To acquire top landscape images it is best to do what pro photographers do: concentrate on getting the following three things right:
1). Lighting: Make sure there is good lighting to reveal the scene at its best.
2). Time: Shoot at the right time of day; this makes all the difference between an average photo and a really good one.
3). Composition: Get this right and the image will be admired by many people.
What equipment is needed for landscape photography?
1. A decent digital camera is essential. Compact cameras are okay for general landscape images, like family holiday snaps, but they are too basic and cannot produce pro-grade results. A digital SLR camera gives full control in taking photographs.
2. The right lenses are needed. The kit lens that comes with the camera will normally do for landscapes, but for best results dedicated wide-angle and telephoto lenses will be required.
3. Two types of filters will be needed - a polarizing filter and a set of neutral density filters. The effects of these filters cannot be reproduced with photo-editing software like Photoshop.
4. A sturdy tripod is absolutely essential. Without a tripod there is no way a landscape photographer can keep the camera rock steady when exposure times become stretched, which is normally the case. The small apertures used by landscape photographers in order to maintain deep depth-of-field force prolonged shutter speeds.
5. A comfortable, waterproof backpack. This is more practical than a shoulder bag, especially when you're walking over tough terrain. The backpack can accommodate items such as spare memory cards and batteries.
6. The right clothing. Waterproof walking shoes that keep the feet warm and dry are best. Waterproof jackets and fleeces are also recommended.
What are the best techniques used by top landscape photographers?
1. Shoot photos with deep depth-of-field. This ensures that the entire image is in sharp focus - from foreground to the horizon. This is typically achieved by the use of small apertures and therefore longer exposures due to the reduced intensity of light reaching the camera's sensor.
2. A good composition tip is to make sure that the landscape image has a foreground object in view. This always livens-up what will otherwise be a dull landscape photo.
3. Another composition tip is to find lead-in lines that add interest and 'lead' the viewer's eyes through the picture.
4. Shoot when the Sun is low in the sky. A low-down Sun means that there will be lots of shadows about. Also, just before sunrise and just after sunset, there may be an orange glow spreading up from the horizon when the sky is clear. Landscape photographers need to act fast to capture this glow because after half an hour it will have gone.
5. Silhouettes look great and they are quite easy to shoot. Just look for anything solid against a bright background. Typical objects that make good silhouettes are usually man-made, especially electricity pylons. They are best shot at dusk or dawn.
(c) Copyright - Vic George. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
By: Vic George
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About The Author:
Vic George is a UK photographer.
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