If you thought that taking great landscapes was for the pros then think again. All of us can take stunning landscape photos. Using simple steps anyone can take great landscape photos. Here's how to do it.
Great scenery has been an inspiration to artists for centuries. By using some fundamental rules of landscape photography, you too can create masterpieces that will be admired as art.
1. Find the right time of day and take your time
It's the patient photographer who knows the right time of day for that particular location who will get the remarkable photograph. Time and effort will always result in a shot that stands out from others. Knowledge of the location will add to the chances of a great image being created. The best time of day for landscape shots is early morning and late afternoon when the light is golden, the sun is low in the sky and the shadows are long. Spring and summer are the seasons for great images although winter and autumn can result in spectacular images.
2. Follow the rules of composition
The great artists over the centuries discovered that landscapes that are properly composed most times follow the rule of thirds. Divide the image into three horizontal thirds. A background, foreground and middle ground. Always place the horizon along one of these dividing lines. Use winding roads, fences or hedges to lead the eye to a focal point. Use colour to divide the image along the third lines.
3. Use both formats
Most times landscapes are shot using the horizontal or as it is known, the landscape format. But, using the vertical or portrait format can also yield some stunning shots. A panorama might not always be the best format for the shot. Again, when using the portrait format don't forget the rule of thirds.
4. Shoot in all weather conditions
Most of us think that a great landscape shot can only be taken on a bright sunny day. Wrong! Sometimes the most dramatic shots are taken in dramatic weather conditions. Dark foreboding skies yield great high contrast shots. Thunderstorms with galeforce winds and rainy conditions will surprise you with the resulting images. Don't be fooled by the conditions and remember to protect your valuable equipment.
5. Understand depth of field
Great landscape images are usually in sharp focus from the foreground all the way to the background. But, don't be afraid to experiment with depth of field. Depth of field is the area of focus in front of the subject and behind it. How much of it that is in focus is called the depth of field. A large depth of field means there is sharp focus from the front of the scene all the way to the background. To get great depth of field, focus on an area about two thirds of the way into the scene.
6. Use wide angle and telephoto lenses
The classic landscape lens is the wide angle as it allows for more of the scene to be in the image. Nothing beats a wide lens for creating a truly dramatic landscape image. But, sometimes you'll want to crop a scene and a telephoto can help isolate parts of the scene resulting in outstanding images. Zoom lenses are a good substitute allowing you to go from a wide angle to a tighter more isolated image but cannot truly replace a dedicated wide angle lens.
Landscape photography is an art form that has been practised for generations and takes time to perfect. Allow yourself the time to make this form of photography your own. The results can be remarkable and the sense of fulfillment unsurpassed.
Do you want to learn more about photography in a digital world? I've just completed a brand new e-course delivered by e-mail. Download it here for free: http://www.21steps2perfectphotos.com/ To learn how you can take your photography from ordinary to outstanding visit http://www.21steps2perfectphotos.com/21steps.htm
Wayne Turner has been teaching photography for 25 years and has written three books on photography.
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