How To: Create More Captivating Landscape Photos!
In the spirit of spreading creative knowledge, I have decided to touch on several techniques that I use often in my work. While I won't reveal all of my secrets, I'll show you how the ins and outs of my process.
In today's post I wanted to touch a little on the subject of photographing landscapes. While there are many amazing tips and tutorials out already in existence, I wanted to touch on what I think makes an effective landscape and how I approach capturing quality images.
Without any more intro, let's look at some landscapes.
The best light makes the best photographs
This seems like common sense to me, but just like any exposure, your source of light is one of the most important factors in creating your image.
Being patient is key, so wait for the perfect moments of light, or return at a better time. Don't sacrifice an amazing location for subpar light!
Shot on a Canon 6D + 24-70 2.8L II in Oahu, Hawaii
Add some flare to your image with reflection
What's better than one sunset? Two at the same time, of course.
Reflecting your image with any source of water will add much value to it's visual appeal.
Shot on a Canon 6D + 24-70 2.8L II in Playa Troncones, Mexico
Use objects in your foreground to create depth
A feeling of depth, distance or overall sense of atmosphere will help your viewer understand the magnitude of what you are photographing.
Look for anything to make the scale of your image make sense to your viewer. The layers of mountains above makes for a great example of this.
Shot on a Canon 6D + 24-70 2.8L II in Kauai, Hawaii
No horizon? No problem
Fog is your friend. Fog is your BEST friend. Who needs a horizon anyway?
Shot on Samsung Galaxy Note 4 in Orlando, Florida
Light cast from below the horizon, tends to create the most color
Although a sunset photo's main focus is the sun, waiting for the sun to drop below the horizon almost always makes for the most colorful photos.
Clouds are also key in situations like these as they will be holding all of your color!
Shot on a Canon 6D + 24-70 2.8L II in Playa Troncones, Mexico
Get creative!
This is entirely up to you, what ideas will you bring to the table?
Shot on a Sony a7 San Diego, California
Post your favorite landscape images in the comments!
Thanks for looking!
JL (@jameslano)
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really great shots! Love em :) And thanks for your tips :)
Thanks for the tips. I'm considering venturing into photography to compliment my sketches. I do not have a good camera but only my trusted Nexus 6p phone. What would you recommend my first camera should be for a newbie venturing into this field ?
I normally would recommend a smartphone camera because of how good they've become these days!
How much are you looking to spend?
Would a max of USD 1k be a good budget ?
Absolutely! Thats way more than enough
I would probably recommend something like the Sony a6000 or the Canon M3!
I hear a lot of photographers talking about things like different lenses and filters. Should I be too worried about those for now ?
Not to begin with, and not if you will taking photos of mostly your art.
I would start with a 50mm lens, this is almost equivalent to the human eye and a good length to get used to when you are starting out.
I've never used too many filters except UV filters just to protect my lenses.
Noted ... You've been a great help.
If you have any more questions feel free to ask!
Nice post, love your photos, I shoot as a hobby myself.
But what if someone has no arms or hands? how will they take good photos? pretty insensitive...
Interesting.. I used to learn photography.. but that time was student.. couldn't afford.. haha still loving it!
Goooood tips! Another thing, its not about what camera you use, its how you use the camera you got and create awesome images from it!
I agree completely! A nice share of DSLR and mobile photos proves that!
Thanks for the tips.. I'm using Samsung S6 camera for my shoot..
Great camera on the s6!