Landscape Photography – Tips and Tricks for the Professional Landscape Photographer

In this article, we will discuss some easy tricks and tips for landscape photography. A professional landscape photographer has the ability to grasp the environment in still. The use of a wide-angle lens and use of appropriate settings will capture a great shot.

It is important to remember when photographing outside in a nature setting that you may need to use some filtering techniques in order to get the right look. Here are some excellent tips and tricks to help you with your landscape and nature photography.

• Keeping everything in focus is of the utmost importance when photographing landscapes. Depending on the type of camera you have you want to have a good view of the area you are shooting. You should have a camera that you can adjust and control the exposure settings, an aperture of f/11 or f/16 is ideal.
• Many people ask when the best time is to shoot breath-taking landscapes. My feeling is that sunrise and sunset are the best times. The sun is set at each horizon thus providing compatible shadowing and excellent feel.
• Where to go? You may find suitable landscape in your back yard. However if you take some time to explore you can find some priceless spots. Grab a local road map and take a stroll in a park, or a forest setting. You might catch some unexpected wildlife in your pictures as well which can be a great focal point.
• Once you get comfortable with your camera, it is very important that you have a wide-angle option or lens. Shooting landscape images is best suited through a wide-angle lens. This will provide more latitude, and better perspective.
• If you are shooting a specific item of interest. Try to have it in the foreground so that you add a sense of depth to the subject. Set you camera to a smaller aperture to maintain focus.
• Many budding photographers also prefer to use a tripod. This will maintain the angle, make for easier shooting, and overall comfort. Purchase and aluminum type or other light metal or plastic.
• The notorious ‘letterbox’ shot. This can be achieved by taking a shot that allows you to crop the top and bottom of the image in order to create a more panoramic look.
• As mentioned earlier the use of filters is rather important. Utilizing a polarizing filter will darken certain aspects of your background.
• The human eye can see the true picture. However when shooting scenes that involve the sky, it is important that you use graduated filters with varying density. You can choose grey or natural feel, they will darken the sky and lower the contrast around your landscape.
• With the ever-changing technology we have many photographers are choosing to use color correction filters. You can adjust or change the colors within the landscape. Perhaps you want a warmer look, or to cool it down these are the appropriate filters for this job.
• To create a glowing atmosphere many people choose to use a focus filter. This will blur the bright areas into the dark or shadowy areas for that look you want.
• Depending on the type of camera you have, you may want to try creating your own filters. You can buy any sort of transparent film and create your own look. Some people have used an old sock, or saran wrap, thin coffee filters. Just have fun experimenting with different things.
• It is important to be true in your style. Maintain your own feel and look for your imagery. Anyone can take the same old pictures of the same stuff. It takes a true creative photographer to create a name and style for themselves. Try taking shots from different vantage points, maybe lower to the ground, or from a higher standpoint. Use flare and distinction to set yourself apart from others.
• They say a picture is worth a thousand words. This statement is so true, every picture since the invention of the camera tells a story. Just take a moment some day and look back through your family photo albums. Each picture holds a memory in time. You will find that you get the same feel when you start your photography career or hobby. Each and every photo will provide a memory, and a storyline. Have fun and explore and try new things.