Understanding Landscape PhotographyWriten by Jennifer Clarkson
What is Landscape Photography?
Landscape photography is, technically speaking, photography of wide vistas. Typically we think of landscape photography as purely mother nature, but it can also include urban landscapes, cityscapes, seascapes, and more, depending on your definition.
When you see a landscape scene that makes you stop and take a photo, try to figure out what made you want to capture that shot. What is the essence of the scene, and how would you describe it? Is it a lush forest, or a barren dessert? The words you use to describe it should be the mood you try to capture on film.
Whatever your description, try to focus on one thing that evokes that mood, and compose your image to emphasize that thing - consider using different lenses, different lighting (sunset vs harsh mid-day sun vs moonlight), and different compositions to accentuate your chosen mood. For example, to highlight a barren desert, consider shooting mid-day with a polarizing filter where the shadows are the most dramatic. If you capture a lone camel trotting along into a seemingly infinite desert, that might accomplish hopelessness.
Once you've chosen your scene and your emotion, you must figure out how to create a sense of depth in your image (foreground, midground, and background) while giving the eye something to focus on - perhaps a waterfall or lake, or even a splash of colour in an otherwise dreary landscape.
Depth within a photo requires that the foreground, midground, and background all be in sharp focus at the same time, and that each zone has something worth your eye's focus. This large depth of field requires you use a small aperture (large f/number) and corresponding shutter speed for a proper exposure. Most typically you will see landscape photographers using aperture-priority mode to set the scene.
For more tips on landscape photography, or to read other photography articles, please visit Jennifer Clarkson's website at http://www.jclarksonphotography.com. To learn more about the books in her eSeries on Digital Photography, or to promote sales, please visit the following sites:
Choosing your camera and accessories
Getting the Most out of your Camera's Basic Settings