Improve Your Landscape Photography

Landscape photography is a wonderful way to capture the beauty of the world around us. We are very fortunate to be situated in Devon, a county filled with opportunities from coastal walks to moorland hikes.

If you're looking to enhance your skills and take your landscape shots to the next level, here are five helpful tips to consider:

1. MAP OUT LOCATIONS

Plan ahead. Gather as much information about your chosen location; maps, Ordnance Surveys, the weather, tide times, sun rise & set times, and their locations.

Look for interesting spots, iconic landmarks, and scenic areas that will make compelling subjects.

Keep in mind that locations change. Think about seasons and how they can alter the image dynamics and your overall safety.

2. THE ART OF COMPOSITION

Composition is the key to creating visually pleasing landscapes. Experiment with the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to add depth and balance to your images.

Consider foreground interest to create a sense of depth and guide the viewer's eye into the scene. The use of natural elements, such as rocks or trees, can help create a sense of scale and context within the frame.

3. BE PATIENT & OBSERVE

Take the time to study your surroundings and wait for that perfect moment when the elements align harmoniously. Look for interesting weather conditions, unique cloud formations, or captivating movements in the environment.

Being patient and observant will allow you to capture those elusive, once-in-a-lifetime shots.

4. USE A TRIPOD

You’ll often find yourself shooting landscapes in low light, with shutter speeds too slow to shoot handheld without risking camera shake. Using a sturdy tripod not only supports your camera it allows you to explore camera settings that will impact your overall results.

Let’s talk about this in the next tip!

5. EXPLORE YOUR CAMERA

Okay, this is the mega tip (or tips as we’re feeling generous today). Mounting your camera on a tripod allows you to do the following:

  • Use a Timer - A 2-second timer should be adequate. This prevents any possible camera shake when pressing the shutter button.

  • Manually Focus - Switch to manual focus. Use Live View and magnify on a distant subject, manually focusing on that subject. Magnify out and press the shutter. This is focusing to infinity. Just make sure to check your aperture isn’t too wide open ( f/8-f/11 is a general rule of thumb).

  • Weigh it Down - Often tripods come with a central column hook for hanging extra weight. You can hang your camera bag for added weight, helping to reduce possible shake from the wind.

OKAY, OKAY ONE MORE…….

6. Have Fun

Have fun, enjoy the process, and take your time. Landscape photography can be an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and unwind. No doubt about it, we live in a fast-paced world so taking every opportunity to slow down and recalibrate can be rewarding and healthy.