Photography Tips: Landscapes

The problem with most outdoor photography is that not enough preparation is put into setting up the shot before it is taken. The ideas shown below are some things that photographers should consider before taking the shot.

1. Depth of field (DOF) - Since the subject of landscape photography is usually the entire scene, it is often desired to have everything in the scene equally in focus. To get this, the depth of field must be as deep as possible.

The aperture controls the DOF. To get a smaller aperture opening, increase its numerical setting. The smaller the aperture opening, the deeper the depth of field will be.

2. Use a Tripod - For the correct exposure, an infinite depth of field often requires that the shutter be open longer.

The slightest shake of the camera body while the shutter is open may cause unwanted blur. To decrease the chances of this happening, use a tripod.

3. Framing - We all have those busy vacation photos with so much in the shot that no-one can quite tell what the subject is. This is normally caused by distractions in the landscape. These distractions can be anything from people to dominant colored buildings.

The shot should not be dominated by these distractions. Use the viewfinder to cut out these distractions. If they are not in your viewfinder they will not be in the picture.

4. Foreground - In outdoor photography, foreground is usually given the credit it is due. It should be used to help guide the viewer into the shot.

When searching for that perfect scene, look for natural lines that lead into it. The foreground should not dominate the landscape though unless it is the actual subject of the shot.

5. Natural Lighting - Most outdoor photographers do not head out with their camera unless it is a nice sunny day. The photographers that do this lose out on some great landscapes.

The mood of the scene will sometimes be greatly enhanced by the weather. Clouds themselves can also be made the subject of the scene.

Dusk and dawn are usually good times to shoot landscapes. Textures and deeper contrasts are created by shadows. The light may even be a different color and cast a golden hue over the land. After all, who doesn't like a sunset?

6. Viewpoint - Moving to a different spot can take a ordinary looking scene and create an inspirational outdoor photo.

Try altering the viewpoint of the shot. Kneel down low and shoot at an upward angle. Get on higher terrain and shoot at a downward angle. Move the horizon around the viewfinder a bit.

7. Composing the Picture - The best composition rule of thumb to use and that gives the most noticeable results is the Rule of Thirds. This rule expresses the idea that just the right amount of stress in a picture creates more interest.

This composition rule is followed by dividing the scene into 9 equal parts with two vertical lines and two horizontal lines (like a tic-tac-toe game board). The interesting points of the picture should be located where the horizontal lines and vertical lines intersect.

Vertical lines and horizontal lines seen in the viewfinder (a tree trunk or oceanic horizon) should be placed on a corresponding (horizontal or vertical) line in the viewfinder grid (tic-tac-toe board).

Do not forget, the only thing that will show up on the photograph is what appears in the viewfinder. So make that viewable space look as interesting as you can.

I hope you have learned something from my article on what photographers should know about outdoor photography.

Jonnie Blaylock is an amateur photographer that has always helped everyone learn the basics of landscape photography with his landscape photography tips.