They shoot 90% before even bringing it into Photoshop, and thus once they add post processing, the photo turns out to be better than 100%The following 10 suggestions are a beginning to being able to shoot those fantastic photos, but remember, there is no substitute for experience. You can memorize every work flow and technique known to man but without a true understanding your photos will always suffer.
1. Shoot with a Tripod
This is the single most important rule of landscape photography. You want your image to be "tack" sharp. No matter how still you think you can hold that camera there is no way you can hold it as still as a tripod.
Choosing the right tripod is crucial. Like anything in Photography, a good tripod tends to have a price associated with it. As a rule I would NEVER purchase a tripod for less than $100 USD. And usually I aim for one several times that number. Your tripod needs to be sturdy, even in heavy wind. It also needs to be light enough that you can carry it around. Here is a list of other key features to look for in a tripod.
- When fully extended you should be able to comfortably stand while using it.
- The tripod itself should have a level built into the base so that you can level the tripod independent of the camera.
- It should have a dynamic head. Most prefer ball heads as they tend to allow for the most freedom.
- You should be able to spread the legs out to multiple angles to lower the center of gravity in extreme wind.
- It should be easy to remove and attach the camera without having the "screw" it in.
When you press the shutter button on your camera you move the entire camera slightly. It is important to avoid this. Remote shutter controls are perfect for this. Whether they are wired or wireless they make it so you can stand away from your tripod to take the shot.
Note: If you do not have a remote control for one reason or another simply use your camera's timer to give you a moment to step away.
3. Shoot at sunrise and sunset.
Direct sunlight is harsh, extreme shadows and highlights become difficult to properly expose. The best time to shoot is within 30min of sunset or sunrise. The sky is almost always more interesting. Colors become more vivid and lighting is subtle and mystical. Most pro landscape photographers don't even bother shooting unless the sun is low in the sky.
4. Scout
The best way to get a boring picture is to walk up to your location 10 minutes before the shoot, set up your camera and start shooting. You want your photos to be unique, explore your location beforehand. Find the best place to frame your shot and know where it is so you can be set up and ready to go when it comes time to shoot.
5. Shoot Panoramic Photos
A panoramic photo stitch, when properly done can give your photo a feeling of epic awe. It draws the viewer deeper into the scene and tells the whole story. While I wouldn't shoot every photo as panoramic, it is almost always worthwhile to give it a try.
Additionally, photos that have been stitched have a much larger pixel count. More information is always a good thing. It allows for smoother editing and larger prints.
6. Shoot from difficult angles
If you shoot from an easy to reach ledge or a lookout point feel confident that everyone else has as well. You want your photos to be unique. Often this means getting a little dirty. Strap your gear to your back and climb to a unique angle. Even the most cliche photo can be turned interesting when a new and unique angle is found.
Warning: Be careful, cameras generally don't take great photos when bouncing down cliff faces (and neither do humans)
7. Be Patient.
Landscape photography requires the most patience of any photographic discipline. You are at the complete mercy of nature. Not every sunrise is spectacular. Weather is both your enemy and your friend. Be patient, sometimes you have to return to a location several times before you are able to take the perfect shot.
When the weather isn't behaving, use the time to scout and practice for when it does. Practice getting the perfect composition. Find the perfect angle.
8. Use filters
Filters are key to getting the right exposure and proper saturation when shooting. They allow you to carefully control your shot and make it as great as possible. Below I have listed three filters no landscape photographer should be without.
- UV: Actually this is one no photographer should be without. This filter never leaves my lens. It is perfect for protecting your expensive glass and also does a great job of helping colors pop.
- Polarizer: Polarizers are great for cutting through glare and bringing out more detail in water.
- Graduated Neutral Density: Neutral Density filters simply darken your lens to allow for slower shutter speeds without burn. A graduated neutral density filter is darker at the top and clear at the bottom. This allows you to darken a bright sky while leaving the ground untouched. Thus you will be able to shoot the ground and sky without over or under exposing part of your photo.
Spend hours looking over the work of other great photographers. Analyse the work of all the greats, from Ansel Adams to Scott Kelby to Matt Lauder and more. Learn what makes their photos special and apply what you have learned to your own work. However, do not copy them, learn from them.
10. Find a friend
Landscape photography often involves a lot of waiting. Having someone to talk to while waiting for the sun to come up can help the time pass faster. In addition, having someone to learn with will make both of you better photographers. You will often both be shooting similar subjects with different outcomes. Learn from each other.
Conclusion
I hope you find these solutions useful and I would love to hear of more that I may have missed.
Photo credits
Intro photo by Tambako
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I dumped my UV filter as it has no discernible positive effect on my shots at all, and as I read elsewhere: why add another layer (of usually cheap) glass between the subject and your camera? Mind you, I slip the strap over my neck before my camera comes out of the bag.....