Photographers often get hung up on following the rules of photography. If it’s “not done” to shoot at midday because the light is harsh everywhere, then there’s no point in even trying. But if you think about it, you can always find ways to get the best possible technical quality photo, even in the most difficult conditions. And landscape photography is no exception. This photography lesson for beginner photographers will be useful as a refresher for anyone who loves and is interested in photography.
First, it is helpful to know in advance what time the photo shoot is scheduled for, as well as what the area you will be photographing looks like. It is worth arriving at the location in advance to capture the amazing light that is only possible at sunset or sunrise. The light will vary in color temperature, so pay attention to the settings you set on your camera. To be more precise, choose the appropriate white balance and the lowest possible ISO.
Secondly, it is preferable to shoot in manual mode and in RAW format in order to transfer as much information as possible from your camera to the sensor. Use a tripod for greater stability and to prevent even the slightest camera shake, which should be minimized when using long exposures. Try shooting the landscape while standing almost directly opposite the setting or rising sun.
In midday light, it is best to position yourself so that the sun is behind you. This will allow you to adjust the exposure more accurately and frame the shot in such a way as to convey the heat and warmth that hang in the air.
When shooting during the so-called golden hour (the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset), there will be soft, diffused lighting around you, so it is preferable to use wide apertures and set the white balance to “cloudy.” Otherwise, you risk neutralizing the warm golden hue in the overall lighting.
Third, your best choice for landscape photography is a wide-angle lens. Before pressing the shutter button, think about and estimate how much of the area will fit into the frame from the visible image. Make sure that the viewer can see the entire scene that pleases your eye.
Compose your shot by removing insignificant details and placing large elements at visually important points in the photograph. Don’t be afraid to experiment with vertical and horizontal camera positions. It is a mistake to think that only horizontal images are suitable for landscape photography.
Fourth, never forget about the sky. Photographers often overlook the fact that the sky is one of the most important elements of a landscape photograph. When you encounter dramatic skies in certain weather conditions, try to place the horizon line at the bottom of the frame. This will help the sky dominate the scene and make the photo more expressive. Also, don’t place the horizon in the center of the frame if there are reflections, for example, in a lake or any standing water.
Finally, it is worth remembering that almost all photos require post-processing. Cropping gives the photographer a second chance to achieve a balanced composition, so try to leave room for variation. Use the rule of thirds—place eye-catching objects in the right places to increase the viewer’s interest in the image.