subject: Take Great Landscape Photos [print this page] Landscape photos are a great addition to any photographer's portfolio, whether they are a professional or amateur. Taking great landscape photos is different in many ways to taking great portraits. However you can also get great results - without having to enlist a muse. Check out these great tips to take landscape photos you, and your friends, will want to print to canvas and hang up in your home, office, or studio for everyone to see.
Look For A Focal Point
A focal point can ground a landscape photograph, capturing your viewer's eye. Try to find a focal point in your landscape, whether it is a rock, tree or other interesting section of a particular area. Your focal point should then be considered in terms of composition. Use the rule of thirds for the easiest and best results. If you can't find a focal point, then change your point of view. Try to take a landscape photo from down low or a higher vantage point - it might make old features of a landscape fresh.
Maximise Depth Of Field
Including as much of a scene as possible in your shot is the normal approach to landscape photography. A small Aperture setting will ensure a greater depth of field. However, to make up for the limited light hitting your image sensor you should lengthen your shutter speed. This can create blurriness in a shot if the camera is not held still, so consider a tripod for optimum effects.
Consider The Sky
The sky may or may not play a large part in your landscape, depending on where and when you are shooting. If the sky in your selected location is doing little for the shot, include less of it in the pictures by only having sky in the upper third. You can also enhance sky after the photos have been taken with photographic manipulation tools that come with your camera or computer.
Work With Weather And Light
Weather can play a huge role in the outcome of your shots. Look for dramatic weather shots to liven up any landscape. If a storm is rolling in, include a larger amount of sky for the best effects. You may also want to try working with outside light. Dusk and dawn are many photographers' favourite time to shoot - because they have a natural golden glow and can produce a mesmerizing effect that can bring life to a photo.
