“Landscape photography is the supreme test of the photographer – and often the supreme disappointment. —Ansel Adams
This type of photography is actually 90% just need to be in the right place and time.
That’s why photographing landscapes must be patient and istiqomah. The rest stay click, so that’s it!
But, sometimes a lot of little things are forgotten when taking pictures.
I will try to remind you of these things in the landscape photography tips below. Please listen while drinking 🙂
1. Choose sky or land?
Let’s choose. Which one is better? Sky? or mainland?
Choose both, take half land and half sky. Then your photo will seem flat, ambiguous, even though maybe at that time the sky was tempestuous.
Don’t be greedy, highlight your strengths and leave your weaknesses alone.
At sunset or sunrise the sky will indeed be very tempting. But keep in mind the classic rules rule of third.
As a rule of thumb, give the part you want to highlight as much as 2/3 of the frame.
But, remember these rules don’t necessarily make your photos great. Use your own vision when shooting. Already know the rules? If so now is the time to be broken 🙂
2. Search for ‘Focus Points’
No, not the location where we focus on the lens.
But more to the point where the eyes of the photo audience will first be fixed, stop, and then explore the entire photo area.
Not only landscape photos, I think almost all types of photos need this, if not then just skip the photo hehe!
Focal points are not POIs ( point of interest ), but a POI can also be a focal point. It is precisely the focal point that will be the starting point for exploring POIs.
4. Don’t forget the Foreground
No less important than the background, the foreground can make our photos more dimensional.
There is a sense of depth from our photos if we choose to position the foreground correctly.
Often the foreground is the focal point and POI of our landscape photos.
In fact, in my opinion, a landscape photo without a foreground is like a vegetable without salt!
This is one of the most important landscape photography tips.
5. Use a Tripod
This item is a dilemma. Carry heavy, leave later regret.
But it’s better to add a little burden, than regret when you get home.
Oh yeah, use it too cable release or self-timer together mirror lock up so that the camera does not shake completely. (ask mas google if you don’t know hehe)
Because when we press the shutter, the camera can shake a little too.
6. Maximize Depth of Field (DoF)
Landscape photos are generally sharp from edge to edge.
That’s why we often use an aperture of f/8 and below, often f/22 .
Use the hyperfocal distance principle for optimal diaphragm depending on conditions. So that it is not always in the minimum position, because in that position the photos will tend to be soft.
7. Capture nature’s movement
Maybe some people think landscape photos are calm, peaceful, calm photos…
But we can add a little “drama” to our landscape photos. It can be waves in the sea, trees blown by the wind, running clouds, etc.
In capturing movement like this, it takes some supporting equipment such as an ND (neutral density) filter and a tripod.
If we manage to capture it, our landscape photos will feel “otherworld” with a very strong mood.
If someone says, “ah it’s not like the original”
So, who’s really taking the documentation? :p
8. Cooperate with the weather
We can’t predict the weather. We can only wait for the right time to take pictures.
Most beginners think that a good landscape photo is on a sunny day.
This is not entirely wrong, here we have explained the types of landscape photography. Photos taken on a sunny day are common and are used as ‘calendar’ or ‘postcard’ photos.
If you want a slightly different landscape, shoot in unusual weather.
For example, when there is a storm, it is cloudy, after the rain, the sky is dark with little sunlight, and other “extreme” conditions.
Your photos will have more character, because the events you just took will not happen again… 😀
9. Golden hour & Blue Hour
Light from the side will show a strong dimension and texture to an object.
In landscape photography, the light from the side appears in the morning and evening. At this time, the colors look very good and the landscape looks very alive.
After golden hour (afternoon), don’t clean up the camera just yet. Wait after sunset. Before dark the color of the sky will be deep blue, which is no less beautiful.
10. Lines and shapes
Play with the composition. Lines can be a very powerful focal point because they help our eyes navigate our landscape photos.
Lines can provide extraordinary depth of field, a different perspective. Find the lines in your photos and turn them into a powerful force!
13. Shoot in bad light
Sometimes we are unlucky. But, try to keep shooting.
Bad weather sometimes gives a different mood. Also our photos are different from the others.
11. Change perspective
Exploration.
Don’t just stick to one point. Find a different view, try a view parallel to the ground, or up a tree.
Let your imagination flow and find a view that suits your visualization and imagination.
12. Capture details from the landscape
Landscapes not only wide-angle.
Any lens can be used for landscape photography. Ranging from fish-eye to super telephoto.
13. Use Filters
Mandatory filter that should be used by landscaper are Gradual ND and Polarizer.
Gradual ND to control overexposure of the sky compared to the ground. The shape is black on top and transparent on the bottom.
While the Polarizer is useful for eliminating the reflection of sunlight on objects. Like the rocks in the water. It can also make the sky bluer.
14. Use HDR (High dynamic range) technique
If the use of filters is not possible, the HDR technique can be used.
The trick is to take several photos with different exposure ranges, then combine them.
You can use manual blending or use software such as Photomatix or Photoshop.
do not be too Overreacting when processing HDR photos. Use it to make photos look natural, not like three-dimensional cartoons.
15. Let’s keep shooting!
If you have read all the tips above, let’s go out and take landscape photos. Try, when was the last time you went out to enjoy the sunrise/sunset?
Don’t forget to practice taking landscapes too 🙂
Next, there is a second series of tips here.
Thanks for reading. ( all photos ©ipadguides.com )
Have a nice light!
Create by ipadguides in category of Travel Story