Landscape Photography Tips
My first love in photography the first time I got my old Minolta replica camera when I was a teenager was landscape photography. There is something about going out into nature with the challenge of capturing some of the incredible beauty you see. Maybe it fits with my personality type, but I loved the tranquility and stillness of waiting for the perfect moment to shoot, explore an area at the best observation point and then see the way the light changed scene in a few hours.
While I do not have all the time I wanted for landscape photography these days, I thought about writing down some of the lessons I learned in my first years of practice. I would love to hear your own advice in the comments below.
Use a Tripod
As a result of the higher shutter speed you must select to compensate for a small aperture, you will need to find a way to make sure your camera is completely still during exposure. In fact, even if you can shoot at a fast shutter speed, the practice of using a Best Camera Tripod can be beneficial for you. Consider also a wireless or cable shutter release mechanism for greater stillness of the camera.
Adjust on Focal Point
All shots need some kind of focal point and the landscapes are not different. In fact, landscape photographs without them end up looking somewhat empty and will leave viewers looking at the image with nowhere to rest (and will generally move quickly).
Focal points can take many forms in landscapes and can range from a building or structure, a striking tree, a rock or a rock formation, a silhouette, etc.
Think not only about the focal point, but where you place it. The rule of thirds could be useful here.
Consider the Sky
Another element to consider is the sky in your landscape.
Most landscapes will have a dominant foreground or sky, unless you have one or the other, your shot can get pretty boring.
If you have a soft and boring sky, do not let it dominate your shot and place the horizon in the upper third of your shot (however, you’ll want to make sure your foreground is interesting). However, if the sky is full of drama and interesting formations of clouds and colors, let it shine by placing the horizon below.
Consider improving the skies in post-production or with the use of filters (for example, a polarizing filter can add color and contrast).
Capture Movement
When most people think of landscapes, think of calm, serene and passive environments; However, landscapes are rarely completely immobile and transmitting this movement in an image will add drama, state of mind and create a point of interest.
Examples: wind in the trees, waves on a beach, water flowing over a waterfall, birds flying overhead, clouds moving.
Capturing this movement usually means that you need to look at a longer shutter speed (sometimes a few seconds). Of course, this means that more light hits your sensor, which means you need to go for a small Aperture, use some kind of filter or even shoot at the beginning or end of the day when there is less light.
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