Perfecting Your Landscape Photography

"Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer - and often the supreme disappointment. " - Ansel Adams

This type of photography actually only requires you to be at the right place at the right time.

One of the success keys for landscape photography is patience, and thats it! Just click and there you go!

Having said that, there are some small details which are forgotten.

I will try to discuss those small details, you can read while sipping your coffee.

1. Sky versus land?

Pick one. Which one is more preferable for you? The sky or the land?

Well, I would just pick both. Why not? Keep in mind that both the land and sky are supporting each other to generate a highly desirable photo.

Don't be greedy, though. Prioritize the stronger one. For instance, during the golden sunset time, the sky will be more tempting than the land. Yet you have to keep in mind the classic photography textbook guideline, the Rule of Thirds.

As the rule of thumb, the part you want to emphasize should be put on the 2/3 part of the frame. But don't solely rely on the rule. Art is all about your personal preference. What I would suggest is to become familiar with the Rule of Third, and then break it.

2. Find the focal point

Focal point is not necessarily the point of interest (POI), but POI could be the focal point. On top of that, focal point can be the initial point to explore POI.

Focal point is where you want the eyes of the viewers to fall when they first see the landscape photography. Focal point can be any object in the frame.

3. Don't Underestimate Foreground

While many photographers focus on finding the best background for their landscape photography, foreground is also very important.

Foreground, when placed correctly, gives the viewers the depth sensation. Foreground can also be used for focal point in many cases. You can use any objects as your foreground, such as rocks, trees, or even a person.

4. Be Friendly With Your Tripod

This particular photography equipment is a dilemma in many cases. It is too heavy to be carried, yet its function is too vital to be left behind. The main function of a tripod is to prevent the camera from shaking.

When I'm going to hunt landscape photography, bringing my tripod along with me is a must. For me it's better to carry a heavy load than to regret the result of not bringing the tripod.

5. Use Depth of Field (DoF) to the Maximum

Landscape photography is usually sharp from one end to the other. Use low focus, f/22 or lower, to maintain the sharpness of the landscape image.

6. Capture the Nature's Movement

Many people consider landscape photography as capturing an image of the peaceful, relaxing, and motionless nature.. In fact, we can add some "drama" to our landscape photography. Capture the movements in the nature, such as water flow, cloud movement, and swinging leaves.

Capturing these kind of movements definitely requires a tripod and neutral density (ND) filter. When we capture the image successfully, it could seem like it is from another world with a very strong mood.

People may argue "that does not look real, does it?"

"Well, I didn't take photos for documentation, did I?"

7. Cooperate With the Weather

Weather is unpredictable. It is either good weather and take photos, or bad weather and do it another time. What if I told you bad weather is good for your landscape photography?

Too many photographers take photos only during the good days. On the other hand, if you capture the moment of a thunderstorm, blizzard, and other bad weather condition, your photos will be very unique and maybe the only kind in the world.

Keep in mind that everybody can make use of good clear blue sky, but only few photographers work in the bad weather. Go against the mainstream and be unique.

8. Golden hour & Blue Hour

Golder hour refers to the time during sunset. You will see the golden color of the sky when the sun sets.

After the sun sets, don't pack up and get ready to leave. Instead, wait for a moment until the sun completely sets and you will witness another best timing for landscape photography. This is called the blue hour.

Blue hour is the time after the sun is gone and before it is completely dark. You will see a dark blue sky. Turn your camera on and capture the moment. Quick!

9. Line and Shape

Play with composition. Lines and shapes give a very strong impression to an image. Also remember the perspective and vanishing point. Both give a great depth of field sensation which is very interesting to a viewer's eyes.

10. Change Perspective

I cannot overemphasize it, explore as much as you can. Get the infinite creativity in landscape photography. Change your point of view when taking photos of an object.

Even switching from high angle to low angle gives you a totally different effect and mood.

11. Capture the Details of the Landscape

Landscape photography is not solely wide angle. Experiment with different types of lens. If you only have a normal lens, then panoramic photo can be an alternative.

12. Use HDR (High dynamic range) Technique

HDR for landscape photography can be a great alternative when camera filter is not available.

The way to do it is by taking images of similar objects with different exposures, then combining them. Combining the images can be done using image editor software such as Photoshop.

Don't overprocess your image. Make it look natural, not a 3D cartoon.

13. Keep Shooting!

After reading all the tips, it is time to start and take action. Remember guys, knowing is nothing, applying what you know is everything. The very best thing you can do to improve your skill on landscape photography is by doing it.

Take your camera, go out take photos and have fun!

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