The Complicated Complexities of Landscape Photography - Part 2


IN MY PREVIOUS BLOG, I TOUCHED ON THE TYPES OF FILTERS TO USE & THE HDR METHOD

IN THIS BLOG, I WILL COVER:

  1. Composition rules and interests 

  2. Key tools to use

  3. The most ideal time to take landscape pictures!


What type of composition to use when taking a landscape picture

  1. Use the rule of thirds

  2. Look for leading lines (vertical, horizontal, curved or diagonal lines in the landscape).)

  3. Include foreground interest (use the foreground to keep viewers interested)

  4. Use negative space to isolate your subjects

  5. Use a vanishing point (a single point on the horizon that keeps the viewer’s attention).

  6. Change your lens' focal length

  7. Use a centered composition and look for symmetry (read more).

  8. Frame your subject to tell your story (read more).

I have added some visuals that link to the set compositions listed above. I am a visual person, and images help me learn and understand.

ARE YOU?


Grid on Live View

Grid on the live view, with the chair placed on the right grid line to represent the rules of third.

I HAVE ALSO LISTED SOME KEYWORDS LISTED ABOVE TO CONFIRM UNDERSTANDING

Rule of thirds - The rule of thirds in photography is a guideline that places the subject in the left or right third of an image, leaving the other two-thirds more open. To use this composition technique, make sure your camera grid is on. This is so you can keep to the set lines when setting up a view.

My favorite style, negative space, introduces minimalism. Read more on this subject - What Makes A Food or Fitness Photo Minimalistic?

Negative space in photography is the area surrounding the main subject in a photo left unoccupied.


KEY TOOLS TO USE WHEN TAKING A LANDSCAPE PICTURE

TRIPOD. This is a key tool for landscape pictures. Here are some things to consider when choosing a tripod for landscape photography. Weight is an incredibly sensitive matter for outdoor photographers. You need a sturdy tripod to use in windy conditions. The other option is to consider a short or tall tripod, as a tall tripod will be useful.

LCD GRIDLINES - set your camera up on live view and keep the grid lines visible.

BUBBLE LEVEL. Have you heard of this extra tool? It’s an excellent small square tool, attached to the camera. This is a shoe mount bubble level. This helps if you do not have a spirit level on your tripod, as it keeps your camera aligned with the horizon.

USE A SPIRIT LEVEL. This is what most tripods have when you pay extra. I would suggest buying a tripod with a spirit level, as this can help keep your camera straight for any type of photography.

All of these are used to ensure that you are taking pictures, keeping with the horizon. In addition, your camera is steady and vertical for each picture.


WHEN TO TAKE THE BEST LANDSCAPE PICTURES?

Do you know the answer to this question?

I have always learned that the best time of day is golden hour, which is perfect for photographing a landscape or nature picture. I wish to introduce another option, the blue hour, which is just before the light disappears for night photography.

Firstly, golden hour refers to the time before sunset or after sunrise. This is when the sun is just above the horizon and casts a warm glow on the landscape. With the sun low in the sky and traveling through more of the atmosphere, it is diffused and warm. This casts long, raking shadows across the landscape.

Secondly, this is a fantastic option to add to your landscape photography portfolio - Blue HR. This period is just after sunset, around dusk when the sky takes on inky, indigo hues, and before it becomes impenetrably black. The blue hour lasts between 20 and 40 minutes.

I would suggest including electric lights, as electric lights offer two benefits: decrease exposure times & add drama and interest to your photos. If you use a narrow aperture

In conclusion, if you want to take amazing landscape pictures, think about composition when shooting, choose the best time, and use the best equipment.

If you would like to learn more about landscape photography, read part 1 or book a 1:1 session.


THANK YOU FOR READING THE BLOG

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Understanding the direction of a light source

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The Complicated Complexities of Landscape Photography