5 Landscape Photography Tips

Shooting photographs of natural environments, known most commonly as landscape photography, is one of the most popular and fun ways to get started in art of taking pictures. Although it may seem simple to point your camera at a scenic landscape and snap a picture, there is more to it than just pointing and shooting. So to help make it easier, here are a few simple tips to help you take even better landscape pictures:

Slow it Down

One of the most important things about taking landscape pictures is paying close attention to detail. The more detail you can capture from an environment, the better your end result is going to turn out. In order to get a maximum depth of field and be able to capture the smallest detail, close your F stop as much as possible and use a slower speed film or setting with a longer exposure.

Find a Focal Point

What is it about certain photographs of mountains that make them appealing, when others look boring? The answer is often found in the focal point of the image. No matter what subject you're shooting, you need to decide on what is going to be the important part of that image and frame your shot accordingly. Landscape photography offers all kinds of different types of focal points such as trees, mountains, rock formations and many others to choose from.

Try Using a Filter

There are tons of filters available for cameras, each of which serves a specific type of photography. Polarizing filters will darken the sky in your image and help build contrast in the colors, which will lead to a more dynamic and interesting image when it's time to print. Anytime you're shooting landscapes, always think about the contrast before you start shooting. Images that are all one color or tone aren't interesting

Time it Right

Depending on what you're planning on shooting, different times of day are going to either hurt or help you. Since the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the overall appearance of a landscape can be dramatically different in the morning than it is at dusk, so plan ahead on catching the perfect angle. The two best times of the day for landscapes are usually morning and evening as the pitched shadows will add dimension to your images.

Get a Tripod

Sure, carrying a tripod everywhere you go could potentially be a burden, but if you're following the advice above and shooting with slow film and long exposures, you're going to need one. Using a tripod will prevent possible blur from your movements at slower shutter speeds (anything lower than 60 is usually too low for a person to guarantee clarity) and will allow you to take several shot of the same image with different exposures.

Landscape photography is one of the best ways to start as a photographer. You don't have to deal with impatient subjects, you have a reason to go outside and experience nature, and you get to visually tell the story of that day's journey. With the right equipment and a little consideration, you'll be creating impressive and striking imagery in no time.

Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Shop online and see our selection of colorful scrapbook picture frames. Visit our website and see our wood scrapbook picture frames or call 1-800-780-0699.