Taking landscape photos relies not just on your skill, but also relies on how nature shapes itself. Regardless of the weather or the scene before you, there will always be opportunities to capture that special landscape photo.

 

Here are a few tips, tricks and techniques you can use to capture great landscape photos:

 

Plan Your Location

 

Landscape photography is just as much about planning as it is about actually taking photos. Always have a clear idea about where you are going to take photos, as well as the best time to capture a photo.  Learn to read maps and find out where you can take the best photos in the location you’ll be working at. This way, you can make the most of the time you spend at the place and ensure you can get back safely.

 

Patience Is A Virtue

 

The elements have a way of ruining even the best-laid plans. Landscape photography requires patience. The key to getting good photos lies in leaving yourself enough time at your shoot site so that you can wait if you have to. Planning helps, so remember to check the weather forecasts before you go.

 

Look for Unique Vantage Points

 

It can take a bit of work to get that great shot. Don’t skip out. Look for unique spots that offer stunning views, even if they require you to work hard to get there.

 

Lighting

 

Lighting is one of the most important elements in photography, and doubly so in landscape photography. You can have a great view and take the greatest care in composing your shot, If the lighting isn’t up to the task, then the photo won’t be as good as you want it to be. Usually, the best light for landscape photos can be had in the early morning or late afternoon, when the light from the sun isn’t as harsh.

 

That doesn’t mean you can’t take photos when the lighting isn’t what you expected. Some great shots can be taken even during cloudy or stormy weather. The trick is in being able to use the best light as much as possible and to let the light influence the photos you take.

 

Use a Tripod

 

A tripod is essential to landscape photography, to help minimize noise and blurring on your photos, especially in low light conditions or when taking photos using slower shutter speeds. Don’t leave home without it.

 

Depth of Field

 

Usually, taking a landscape photo means using a deeper field of depth, since you want most of the image to be as sharp as possible. Don’t be afraid to experiment, however, as using a shallow filed of depth can provide some interesting results.

 

Composition

 

Always aim to get your composition right, instead of relying on post-production. If it doesn’t look or feel right when you look through your camera’s viewfinder, then it won’t look right during final output. There are quite a few tricks that can help, but ultimately, it’s up to you to analyze the shot in your mind.

 

Neutral Density and Polarizing Filters Help

 

Filters and polarizers are essential in landscape photography. There will be times when you need to manipulate the available light or enhance natural elements. As with a tripod, don’t leave home without it.

 

Use the Histogram

 

Learning to use and read the histogram is a must to improve your photos. Use it to make sure you are composing the image correctly or to compensate for overexposure.

 

Shoot in RAW format

 

RAW format images contain much more details and information, so shoot in this format when possible. You can always convert it to another format later.

 

Experiment

 

Don’t be afraid to experiment when taking photos. Sure, you’ll get some off shots, but you can also get a gem of a photo every now and then.

 

Aim to Be Better

 

Never be satisfied with good enough. If you can improve something, then do it, even if it means waiting or returning to the site for another shot.

 

 

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