Now we talked about great still life photography techniques in Picture This issue #5, so In this issue we are going to talk about taking a professional landscape photograph. Living 5 minutes from one of the most picture perfect beach here in Jupiter is like night and day from growing up in Bergen County.

 

Landscape photography is widely popular.  I am sure if you look around

your home you will see at least two landscape prints that spoke to you.

Photography is an art that has a message.  As a photographer you

have to find the message you want to portray.  If you specialize in

landscape photography you might think your task is easy to complete.

As with any photography you have to pay attention to the details, the

lighting, shadows, subject, and the equipment.

 

Black and white landscape photography is the hardest section to attain

true artistry because you are not relying on the colors as much as the

lights and shadows the image will create.  Composition is very

important.  Composition in photography means to look for sharp edges,

tones and textures.

 

The basis of black and white photography is getting the camera to see

what your eye sees in color; to bring the highlights and shadows

forward with the angle of the picture. Typical subjects for black and

white photography are buildings and water. Water gives the

surrounding trees and rocks a contrast while drawing the eye.

Landscape can encompass buildings or bridges among other subjects.

Buildings lend to the angles and contrast you seek when trying for

definition and emotion.

 

When landscape photography is your subject in color you will need to

have contrast between the colors.  If the sky is blue and you have blue

water below chances are the picture isn't going to have the contrast

you are hoping for.  Like black and white photography you need to have

definition or composition in the shot.  You will need to take a few

minutes to set up the shot and perhaps take several frames before

being satisfied.  Color photography takes less skill than black and white

photography so if you have master the last you will succeed at the first.

 

Lighting for landscape photography is natural rather artificial.  This is

important when setting up your shot.  You will need to have filters for the

sunlight if it is a bright day, perhaps a tripod to set up the shot and a

professional grade camera to create professional prints.  Studying your

subject from all angles is also important.  You want to make sure you

are picking the best angle for the shot.  Remember the message is

brought forth by the skill of the photographer.

 

You abilities should be honed and practiced.  Digital photography

makes landscape photography easier because you can assess the

photo before you leave a site.  Again the LCD screen isn't going to

show you every aspect of the print so you will want to take a few shots

of the same site to ensure a perfect picture.

 

Even being an amateur photographer you can gain professional

looking landscape photography. The best way to gain great

photographs is to practice with a subject. Going back to the same site

during different seasons can help you hone your skills and net you an

even better print the next time around. All photographers’ start at the

same level, some may have innate skills and an eye for the photo, but

practice will lead to the best print. Landscape photography may not

require the skills of wildlife photography with panning the subject or

portraits where you have to enliven your subject; however, it does

require skills and practice.

 

Make sure you look for your next issue soon. We will be talking about

how to take great photos of babies.