There are three main types of landscape photography:
- Representational
- Impressionistic
- Abstract
Before diving into a few landscape photography tips, let’s first look into these three types.
Representational Landscape Photography
Photo by Pedro Szekely
This type of photography strives for natural, realistic images. When photographing this type of landscape, the goal is to capture the setting in a straightforward, realistic way.
Impressionistic
Photo by James Jordan
Rather than going for a straightforward look, impressionistic landscape images tend to be more elusive and vague in the qualities depicted.
Abstract
River Ripples By Luis Argerich
Abstract landscape photographs tend to focus more on the graphic elements of the image. Shapes and forms are what take priority in the image and careful composition and framing is needed.
While each type of landscape photography has different goals and techniques, the general landscape photography tips below are great to get started.
Maximize the Depth of Field
Photo by Randy Le'Moine
For most landscape images it is necessary to have the entire scene in focus. While there are some shots that use more shallow depth of field, you’ll mostly be spending your time with a larger depth of field for landscapes.
Be sure to use a small sized aperture as this will ensure that most all of the photo is clear and in focus. If you use very large apertures you may need to either use a faster ISO or a slower shutter speed.
Do not use a flash
The only affect a flash will have is if you have a close foreground object. The flash can effectively brighten up this object (if done properly with proper diffusion to make the flash blend in with the surrounding light). In most cases, a flash is not needed for landscapes and it’s a safe bet to just keep it off.
Use a Tripod
Photo by Hamed Saber
Because of the smaller aperture size, a tripod will often be needed for your photographs. It’s a good idea to always carry one with you when going on landscape shoots, even if it’s a bright day.
Use a bubble level
The biggest problem I used to have when taking landscape photos was an improperly level horizon line. The solution is to be sure you have a bubble leveler on your tripod so you can properly set the horizon. Having a crooked horizon line for a landscape photo is very “Tacky”.
Compose the Sky Accordingly
Most landscape photographs will have a good portion of the sky in them. It is important to compose the sky accordingly. If the sky is filled with interesting colors and clouds, having it take up 2/3 of the horizon may be effective. If, however, the sky is just blue with no clouds or sunset colors, it may be best to use it for 1/3 of the horizon instead. This all depends, however, on your composition goals and how you want to use your negative/positive space.
Have a Focal Point
Photo By Gianni Dominici
When you photography landscapes, having a focal point of interest will make your photos more visually satisfying. The focal point will anchor the viewer to a specific location where they can eventually explore away from. It is important to be sure your focal point is properly framed.
Lines
Samual Sharpe
Pay close attention to the lines in your photos and be sure that they are being used to lead the viewer where you want. For example, lines can be effectively used to lead the viewer to your focal point.
Use Foregrounds
Having a foreground will accentuate the depth of field in your photo and provide an interesting contrast from the close and the far.
Use Slower Shutter Speeds
Photo by Kyle Kruchok
Slow shutter speeds aren’t only used for a small aperture in landscape photography. You can use a slower shutter to create artistic effects such as blurred waves, wild brush, clouds, etc.
Shoot During the Golden Hour
Lighting is one of the most important parts to landscape photography. Photographing during dawn or dusk often will provide more interesting light that brings out the textures and colors at your location.
Photo by Pedro Szekely
The right lighting for a landscape depends entirely on your desired effect. While shooting at 12pm when the sun is directly overhead often produces very harsh, overhead lighting, it may produce the desired effect for a particular terrain.
Pay close attention to the terrain, textures, and shapes of your location. Imagine how they would look with light from the east, west, and directly overhead. Sometimes the best shot is hours away.
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Perhaps your next tutorial should advise against terrible use of HDR, as seen in many of the photos on this blog post.