When I find myself (after that motivational speech) getting out there with all of my kit sorted and cleaned, I want to be able to get the best shot(s) I can, with the time I have. Something more than a snapshot, or quick composition. I strive to take images that I would be proud to hang on my wall. So, here are the 9 things I've learned in my quest for those wall-worthy photos.
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RESEARCH
Before any shoot, including landscapes, I research everything. From the location (I may have done a recce and will already have a composition in mind), to timings, weather and sea levels. Everything is noted and I always make sure it is all set to go before I leave the house.
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LIGHT IS THE KEY
As with any style of photography, light should always be your first thought. The essence of photography is painting with light. Landscape photography is exactly the same.
Unlike other styles, you can't simply modify the main key light - the sun. For portraits you can move into shade or use a diffuser to soften harsh light. We do this to get rid of unflattering, straight-down shadows.
The answer - Golden Hour shooting. That hour before and after sunset or sunrise, when the sun is low and naturally diffused. Images take on a golden look for that reason. Cloudy days can also work, as the cloud diffuses the light. If I absolutely have to shoot in harsher light, I’ll use an ND filter and go for a long exposure.
Watch this video for my in-depth explanation of this.
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USE THE FOREGROUND
Wide angle views push the background further away than you expect, and distortion can detract from the image. Add something interesting in the foreground to anchor the shot, or find leading lines that guide the eye into the vista.
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ADD PEOPLE
Adding a person can transform the feel of an image. It gives a sense of scale - especially in epic landscapes - and helps the viewer feel like they were there. That connection draws people into the story of the image.
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NOTICE THE DETAILS
Landscapes can be overwhelming. Switch to the smaller scenes. Treat a macro or micro shot as a landscape. There are loads of detail shots out there that others have missed.
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COMPOSITION, COMPOSITION, COMPOSITION
Without a face to draw the eye, you need a strong composition to hook attention. Try layering with foreground interest, use leading lines, create balance, embrace negative space, and use natural frames to highlight your subject.
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EXPERIMENT
The classic formula - beautiful mountain, beautiful light, beautiful foreground - is everywhere. Flip the rules if it serves the shot. There are great images at midday, with no foreground, and no people, as long as it’s intentional.
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CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE
Most people shoot at eye level from the same spot. Change it up. Lie on the ground, climb higher, or, if you can, use a drone. Fresh viewpoints make familiar scenes stand out.
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TAKE YOUR TIME
The best landscape shooters invest time. They hike, wait for the right light, and put care into post-processing. One well-crafted image can be worth a full weekend of effort.
I hope you enjoyed these quick tips I’ve learned along the way. The landscape shots I’ve created aren’t winning any awards, but they are beautiful mementos of some of the great adventures I’ve been on - and that’s exactly what I want. You can take better photos of your travels with just a bit of extra effort, and have a lifetime to enjoy the results.
