It’s that time of the year again when the days start to shorten and the green leaves of summer begin to turn and fall – the perfect time to get that striking landscape snap. Whether you’re a novice or professional photographer, the experts from SmugMug have compiled their top 10 tips on how to achieve that perfect landscape shot.
1. Explore your surroundings – Part of the enjoyment of landscape photography is being out in nature. More often than not, guidebooks miss those special secret spots so make sure you spend time exploring and observing your surroundings to get the lay of the land. For example, how the sun moves at different times of the day, or the different points of view. It will take time and patience to discover the perfect scene.
2. Get in position – Once you’ve discovered your scene, find out where you should shoot from to get the best results. Working out where the sun will rise and set, and the sun’s position in relation to you and your landscape, will ensure you’re in the right place at the right time.
3. Try another position – After you’ve got your shot, walk or drive closer to the subject and try again. Proximity will make the subject strike you in a different way.
4. Think of your foreground – One element that can set apart your landscape shots is the foreground. By placing points of interest in the foreground, you allow those viewing the shot a way into the image as well as creating a sense of depth in your shot.
5. The rule of thirds – If you’re new to landscape photography, try using the ‘rule of thirds’. Simply divide your frame into imaginary thirds on both the horizontal and vertical axis. Now simply place areas of interest at the points at which the lines intersect, or along one of the lines. This will give the composition of your shot more tension, energy and interest than simply centring the subject would.
6. Scale – When your subject is of unspecified size. For example, a mountain, or a body of water. Add a sense of scale by including something of known size, such as a car, tree or animal. This will help the viewer understand what they’re looking at.
7. Preparation is key – Rain can damage or ruin your camera, but it can also make for a great picture. Make sure you always carry a good umbrella, a box of plastic bags, a small tarp and a towel with you to to ensure your equipment stays safe.
8. Layer up – Add multiple layers to your composition beyond the main subject, such as foreground and background elements to create interest, depth and texture.
9. Golden hours – Always try to shoot before sunrise or after sunset—the times when the light is best. Use the harsher light of midday to scout out your location.
10. Do your research – If you are staying in one place for several days, check out the long-range weather forecast and plan your shoots around the weather that is best for specific subjects.
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