Probably the toughest for me : my tips for landscape photography
For me landscape photography is definitely the most difficult art as it is probably the one that can deliver very quickly super “boring” pictures. With street photography you alsways benefit from something happening that can amplify your picture even if technically it was not amazing or unique. From my pov Landscape photography is a bit more technically demanding and that’s, with a bit of experience ( but just a bit ), the 5 tips I could share for now :
( I’ll post here some examples that are far from perfect with their parameters for you to understand the impact)
1.Get to know your camera and its settings. One of the most important things you can do as a landscape photographer is to become familiar with your camera and its various settings. This includes things like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. By understanding how these settings work and how they interact with one another, you'll be better able to capture well-exposed landscape photos.
For example, if you're shooting in bright sunlight, you'll want to use a smaller aperture (f/16 or f/22) to ensure that everything in your scene is in focus. On the other hand, if you're shooting at sunset and want to create a sense of drama, you might want to use a wider aperture (f/2.8 or f/4) to allow more light into the camera and create a shallow depth of field ( but in this case be careful to focus where you want to be sharp).
In addition to aperture, you'll also want to pay attention to your shutter speed. If you're shooting in low light, you'll need to use a slower shutter speed to allow more light to reach the sensor ( slow shutter speed). However, if you're shooting in bright light or if your subject is moving, you'll need to use a faster shutter speed to freeze the action.
Finally, you'll want to consider your ISO setting, which controls the sensitivity of your camera's sensor. In general, it's best to keep your ISO as low as possible to avoid introducing noise (graininess) into your images. However, if you're shooting in low light, you may need to increase your ISO in order to capture a properly exposed image.
Example:
2. Get the right composition. Composition is an important aspect of any photograph, and it's especially crucial in landscape photography where you're often working with expansive, sweeping vistas. When composing your landscape photos, consider the use of leading lines, the rule of thirds, and other compositional elements to add interest and balance to your image.
Leading lines are any lines that draw the viewer's eye into the scene. These could be roads, rivers, fences, or any other linear element that leads the eye towards your subject. By using leading lines, you can create a sense of depth and movement in your image.
The rule of thirds is a basic principle of composition that suggests that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines. According to this rule, the intersection of these lines is where the eye is naturally drawn, so you should try to place your subject along one of these lines or at one of the intersections.
Other compositional elements to consider include the use of negative space, the placement of your horizon line, and the balance between foreground and background elements.
Example:
3. Experiment with different focal lengths. The focal length of a lens refers to its zoom capability, and it can have a big impact on the look and feel of your landscape photographs. By using different focal lengths, you can alter the perspective of your image and create a variety of different effects.
Wide-angle lenses, which have a focal length of 18mm or less, are great for capturing sweeping vistas and including a lot of foreground in your image. This can be particularly useful for landscape photography, as it allows you to convey a sense of the vastness and grandeur of the scene in front of you.
On the other hand, telephoto lenses, which have a focal length of 70mm or more, can compress the distance between objects and create a more intimate feel. This can be useful for isolating specific elements within a landscape, such as a lone tree or a mountain peak, and making them the focus of your image.
By experimenting with different focal lengths, you can find the one that works best for the scene you're shooting. Just remember to pay attention to your composition and how the different focal lengths affect the placement of elements within the frame.
Example:
4. Pay attention to the light. The quality and direction of light can greatly impact the mood and atmosphere of a landscape photograph. Shooting in the early morning or late afternoon will often give you the best light, as the sun will be low in the sky and create long shadows and warm, golden tones.
On the other hand, shooting in the middle of the day can result in harsh, contrasty light that can be difficult to work with. In this case, you might want to look for areas of open shade or use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and improve the overall tonality of your image.
In addition to the time of day, you'll also want to consider the direction of the light. Side lighting can create interesting shadows and add depth to your scene, while backlighting can create a halo effect around your subject and add drama to your image.
Example:
5. Be patient. Landscape photography often requires a good amount of patience, as you may need to wait for the perfect light or the right weather conditions. Don't be afraid to come back to a location multiple times in order to get the shot you want.
For example, if you're trying to photograph a waterfall, you might need to wait for the right flow rate or for the sun to be in the right position. Similarly, if you're trying to capture a sunrise or sunset, you'll need to be there well in advance in order to set up your camera and get the right composition.
In addition to being patient, it can also be helpful to be flexible and open to changing your plans. The weather can be unpredictable, and you may need to alter your shooting location or adjust your camera settings on the fly. By being adaptable and willing to go with the flow, you'll be better able to capture the beauty of the landscape in front of you.
Example: Look at this nice bird coming right in front of me after waiting for 10 min ;)
