Following a few simple steps can lead to memorable landscape photos.
Anyone can take snapshots of the surrounding scenery, but by following a few simple steps, you can transform your landscape pictures from mediocre to dynamic. Although using a digital single-lens reflex camera offers you greater flexibility, a point-and-shoot camera can also take memorable landscape photos.
Lenses
A wide-angle zoom lens is recommended for landscape photography.
Because you will encounter a wide variety of scenery in landscape photography--think the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls--a wide-angle zoom lens is a prerequisite. Wide-angle lenses have a focal length of less than 50 mm and the zoom feature gives photographers varying focal lengths. A telephoto lens also can be used in landscape photography. Telephotos have a focal length greater than 50 mm, allowing you to highlight a single element in any landscape.
Tripod
A tripod is helpful when shooting in low-light situations.
A tripod is necessary when shooting with a slow shutter speed--usually less than 1/60 of a second. Tripods prevent motion blur in close-up photos. A remote shutter release is another handy piece of equipment, allowing you to trigger the shutter button without actually touching the camera.
Rules of Composition
Follow the "Rule of Thirds" for a strong composition.
No matter what your subject is, slowing down and following the basic rules of composition will dramatically improve your images. Every single detail in the picture should contribute to the photo's overall composition. Keep your image simple. PhotographyTips.com suggests watching "for unsightly or unnatural elements, such as overhead wires, hydrants, poles and garbage cans, especially in the foreground."
The easiest way to remove unwanted objects is to change your shooting position. Try to place your subject or focal point using the "Rule of Thirds." While composing your shot, mentally draw two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines across your scene. Positioning your focal point at a place where the lines intersect results in a better picture. The use of leading lines, such as railroad tracks or a meandering stream, will draw the viewer into and through your shot.
Lighting
Spectacular lighting contributes to a spectacular picture.
The absolute best times to shoot landscapes are at sunrise and near twilight. The light will be exquisite, the colors rich and shadows soft. Although it might be tough to drag yourself out of bed at such an early hour, the rewards easily outweigh any loss of sleep. But remember, you also need to be ready to shoot and to have your equipment in place when the light is perfect, and morning light, as well as twilight, is fleeting. If you have no choice but to shoot in the middle of the day, try to keep the sun behind you or to your side.
Filters
A polarizing filter is recommended for serious landscape photographers.
Several basic filters that attach to the camera lens can enhance your landscape photography. A polarizing filter will darken a blue sky, brighten clouds, intensify colors and reduce glare. A split neutral-density filter will balance unevenly-lit scenery. For example, when shooting at sunrise, the sky is often much brighter than the foreground, making it tough for your camera to grab an accurate exposure. A split neutral-density filter functions to tone down the light in the sky.
Available Subjects
Possible landscape subjects are often all around you.
With landscapes just about everywhere you look, there's no end to available subjects. As with any type of photography, the more you practice, the more skilled and confident you will become. To guarantee your success, regularly set aside a block of time and shoot away.
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