Friday, November 21, 2008

How to Photograph Landscapes

By SFXsource

There are endless beautiful landscapes. Take a short trip to a local or national park- you don't even have to leave the Unites States! The following tips will help you take great landscape photos. It doesn't matter if you are a beginner or professional because these are simple tips that anyone can follow.

1. It is important to consider light quality. Determine whether the light is soft or harsh. Are you photographing in the afternoon, or at sunrise or sunset? Is it overcast, and are there clouds? Generally, the best light is in the mornings and evening (before 10 a.m. and after 2 p.m.).

2. Always be on the lookout for interesting lighting. If you are photographing mountains, look for back- or side-lighting. If you turn 90 away from the sun, you will create side-lighting. For a dramatic effect using back-lighting, you can create silhouettes with the sun behind the mountains.

3. Think about composition. Symmetry often works with landscapes. Also, simple is beautiful. How do you want to place the trees, lakes, streams, and mountains? What kinds of shapes are in the frame?

4. Try to include bridges, paths, and roads. Use their shapes to draw the viewer in and lead them around the photo. If you photograph them at an angle, you are able to create that effect. Place the start of a road or path in the corner of the photo.

5. Experiment with infrared photography. When using infrared film, it is more sensitive to infrared light. As a result, your photographs will have a dark sky, and leaves and vegetation will be light/ bright. It's really cool!

6. Make sure you are using a large depth of field (small number, large aperture) so that your entire photo is in focus. Longer exposure time also increases depth of field.

Experiment with short and long exposures, especially when dealing with water (ocean, lakes, waterfalls). Take a tripod with you and have fun with landscape photography! - 15437

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