Shooting Landscapes

[simmonsrandal]

I'm trying to brush up on my skills with landscape photos.

• what rules of thumb do you follow when shooting landscapes?

• any useful tidbits of knowledge you have found useful in you landscape shooting?

Cheers!

[C2S]

Here's a thread:

Landscape tips compressed

[argyle]

Just a couple:

1.) Pick the right time of day whenever possible (early morning or early evening light)
2.) Almost always, use a tripod.
3.) Invest in a hotshoe bubble level at the minimum (other levels can get more expensive...the hotshoe type is the least). Ensuring that your camera is level will save you from having to crop out valuable pixels later.
4.) Only use good quality filters...but first, know what each filter can do and when you'd need to use it.
5.) Learn proper metering/exposure (this should be number one in the list).
6.) Get familiar with your camera's mirror luck up function.
7.) Get familiar with your camera's exposure bracketing function.
8.) Keep your eye on your camera's histogram.

[snevs]

Besides all the technical things, I think, it's most important to look at good landscape photography. Find some artists that you really like and analyze their images and ask yourself what it is, that you like about those images.

It's fun, easy and very inspiring.

[argyle]

Originally Posted by snevs

...It's fun, easy and very inspiring.

I'd agree with two out of three...

[snevs]

Originally Posted by argyle

I'd agree with two out of three...

hmmmm... What could that be? Me thinks

[WaltA]

One of the rules I have (that I have trouble following) is DON'T RUSH.

On a road trip or the like, I keep looking for that next best shot just around the corner.

Stop and smell the imagery

[doidinho]

Originally Posted by WaltA

One of the rules I have (that I have trouble following) is DON'T RUSH.

On a road trip or the like, I keep looking for that next best shot just around the corner.

Stop and smell the imagery

Good advice and yes it's a difficult rule to follow. Somewhate related to this is don't get tunnel vision and think that you have found the best shot. Make sure and try out different angles, perspectives, DOF, and compositions.

You need to get into the creative zone where you are not rushed and at the same time not dwelling. I have been there once or twice and it was like I all of a sudden I just new what to do; one shot led to another and that one to another.

[Tee Why]

Remember to layers things.
Have something in the foreground, midground, and background if you can.

[tonylong]

A related question: has anyone experimented with using HTP with landscape photography (using the 40D or a Mk III) and found substantial benefit? Care to share?

[simmonsrandal]

what is htp?

[C2S]

"Highlight priority".

[neilwood32]

A few i have found helpful:

1) Always carry a notebook or a P&S. That way if you are driving/walking along and you see a scene that would work well, you can get a record of it. Then you come back later with all your equipment to get the shot.
2) Quality of Light is everything - you can take the same landscape as everyone else but if you manage to capture the light differently, it will change the photograph.
3) always use a tripod - best you can afford(or are willing to carry- i use a manfrotto modo because its light and easy to carry for hours not because its the best tripod)
4) Dont be afraid to shoot the same thing on 3 or 4 occasions (ie different seasons) - the light/weather will vary giving you a different feel.
and
5) ALWAYS keep your eyes open for oportunities. If you dont you could be walking past a lot of oportunities.

[René Damkot]

landscape composition rules

[simmonsrandal]

what about focusing? I see a lot of people saying focus 1/3 of the way into the scene. is that 1/3 from the bottom of the frame or 1/3 of the distance in? does this imply manual focusing or just placing your focus point 1/3 of the way int?

thanks.