Your first and probably most important task is to find a great location.
This video from photographer Marcus McAdam is showing you one of the ways you can scout a nice location. You can also use mobile apps such as the Photographer’s Ephemeris, read more about it here.
When you have found the right place it’s time to start thinking about composition. These tips from Leanne Cole over at Digital Photography School will help you out.
Leading lines and patterns
This is something that we all learn from the beginning, find a leading line that will take your viewer into the image. Fences, roads, or anything that is like a line, that starts at the side of the frame, and takes people into your image. It is the invitation to look at the photo.
Patterns can be a great way attracting attention. If you notice a pattern somewhere, and take a photo of it, there is a good chance that your audience will also find it interesting. Patterns can be anywhere, in the ground, on the bark of trees, how they are planted. They can be fascinating.
Work the scene
One thing you see a lot of new photographers doing is walking up to a scene, taking one photo, and think they are done. However, a more experienced person will take a lot more photos, and spend time walking around and seeing what they can get from that scene.
Think about different angles, and different heights. With digital you can take so many photos, and it won’t cost you anything, other than a few minutes. So work the scene, and see what else you can get.
Look at your foreground
The foreground is often forgotten when taking landscape photos, but sometimes what is right in front of you is exactly what you need to make your image stronger.
Some images of landscapes can be a bit more interesting by adding a small plant or something that is in the front, close to the camera. It can also be a leading point to the scene at the back of the image.
Look for the smaller landscape
When you are out, it is very easy to put on a wide angle lens, and take all your photos with it. Most landscapes are wide vistas showing the scene that is before you. But, there are other ways to show what is there. Look around for objects or flora that you can use in the foreground. This is especially good if the subject is in the distance. It can give something interesting in front of your image.
Try taking a zoom or macro lens with you. You might be able to photograph something like the flora. Don’t just zoom right in on flowers that may be growing on it, try considering the whole plant and where it is situated. It can you give it some context as to its environment. This can help you tell a whole other story at times.
We have an extra tip for you! This is what really makes or breaks a landscape image. Many photographers don’t really pay attention to this, even though it’s one of the most important details of this area of photography.
GO TO THE NEXT PAGE FOR THE VIDEO
Read the full article with even more tips over at Digital Photography School.
Source: Digital Photography School
