Simply put, a landscape shot refers to a landscape captured from a point of view. There are usually no children, animals, or other objects in it, just scenery, like a sunset or a mountain range. Occasionally an animal or object may be used for composition or as a means of showing scale and perspective. However, most of the time, it is just a view of the outside.
Purists argue that images of the sea or ocean coast, or images of man-made structures, are not landscapes. An image of the coast is a seascape, while that of a city would rightly be called an urban landscape. Any tableau dominated by terrain or natural terrain is therefore a landscape.
There are three types of landscapes, representational, impressionistic and abstract.
Representational – This style is the most realistic of the three. There is no artificial manipulation or artifice added to the landscape. It’s basically a ‘what you see is what you get’ image. It is a true snapshot of what you see.
Impressionistic- In this style, the photographer uses techniques that bring out the vague or elusive qualities of the scene. This type of landscape retains the quality of what makes a landscape and at the same time gives an impression rather than a light tone or representation.
Summary – The photographer uses the elements of the landscape as components to be manipulated to produce a greater effect. Components are juxtaposed and moved to create a layout rather than an actual image of what is actually rendered.
Here are some landscape photography tips to take better photos.
1.Closeup – Focusing on a foreground object to frame increases the drama of the shot. Also frame the shot with a center of interest to grab the viewer’s attention.
2. Move Center – Moving the center of interest to the side also increases the interest of the shot.
3. Scale- Drawing attention to the size of the subject is sometimes important to understanding the scene. This can be done by adding people or a small object that would normally be in the scene to frame around, giving an added dimension of scale.
4. Lighting – Lighting will make or break any photograph. Pay close attention to the light source, shadows, clarity, and spread. This is the number one frame of reference for all photography, included in landscape photography tips.
5. Tripod – Use a tripod to ensure sharpness when capturing the scene, especially in low-light situations. Camera movement or shake will not add to the image and may cause irreparable damage.
6. The composition is so important – Really, really look at your composition. Make sure there’s nothing in the image or in the viewfinder that you don’t want, such as overhead power lines or errant branches from nearby trees that could obscure the view and ruin the image. Watch out for unnecessary objects in the foreground. It may be necessary to move them out of your way, or if you can’t move them, move the camera.
7. Climate – Don’t let the weather stop you from shooting. Sometimes the weather is just the dramatic effect you’re looking for. Rain has a way of adding softness and tranquility to a scene, take advantage of it. Wind or ripples in the water also add dramatic elements for a stronger photograph.
8. Maximize depth of field – This is done by choosing a small aperture setting to bring the image into sharper focus. Note that a smaller aperture also means less light gets in, forcing other settings to compensate.
9. Lines – Find a way to direct viewers’ eyes to the image. In other words, the lines that lead from the foreground to the background. The depth and scale of the image can cause this to happen.
10. Consideration of the horizon – An old rule in photography is to consider the horizon on two fronts… is it straight and where is it compositionally? A composition line falls on one of three image areas instead of the center, upper middle, or lower third. Trying to work in these areas instead of always placing the main points of interest in the center of the frame.
Finally, always be on the lookout for a different point of view. Changing the point of view adds drama to an uninteresting or routine scene. Before taking the photo, look through the viewfinder and move it right, then left, then up and down. Zoom in and then zoom out. Change the point of view. Only then, after looking at as many possibilities as you can, do you take the photo.
I hope these landscape photography tips have been helpful to you.