Landscape Photography Tutorial: Know the Forms, Cameras you must Use and Useful Tips

Hi, my dear budding photographers, I hope you liked yesterday’s blog about Portrait Photography and I am sure you are keen on knowing that what we have in treasure for today! Well, any guesses? Yes, we have another important type of photography for you today. Yes, that is Landscape Photography. So, let’s dive in!

What is Landscape Photography?

Landscape photography is an art in which the photographer captures attractive images of natural landscapes. Majestic mountains, amazing rivers, inspiring natural beauty of Mother Earth are some of the things that would come in our mind when we have to discuss about this form of photography.

The main motive of the photographer is to attract the viewers to get connected to the landscape of visit the scene. I have fellow friends who are good landscape photographers and they really have amazing career prospects. So, those who want to get into this field as a profession get ahead and find important and detailed explanation here.

What are the two basic forms of Landscape Photography?

The concept of landscape photography is quite broad and you can say that it defines the spirit of the outdoors. The beauty and the look of the space when there’s absolutely no one around can give your creativity a new twist. There are no specific rules for landscape photography. All you need to keep in mind is, it should drive the photographer to just take shot after shot with the motive of improving photography as such!

If you wish to know about the two basic forms of landscape photography then just read on.

Representational photography

This is the form of photography in which what you see is what you get. The essence of nature should be captured in its natural state. All you should be careful about is taking the picture clear and sharp. You should keep a few things in consideration and they include the natural lights, composition of the image, timing for the image, climatic conditions and so on. You can say that this is a creative form of photography and is mostly covering the nature’s aspects.

Abstract photography

In this form of photography, you will have to use specific techniques because the shapes, patterns and technical aspects for shooting will play a key role. This form of photography is basically professional and so the photographer has to cover urban landscapes, sky scrapers, tall buildings and so on. So, you can say that abstract photography need not be nature photography.

Cameras that are best for landscape photography!

Since there are various challenges that you may face in this field, a good equipment or camera gear can give magical results. A good DSLR camera can really work wonders. But for taking up professional photography for landscapes, here I would recommend a few.

• Pentax 645Z
• Canon EOS 5DSR
• Nikon D810
• Sony Alpha A7RII
• Nikon D5600

What makes a camera perfect for landscape photography?

If you are heading towards landscape photography as a career then you will have to understand that you will not need high speed cameras. A higher performing ISO range is something that should be an intrinsic characteristic in your camera.  

Another thing that I would recommend is that your camera should be great in MP and resolution. If you take care of these things then images with high contrast scenes will really make a great difference.

The camera with Live View feature is really vital. Just compose the photograph and think, if this is best. Never settle for less. You need to capture the best shots and perhaps a good camera will actually offer you great career prospects. Good landscape photography can open up your mind creatively. So, get ready for professional challenges.

Camera with a large sensor will be a great advantage. This is because; this will enhance the quality of the photograph! A camera that has weather sealing feature will also be a great advantage! Often, tough weather conditions will be tough time for the photographers, but for the landscape photographers, this would be like an opportunity to give the very best shot. Yes, a good tripod can be a comrade for sure!

Take Landscape Photographs like the world’s best Landscape Photographers!

There are many good landscape photographers who work really well in their field. But I would show you the art works of a few photographers who I am aware of. The first name that comes in my mind is Phillip Slotte. He is a great self-taught photographer and he is just twenty three years old. He started his career when he was just sixteen years old. So, he is supposed to be a role model for the young and budding photographers.  You can check out his work of art on official page of Phillip Slotte. He normally clicks with Nikon 810 and Nikon D800.

Then there’s other one called Dino Marsango. I love his work as well.

He is an Italian photographer. But because of some reason his interest got lost in his profession. But in the year 1983, when his wife gave him the camera Yashica FX3, his interest came back and finally resumed back with full potential and became popular once again as a landscape photographer.

Here I present a few more examples of landscape photography in front of you

Best 5 tips for enhancing Landscape Photography

1. Find the golden hour and shoot at that time

Golden hour in the terms of photography means that the time just after the sun rise and the time just before the sun set. The light source at this time is such that the images would be just glorious. Well, it doesn’t mean that other times would be unsuitable. But, you will have to keep in mind that, by getting the best location, timing and feel, you will be able to fetch the perfect shot.

2. Compose a great landscape photo by using rule of thirds

If you can compose a perfect landscape photograph by using rule of the thirds then you will get the perfect shot for sure. Often, when there’s a plan landscape with land and sky, you will think which should be the main point of focus. Well, did you forget that under such situations, the line of horizon will be the real hero!

3. Research the location pretty well before you take the shot

You should check out the location with perfection. This will help you to understand that which shot and angle would be perfect! You can try the Google Street View also of the place and then select the exact shot, once you get the relevant information.

4. Use the auto landscape mode

The first thing you must do is check out how your camera works. If you are able to find the relevant features that will shot the landscape well then nothing to worry! But if you are not able to figure this out then just use the auto land scape feature in your DSLR camera. This will help you to set a perfect picture before you click.  

5. Carry all the important accessories for landscape photography along

I am sure, you already know what all accessories you will have to take along for your photography session. A good landscape tripod will really work wonders. Don’t forget to pre buy the best quality camera bag or case as well. You will need SD card, extra batteries and also camera cleaning kit along.

DSLR camera settings for Landscape Photography

• Metering Mode: Evaluative
• Drive Mode: Single shot
• Shooting Mode: Aperture Priority
• Aperture: f/11 to f/16
• ISO Setting: 100 to 200
• Focus Mode: Single Shot
• Auto-Focus Point: Single auto-focus point
• Focal Length: 24mm to 35mm
• Image Stabilization: Enable

The above settings are in my best knowledge. However, things are subjective and every artist should use his own potential and experimentation. This will enable the photographer to realize what works best for him.

Conclusion

 So, all the budding landscape photographers, I am sure you now know what should be your motive while taking the image. If you have anything to share or if you have any more questions, then do comment here. We would give you the best advice in our knowledge in regards to landscape photography.