subject: Landscape Photo Tips - How You Can Take Better Pictures [print this page] Taking pictures of nature is one of the most popular ways to learn photography. But as simple as taking pictures of landscapes may seem, there is more to it than just snapping a quick picture. So, here are a few simple tips to help you take even better landscape photos.
Slow it Down
One of the most important things about landscape photography is detail. The more detail you can capture from an environment, the better your end result is going to turn out. Close your F-stop as much as possible and use a slower-speed film with longer exposures to pull maximum depth of field from the image and ensure you capture every last tiny element.
Find a Focal Point
What is it about some pictures that catch your attention while others fall flat? The answer is often found in the focal point of the image. No matter what subject you're shooting, you need to decide on what is going to be the important part of that image and frame your shot accordingly. Landscape photography offers all kinds of different types of focal points such as trees, mountains, rock formations and many others to choose from.
Use a Filter
There are tons of filters available for cameras, each of which serves a specific type of photography. Polarizing filters will help make your pictures more dynamic and interesting because they will turn the sky dark and will help build contrast in the colors. Anytime you're taking landscape pictures, always consider the amount of contrast before you shoot. Images that are all one color or tone aren't interesting
Pick the Right Time of Day
Depending on what you're planning on shooting, different times of day are going to either hurt or help you. Since the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the overall appearance of a landscape can be dramatically different in the morning than it is at dusk, so plan ahead on catching the perfect angle. The two best times of the day for landscapes are usually morning and evening as the pitched shadows will add dimension to your images.
Get a Tripod
Sure, carrying a tripod everywhere you go could potentially be a burden, but if you're following the advice above and shooting with slow film and long exposures, you're going to need one. Using a tripod will give you the opportunity to take the same picture with different exposures and will help to prevent image blur. If you're using a slow shutter speed (anything less than 60) image blur can be a problem as you can't guarantee clarity unless you're using a tripod.
Taking landscape pictures is a great way to learn photography. You don't have to deal with impatient subjects, you have a reason to go outside and experience nature, and you get to visually tell the story of that day's journey. With the right equipment and a little forethought, you'll soon be taking incredible landscapes that you'll want to show off in a picture frame on your wall.
