Landscape Photography Tips

The perfect landscape photograph can sometimes seem elusive, but if you can diagnose the problems you are having, you can usually come up with a solution.

A good tripod is essential. Your camera must be steady. Even in optimum light conditions, you might want to use a higher f-stop (smaller aperture) to increase the depth. You may not be able to get the shutter speed fast enough for a hand-held shot to be clear. Even if light conditions are right and location and setting are good, other conditions such as wind can cause camera movement. Set your tripod so it is very steady, and use the freedom it gives you to take your time getting the horizon correctly aligned and the composition just the way you want it. A cable release will allow you to take the picture when you are ready without any camera shaking. This is better than the timer, where you can only control the number of seconds until the camera snaps the shot.

A polarizer filter will eliminate glare from water and light reflective areas and can provide saturated colors. If you are after a sunrise or sunset photograph, a neutral density filter is something you should try. This type of filter helps graduate the light, transitioning from the horizon so that you can achieve foreground detail while still capturing the beauty of the sky. Neutral density filters are available in different strengths, so you can experiment and use the one that fits the light situation you are working with. Try using both a wide angle lens and a telephoto lens to get different perspectives of the same scene.

Some photographers shoot first with a digital camera to have the instant image feedback. Then they can make corrections or adjustments and shoot with film.

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