Ten Tips on Taking Breathtaking Landscape Photographs

Most professional landscape photographers learn the secrets along the way, usually from trial and error. However, if you are an intermediate photographer looking for some expert advice, the following ten tips should help you perform like a pro without going through the rugged learning process. Use these techniques to take breathtaking landscape photographs.

1. Use a Tripod – As a direct result of lengthening the shutter speed to compensate for a small aperture you will need to ensure your camera is completely still throughout the entire exposure. The easiest way to achieve this is by using a tripod but you can also consider using a cable or a wireless shutter release mechanism to maximize the stillness of your lens.

2. Embrace Changes in Weather – Many beginner landscape photographers make the mistake of waiting for a beautiful, sunny day to take their shots. However, weather conditions such as storms, mist, wind, dramatic clouds, rainbows, rays of sunshine, sunsets and sunrises create images with real mood and ominous overtones. Learn to work with these types of weather variations instead of waiting for a clear blue sky.

3. Choose a Small Aperture Setting for a Greater Depth of Field – As a rule of thumb, when it comes to landscape photography you should always ensure that your shots capture as much of your scene as possible. As you may already know, smaller apertures mean greater depths of field, which is exactly what you are looking for in a landscape shot. Bear in mind that smaller apertures also mean less light hitting your image sensor. Try increasing your ISO or lengthening your shutter speed to compensate for this lack of light.

4. Create a Focal Point – A good focal point in a landscape photo can be just about anything. Use a building or structure, a large tree, a boulder or rock formation and even a silhouette to give the viewer something to focus on. Once you have decided on a focal point for your landscape, it is of equal importance to place it in the right spot. Use your best judgment for the positioning of this point, and embrace the rule of thirds when in doubt.

5. Create Lines for Added Image Depth – One of the best techniques used by professional photographers to lead their viewers into an image is the use of lines. Lines provide your viewer with a “path” he or she can follow towards an image and can easily create an interesting pattern or point of interest in your landscape.

6. Shoot at Dusk and Dawn – Commonly referred to as the “golden hours” to the professionals of landscape photography, dusk and dawn present the optimum lighting that brings photos to life. The angle of the sun’s natural light at these hours truly influences any scene with interesting patterns, dimensions and textures. Shoot at these golden hours every day.

7. Create a Sense of Depth with Foregrounds – Place points of interest in the foreground of your shots to give the viewer a way into the image or to create a sense of depth in your shot. For example, you might want to include a field of daffodils in your foreground leading your viewer towards a larger landscape in the distance, such as a mountain range.

8. Use a Longer Shutter Speed to Capture Movement - Even If you are a novice at best in landscape photography, you probably understand the power of capturing movement. Wind in trees, waves in the ocean, water flowing over a waterfall, clouds moving through the sky and birds soaring overhead are all perfect examples of this concept of movement. Movement adds drama, mood and points of interest to your shots, but be sure to use a longer shutter speed and a small aperture. Shoot at the start or the end of the day to prevent too much light from hitting your sensor due to longer shutter speeds.

9. Shoot from Different Points of View – Once you have found your perfect shot, try capturing the landscape from multiple points of view. Explore different elevations and vantage points so that you will have more options to choose from during postproduction. This could mean the difference between a great shot and something truly breathtaking.

10. Adjust the Horizon to the Sky – A traditional landscape photo has either a dominant foreground or a dominant sky. Always consider the sky so as not to create a boring image. An easy way to capture the essence of a beautiful, drama-filled sky is by placing the horizon lower, where you would place it higher if the sky seems bland or boring.

The Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 G DX Zoom Lens is phenomenal for landscape photos, offering an ultra-wide 110 degree picture angle, two ED glass and three hybrid aspherical lens elements. The quality and fast handling of the lens are very impressive, and it features Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating with a Silent Wave Motor.

Canon camera owners can also check out the Canon EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Ultra Wide Angle Zoom Lens, compatible with Canon EOS Digital SLR Cameras with an EF-S mount.