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CameraAction's top 10 Landscape Photography Tips



This weekend we have a Landscape Masterclass with professional photographer Trav Munro. Here are a few tips to whet your Landscape appetite.

10. Use a Tripod.

The beauty of Landscape photography is that you can shoot literally anywhere. What this means is that you can lead yourself to some unstable grounds. A sturdy tripod will assure you can get a sharp shot, even in the most precarious of locations.

9. Consider your Horizons.

When the Horizon is visible, make an effort to keep it as horizontal as possible. You don't want to have to crop your image and lose an element in your photo just because your tripod wasn't level.

8. Use a Remote

A remote shutter release will attempt to remove any unnecessary camera shake being transferred from your body to the camera while releasing the shutter. If shooting a long exposure, eliminating camera shake is a top priority.

7. Maximize your Depth of Field.

Depth of Field within Landscape Photography is one of those "Rules of Photography". Most times, you should be attempting to get your entire shot in focus. However, rules are meant to be broken. You can achieve fantastic Landscape shots using a shallow depth of field.

6. Foreground Elements

Using a prominent foreground element in your shot will give depth to the image. It can also be used to add scale or simply give the landscape a sense of location. Flowers, trees, a barn, a car, anything can be used. Get creative.

5. Accentuate Movement

A slow shutter speed can be used to accentuate movement amongst your composition. Waterfalls, clouds and car headlights can bring life to an image. A slow shutter speed of usually more than a second or two is generally enough to begin to see the benefits of this technique.

Top Tip: Neutral Density (ND) Filters placed in front of your lens will allow you to use a slower shutter speed even on a bright sunny day.

4. Use Lines to Draw in your Audience

Roads, paths and rivers can all be used as guiding lines into your Landscape composition. Lines also give your shot depth, scale and another point of interest for your viewer.

3. Compressing your Landscapes

You don't always need to use a wide angle lens to get great landscape shots. A Telephoto lens can be used to "Compress" your subject. The more you zoom into an object, the closer the background will appear to be. For more clarification on this topic have a look at the image below. The only change between all of these photographs is the focal length of the lens.

 

2. Watch Your Sky

The sky can make or break your photograph. Dramatic clouds can really enhance your landscapes but an overcast bland sky can be quite an eyesore. Use the sky to your advantage. Compose for the sky. If its an overcast day, don't over emphasize the sky. Use your rule of thirds in order to best suit your current situation. 

1. Magic Hour

The softest and nicest light to shoot in is generally half an hour before sunrise or half an hour after sunset. Your camera can see a lot more light than the human eye and you will be amazed at the colours your camera will see even when it appears to be dark. Use a combination of a tripod, remote and long shutter speed for the greatest results.

If you would like some more information on the Landscape Masterclass please follow this link over to the Light Room.