Chasing landscapes: Amazing tips to make your landscape photography stand out
- ronisidhu
- Oct 7, 2024
- 9 min read
I have always loved exploring the world, experiencing diverse cultures, engaging with various individuals, and immersing myself in the breathtaking beauty of nature has always been a passion of mine - nothing compares to it.
Photographing landscapes enables you to immerse yourself in the serene, tranquil moments and breathtaking grandeur that nature evokes.
My initial passion was landscape photography, which motivated me to leave the confines of my home and immerse myself in nature. It evolved into a form of meditation, with just my camera and tripod by my side. This pursuit inspired me to embark on adventurous travels and provided a serene environment to acquaint myself with my camera, to test new techniques, and ultimately transition into a professional photographer.
Opinions on what constitutes an exceptional landscape photograph vary among individuals. Yet, the most effective approach to mastering this art is through consistent practice and experimentation. Begin by delving into this article, then venture out to capture your own images!
Outlined below are some landscape photography pointers to elevate your photos from 'That's nice' to 'Where is that breathtaking location?'
01. Get the timing right
Photography essentially revolves around the examination of light. Light is fundamentally what shapes an image. While in other types of photography, one has a greater degree of influence over the light and its impact on the subject, in landscape photography, one must rely on the natural light available.
Regarding the actual photograph, timing plays a crucial role. Ensuring that I am present at the right moment is key. I often contemplate, when will the lighting conditions be optimal to capture the landscape at its finest? Typically, I opt to photograph landscapes during sunrise or sunset (and due to my preference for sleeping in, sunset is usually my choice).
I had two weeks in this small mountain town. Every afternoon, the clouds would roll in and unleash torrential downpours, which blocked the sun from view. There was no amount of skill on earth that would have let me get the shot I wanted.
Then one afternoon, the clouds cleared early. I knew I had my opportunity. I’d already scouted my favourite location on my long strolls through the land. Mother Nature let me get the shot that I had imagined.
Time of day
During the golden hour in photography, when the sun is near the horizon, the light softens and changes in color temperature. This transition from harsh white/blue light to warm tones and soft shadows transforms the world, making everything the light touches appear magical.
The golden hour may not actually last an hour, depending on your location.
At this time of day, I find it difficult to engage in a proper conversation as the beauty of the surroundings becomes too captivating. The diffused lighting enhances the depth, color, and texture of landscapes. By photographing the same scene at different times and in varying weather conditions, you can achieve completely different images each time.
Moment
As a novice photographer, I used to snap what I believed was the finest photo of the day and then pack up to go home. Over time, I came to realize that the most exceptional images are born out of patience—whether it's the instant the sun dips below the mountains casting a gentle sun flare that elevates the photo, or the precise moment a bird swoops in, or a boat glides past.
Patience is key. While you may have already taken a decent photo, dedicating a few extra moments could mean the distinction between capturing a spectacular shot.
Typically, achieving a stunning landscape involves carefully scouting a location, determining the optimal time to be present, arriving early, and setting up to capture the perfect moment. However, there are instances when you may not have the luxury of such preparation.
During the capture of the below photograph, I found myself travelling in a car with a friend. As the sun broke through the trees, it cast a beautiful light ray that illuminated the the road. The lingering morning mist added a captivating depth to the scene. This fleeting light ray demanded swift action, as the opportunity would vanish rapidly. I swiftly retrieved my camera and captured this shot before the light changed.
The purpose of this story is to emphasize the importance of not letting yourself be burdened by sticking rigidly to a specific landscape photography method. There are occasions when you cannot meticulously plan a shot. At times, nature presents you with an ideal moment, and you must seize it to the best of your ability.
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02. Bring the right gear
After locating the spot, your next step is to determine the appropriate equipment for capturing it.
When I travel, I always bring a tripod and choose between using my 16-35mm lens or my 70-200mm lens to shoot landscapes. Both lenses allow for creative exploration of the subject. A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the entire scene, as shown in the photo below of a lake inside a volcano in the Azores.
Typically, the most effective method for focusing on a subject is to physically approach it. Yet, this may not always be feasible. During my recent visit to Nepal, I found myself encircled by mountains. Utilizing a wide angle lens was essential to encompass the vast landscape and depict the numerous mountains encircling us. Nevertheless, having my telephoto lens proved beneficial (despite the additional 1.5kg it contributed to my backpack). It enabled me to magnify the mountain summits and capture particular aspects of the scenery.
Using a wider lens, the photographer captured this image of Sossusvlei Desert. This lens created a sense of distance between the tree in the foreground and the dunes in the background, effectively isolating the tree as the focal point. As a result, the twisted branches, roots, and the parched, cracked ground from which the tree emerges were emphasized.
Unlike this picture, the photographer would have opted for a telephoto lens.
Using zoom magnifies the subject against the background, offering viewers a sense of the sand dunes' scale.
Same location, totally different look and feel.
As I started photographing landscapes, my initial goal was to capture the entire scene in one shot. However, over time, I came to understand that what truly sets a photo apart is discovering the smaller details within it—elements that provide a sense of scale or a deeper connection to the location.
03. Camera settings
When taking pictures of a landscape, it is important to capture the colors accurately. To achieve this, you should pay attention to your ISO, aperture, and shutter speed settings.
ISO Settings
ISO determines the light sensitivity of your camera. A lower ISO number indicates lower sensitivity, requiring more light for proper exposure.
Generally, lower ISO values result in better image quality. However, there are situations, especially with modern cameras, where increasing the ISO is acceptable. For instance, in event photography, I often raise the ISO.
