My 10 key tips for landscape photography
Landscape photography offers some of the most breathtaking opportunities to capture nature’s beauty. Whether you’re photographing a sweeping mountain range, a serene lakeside view or even on the street or in a building, the key to stunning photos lies in preparation, technique, and timing.
Here are my ten key tips to help you take your landscape photography to the next level.
1. Use a Tripod for Stability
A tripod is your best friend when shooting landscapes. It stabilises your camera, allowing for longer exposure times without introducing motion blur.
This is particularly useful in low-light conditions, such as during the golden hour or nighttime shooting.
A sturdy tripod also helps when capturing sharp, well-composed shots with smaller apertures for increased depth of field. You can use other items, such as a bag or table to help hold your camera still.
2. Shoot in the Golden Hour
The golden hour, which occurs shortly after sunrise and just before sunset, provides soft, warm light that can make your landscape photos look magical.
The low angle of the sun during this time creates long shadows and a more dramatic atmosphere.
To make the most of it, arrive early and stay late to catch the best lighting conditions.
Something to be mindful of, stay after you think the colour has gone. You may be surprised by an extra burst!
3. Use a Wide-Angle Lens
Wide-angle lenses are perfect for landscape photography, allowing you to capture vast scenes without distortion. They help emphasize the foreground and offer a greater depth of field, keeping more of the scene in sharp focus. Lenses in the 16mm to 35mm range are ideal for most landscape shots. That being said, don’t discount the value of a tighter shot with longer focal lengths…
4. Shoot in RAW Format
Shooting in RAW rather than JPEG gives you more flexibility during post-processing. RAW files retain all the information captured by your camera’s sensor, allowing you to adjust exposure, white balance, and other elements without degrading image quality. This is especially useful in landscape photography where lighting can be tricky. Your camera most likely allows for the recording of both a RAW file and a JPEG simultaneously, so if you’re unsure about RAW files, you can always have the JPEG.
5. Consider the Foreground
To create a sense of depth in your landscape photos, always pay attention to the foreground. Including a strong, interesting subject in the foreground can lead the viewer’s eye through the image and make it more engaging.
Whether it’s a rock, tree, or path, a well-composed foreground adds dimension and context to your shot.
6. Depth of field
For landscape photography, depth of field is crucial. If you’re looking to keep as much of your scene in focus as possible, use a small aperture (f/8 to f/16). This ensures that both the foreground and background are sharp and well-defined. Be mindful, though, that smaller apertures may require longer shutter speeds or higher ISO settings in low light.
For a more intimate scene, use a shallow depth of field (f2.8 to f4). This will enable you to focus the viewer on the subject by isolating it, while creating a pleasing blur elsewhere.
7. Look for Leading Lines
Leading lines—like rivers, roads, or trails—can guide the viewer’s eye through the image, creating a sense of direction and purpose.
They draw attention to the main subject or lead to the horizon, enhancing the overall composition.
Look for natural lines in your environment and use them to your advantage.
8. Pay Attention to the Sky
The sky can make or break a landscape shot. If you’re photographing a dramatic mountain scene, for example, a moody sky with clouds can add an extra layer of atmosphere. Alternatively, a clear blue sky might complement a calm beach scene. Keep an eye on cloud formations, and be prepared to adjust your composition to include or exclude them as needed.
9. Experiment with Long Exposure
Long-exposure photography can be especially captivating in landscapes involving water or movement.
By using long exposure times, you can create smooth, flowing water or clouds that add an ethereal quality to your shots. A neutral density (ND) filter is helpful, as it allows you to use longer exposures even in bright conditions.
Also, using a polarising filter will help enhance colours and reduce the glare or shine off leaves.
10. Embrace the Weather
Some of the most striking landscape shots are taken when the weather isn’t perfect. Stormy skies, fog, or mist can all add mood and drama to your images. Don’t shy away from unpredictable weather—it often leads to more unique and memorable shots.
Capturing stunning landscape photos requires a blend of technical skills and artistic vision. By using these ten tips—such as shooting in the golden hour, utilising wide-angle lenses, and paying attention to foreground and composition—you can elevate your photography to new heights. Remember, practice makes perfect, so get out there and explore the world with your camera!