles meet these criteria.
I try not to stress too much on sensor resolution numbers, the MPs, because once you get up to about 8MP to 12MP, you already have enough sensor resolution to beat out most older film cameras of a similar format in terms of pure resolving power. We actually crossed that threshold some two decades ago.
photo by Barry Wilmot via iStock
Whether to decide on mirrorless vs DSLR, Full Frame vs crop formats, entry-level vs intermediate vs prosumer cameras, and what sensor resolution to have will often depend on how much size you’re willing to carry and what your monetary budget can handle.
The larger the format, the larger and heavier everything else like lenses and accessories will be. Mirrorless cameras help minimize size and weight issues, though many DSLRs are exceptionally budget-friendly at the moment for beginner landscape photography, especially in entry-level and prosumer cameras.
One other thing to consider is that using larger formats and more durable and capable levels of cameras and lenses also increases the amount of money you will be spending. An excellent option for camera and lens upgrades is shopping an online platform that specializes in used photography gear. You can check our many articles on this subject if you find this thought appealing.
Beginner Landscape Photography Lenses
Photo by StockNinja via iStock
I talked a lot about beginner landscape photography cameras, much of which I wrote applies equally to the lenses you choose. The lens mount and format are the first things you should look at since there are many compatibility issues to consider. A nice lens made for an MFT format mirrorless Olympus won’t be much use on a Nikon Full-Frame DSLR, for instance.
After getting that part right, then you will have many options to think about. What focal lengths, should you get a zoom or a prime focal length, are faster lenses better, how can you tell if a lens is pro-style or not, and so on. Again, check out our many articles on these subjects, whichever criteria are more important for you.
I will say this, though, the kit lenses that come with many entry-level and intermediate cameras are often a wonderful choice for beginner landscape photography. They are excellent in terms of sharpness, have focal lengths that are very usable for all sorts of landscape photos, and are versatile all-around lenses.
photo by studiocasper via iStock
Kit lenses are primarily designed to be sharp, lightweight, and inexpensive. How the manufacturers get the last two while keeping the first is to limit the maximum aperture and use less rugged construction and materials. (Don’t worry about plastic lens elements though, the kit lenses are high-grade glass lenses.)
In order to have a wider maximum aperture, more durability, or other specific needs, you will be carrying larger and heavier lenses and paying more for them. That’s fine, you don’t have to make that decision alone, we have all sorts of articles covering those things, too.
An Easy Way to Protect Yourself From the Elements
When I go out to photograph landscapes, the last thing I want to do is put on one of those clingy plastic ponchos to protect myself from the rain, and I definitely don't want to put a sticky plastic camera cover over my camera and lens.
So what's the solution?
GoShelter is a perfect option because it offers you and your gear protection from the elements without impeding your movement. In fact, GoShelter suspends around you, so you still get good airflow, and it's hands-free, so you can use your camera, switch lenses, and so forth without worrying about holding an umbrella.
GoShelter is even large enough that you can wear it with a backpack and get protection for your bag and yourself at the same time. With its adjustable fitment, you can make GoShelter accommodate your specific needs with each and every trip.
Featuring waterproof ripstop fabric, GoShelter will keep you dry, even in a downpour. And since heavy-duty, wind-resistant, and abrasion-resistant, it offers peace of mind so you can concentrate on getting your shots.
On top of all that, GoShelter is ultra-lightweight, easy to deploy and collapse, and easy to carry and wear. The ducktail design on the back prevents water from dripping down your legs, while the UV-resistant clear vinyl window gives you a clear view without the risk of oxidation.
In other words, the folks at GoShelter truly thought of everything! This is a functional, durable, must-have item for any beginner landscape photographer, and you can get one today for $15 off using the coupon code PT1Umbrella. Nice!
Learn More:
- Why Metal Prints are Great for Landscape Photos
- The Trick to Making Your Photos Fine Art
- Photography Tips for Novices
Settings for Landscape Photos
Photo by skibreck via iStock
Okay, you’ve got your desired beginner landscape photography gear, now you want to know how to best use it for incredible landscape photos you can enjoy for yourself and share with others.
My two biggest recommendations for beginner landscape photography tips are to use RAW image files and learn how to adjust and compensate exposure variations.
As for composition rules and other thoughts, you're probably already doing pretty well, which is why you’re stepping up into more serious landscape photography. Once again, we already have dozens and dozens of articles here on Photography Talk, so take some time and have fun learning or improving your skills along with us.
photo by Pekic via iStock
Handling RAW image files from your camera requires learning and using a good post-processing program, but that’s getting easier and easier to do with current programs such as Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, ACDSee, and DxO PhotoLab. With discount pricing or subscription models, these programs are as easy on the budget as they are to learn and use.
Being able to adjust exposure settings, either completely manually or through some form of compensation or manipulation is a vital aspect of improving your landscape photos. What’s nice is that it isn't really all that difficult to do or hard to learn. Stick with us, we can help you with all of that, too.
Sharing Your Landscape Photography
As you’re gathering more and more excellent landscape images, you will naturally want to share them with others somehow. Having your own website or a photographically dedicated social media account works well for this, but there is really nothing quite like a big, physical print of your best images in regards to artistic impact for others.
Nothing wrong with enjoying your own hard work this way either, I definitely do it with my landscape images. The modern method of metal printing from digital image files is a premier way of showing off your beautiful images of any kind, including your favorite landscape photos.
You might want to check out the articles on Photography Talk covering our 2020 Metal Print Shootout and 2021 Metal Print Shootout. The same printer, Artbeat Studios, won both of these. Our 2022 Metal Print Shootout is coming soon.
I really like Artbeat Studios for their many high-quality physical print processes. In addition to their award-winning metal prints, they also can make your images into acrylic prints, canvas wraps, and several different types of paper enlargements.
There really isn’t anything else like the artistic impression that comes from viewing a well-made large physical print of your best landscape photography.
Beginner Landscape Photography Ideas
Photo by Smileus via iStock
Beginner landscape photography tips I like to share include where to go to capture your landscape photos. Some of the best areas that are easy to get to may be right in your own backyard. Hey, they might BE your own backyard!
You’ve been capturing some good images already, so now it’s time to go to the next level. With a good camera and lens, learning some extra skills, and using these beginner landscape photography tips, we’ll help you get there.
Recommended Photography Gear
Learn More:
- How to Turn Photos Into Wall Art
- How to Have More Fun with Your Photos
- 4 Things You Need to Know About Metal Prints