In
the last issue we talked about great still life photography techniques.
In
this issue we are going to talk about taking a professional landscape
photograph.
Landscape
photography is widely popular. I am sure
if you look around
your
home you will see at least two landscape prints that spoke to you.
Photography
is an art that has a message. As a
photographer you
have
to find the message you want to portray.
If you specialize in
landscape
photography you might think your task is easy to complete.
As
with any photography you have to pay attention to the details, the
lighting,
shadows, subject, and the equipment.
Black
and white landscape photography is the hardest section to attain
true
artistry because you are not relying on the colors as much as the
lights
and shadows the image will create.
Composition is very
important. Composition in photography means to look for
sharp edges,
tones
and textures.
The
basis of black and white photography is getting the camera to see
what
your eye sees in color; to bring the highlights and shadows
forward
with the angle of the picture. Typical subjects for black and
white
photography are buildings and water. Water gives the
surrounding
trees and rocks a contrast while drawing the eye.
Landscape
can encompass buildings or bridges among other subjects.
Buildings
lend to the angles and contrast you seek when trying for
definition
and emotion.
When
landscape photography is your subject in color you will need to
have
contrast between the colors. If the sky
is blue and you have blue
water
below chances are the picture isn't going to have the contrast
you
are hoping for. Like black and white
photography you need to have
definition
or composition in the shot. You will
need to take a few
minutes
to set up the shot and perhaps take several frames before
being
satisfied. Color photography takes less
skill than black and white
photography
so if you have master the last you will succeed at the first.
Lighting
for landscape photography is natural rather artificial. This is
important
when setting up your shot. You will need
to have filters for the
sunlight
if it is a bright day, perhaps a tripod to set up the shot and a
professional
grade camera to create professional prints.
Studying your
subject
from all angles is also important. You
want to make sure you
are
picking the best angle for the shot.
Remember the message is
brought
forth by the skill of the photographer.
You
abilities should be honed and practiced.
Digital photography
makes
landscape photography easier because you can assess the
photo
before you leave a site. Again the LCD
screen isn't going to
show
you every aspect of the print so you will want to take a few shots
of
the same site to ensure a perfect picture.
Even
being an amateur photographer you can gain professional
looking
landscape photography. The best way to gain great
photographs
is to practice with a subject. Going back to the same site
during
different seasons can help you hone your skills and net you an
even
better print the next time around. All photographers’ start at the
same
level, some may have innate skills and an eye for the photo, but
practice
will lead to the best print. Landscape photography may not
require
the skills of wildlife photography with panning the subject or
portraits
where you have to enliven your subject; however, it does
require
skills and practice.
Make
sure you look for your next issue soon. We will be talking about
how
to take great photos of babies.