For landscape photography, it is recommended to use a lower ISO setting (ideally between 100 and 400). This approach produces cleaner images and accurately captures colors. If you must increase the ISO without a tripod, you may notice a decrease in color quality, resulting in less information and making editing more challenging.
Aperture Settings
Another critical factor is the aperture, which controls the amount of light entering the camera. Adjusting the aperture affects the depth of field: a wide aperture creates a shallow depth of field, while a narrow aperture increases the depth of field.
For landscape photography, aim to keep most of the scene in focus by using a narrow depth of field, typically between f/8 and f/14. This setting limits the amount of light entering the camera, influencing the final image.
Understanding the rules allows you to creatively bend them. Consider how a shallow depth of field can alter the perception of a scene:
Aperture - F16 vs F4
Shutter Speed Settings
The final factor to consider is the shutter speed. For landscape photography, a tripod can be extremely helpful. When using a low ISO and a small aperture, you will need to keep the shutter open for a longer duration to properly expose the image. In situations like shooting during sunrise, sunset, or at night to photograph stars, the shutter speed may need to be as long as 20-30 seconds.
04. Apply basic rules of composition
After selecting your landscape and deciding on the time of day for your shoot, as well as understanding the fundamentals of exposure, you can move on to the more creative aspect: composition.
Take a group of photographers to the same location and observe the variety of images produced. If you enjoy scrolling through Instagram like I do, you'll notice the diverse ways in which certain landscapes are captured. While the composition may be somewhat similar for these striking shots, the chosen time of day sets them apart:
When it comes to photography, adhering to a few basic rules can assist in crafting a compelling image:
Rule of Thirds: When taking a photo, you can use the rule of thirds by dividing the screen into thirds both vertically and horizontally. In landscape photography, you can experiment with positioning the horizon along one of these lines or placing the main subject at one of the lines or intersection points.
In this particular image, there are various elements such as flowing water, cascading waterfalls, and a person walking. I applied the rule of thirds to ensure that the walking person is positioned harmoniously within the frame.
Point of Interest: Simply having a stunning sunset or sunrise may not be sufficient for an engaging landscape. It is important to capture the viewer's attention by highlighting a specific element of the scenery, such as a river, a person strolling by, or, in this instance, a remarkable road cutting its way through a mountain.
05. Analyze the scene
What are you capturing in your photographs? What sets the landscape apart? How does it differ from other landscapes you've encountered? What narrative do you aim to convey?
If your subject is water, are you aiming to depict the fluidity of water, conveying a sense of tranquility (achieved with a tripod and a long exposure), or do you seek to freeze the water to emphasize the force of a waterfall (achieved with a fast shutter speed, faster than 1/1000th of a second)? Is there a captivating water reflection you can capture?
Can you include a river in the scene to attract the viewer's attention?
Is there a person who can enhance the landscape by providing a sense of scale to the mountain or adding a human element to the image, enabling the viewer to envision themselves there?
Questioning what makes the image captivating enables me to determine the approach I wish to take in capturing it. For instance, the photographer in this case utilized the reflection to transform this photograph from a stunning landscape into a scene that evokes a sense of disbelief.
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06. Move around
Instead of heading straight to the typical viewpoint, take the time to explore the diverse offerings of an incredible landscape. Consider moving around, ascending to higher points, or lowering your perspective to alter your viewing experience. Embrace the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the surroundings.
From afar, I captured the enchanting essence of this location—waterfalls gracefully flowing amidst limestone karsts, a splendid sunset casting a colorful veil of pinks, blues, and yellows over the scenery. This was the definitive shot I had been longing for, the one that motivated a two-day journey by bus and train to reach.
07. Post process
People often inquire whether I use Lightroom to edit my images, and my answer is always YES. Capturing the photo is just one part of the process. I prefer shooting in RAW format to retain all the data and obtain an uncompressed image. This is crucial for landscape photography, as it enables me to preserve details in the sky and shadowy areas of mountains.
When I started photographing landscapes, I felt like something was lacking. I struggled to correctly expose both the sky and mountains to showcase them at their best. The moment I came across Lightroom and learned how to edit specific elements of a photo, everything changed for me. It marked the transition of my photos from intriguing amateur shots with potential to a professional standard. Post-processing is where I can infuse my unique style. I utilize the curves tool to establish a consistent color scheme. Some colors may not be visually appealing in photos, so I may desaturate them or adjust the hue.
08. Find your style
Although there are numerous highly skilled photographers in the industry, it is still possible for you to distinguish yourself by developing your own unique style. Typically, through practice, you will uncover your inherent style, as we tend to be drawn to the things we are passionate about.
What sets your images apart as uniquely yours? Every individual possesses their own distinct style. Some photographers focus on specific subjects (such as landscapes), like simple and uncluttered landscapes. Others may emphasize a particular color palette or approach to capturing a scene, showcasing it through their eyes: vibrant, minimalist, symmetrical, breathtaking, serene.
Personally, I prefer to convey narratives in my photography. Incorporating a human element, such as a small figure in the frame, adds depth. Framing a shot through a window creates a sense of presence. While the abundance of exceptional talent on social media can be overwhelming, I remind myself that my work is unique to me, with its own individual stories.
Whatever aspect you find most enjoyable, infuse it into your photography.
09. Keep practicing
When you’re getting started, try not to get overwhelmed by the vast quantities of information out there about how to shoot better landscapes. The best way to figure it out is to simply take photos. Choose one thing at a time that you want to experiment with, and go and practice it.
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