How to Photograph Landscapes
Capture the beauty and power of a landscape through the lens of your camera.
Up next in Photography Tips & Techniques (42 videos)
Capture your subject in the best light with these photography tips that cover everything from nature and still-life photography to fashion photography.
You Will Need
- Location
- A camera
- Other people
Steps
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Step 1
Scout the location
Scout your location to get a feel for the landscape. Explore the best spots and angles to shoot.
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For popular landscapes, check out the photographs that have already been taken.
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Step 2
Focus on a point of interest
Select a point of interest. Think about the qualities of the landscape that speak to you and make them the focus in the picture.
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Step 3
Observe the lighting
Observe the light in the location over the course of a day to determine the best time to shoot. The sun provides the most attractive lighting early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
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Turn off your flash and use the natural lighting available for the landscape.
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Step 4
Add depth and scale
Create a sense of depth by putting interesting objects in the foreground. Add people to the picture to communicate the scale of the landscape.
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Step 5
Use the rule of thirds
Follow the rule of thirds. Imagine the shot is split into three horizontal lines and three vertical lines. Frame the shot with the points of interest along these lines.
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Step 6
Look for lines
Look for lines that are a natural part of the landscape, such as roads and rivers. Use these lines to lead the eyes of the viewer toward your point of interest.
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Step 7
Start wide and move in
Begin photographing a wide view of the landscape, and then move in for closer shots of interesting objects.
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In 1861, James Clerk Maxwell created the first color photograph after combining three photographs of a subject taken through red, green, and blue filters.
