|
Landscape photography is a field of photography which allows the photographer the opportunity to travel to many parts of the world and capture the wonders and beauty of this world whilst at the same time experiencing other cultures, food, languages and lifestyles of other races and religions. On the otherhand Landscape Photography can be just outside your own front door or window by witnessing and photographing a beautiful sunset or sunrise. Beauty is everywhere and it does not necessarily mean you have to travel many thousands of miles to capture that beautiful photograph. The advent of digital photography has also made it a lot easier for the ordinary person to become involved in Australian Landscape Photography. Unlike film photography the digital image can be deleted and hundreds of photographs taken at no cost to the photographer other than the initial cost of the camera equipment. The world has suddenly become a lot easier to capture for all to see and it allows the novice photographerthe opportunity to improve their photography skills at no additional cost other than their time and motivation.To become a good at landscape photography it is first of all essential that the photographer become very conversant with their equipment such as camera body, lenses, filters and tripods. It is therefore very advisable for the aspiring photographer to spend time reading all the booklets and brochures supplied by the equipment manufacturers and start experimenting with suggested settings before they actually go out into the field. To this end it is again recommended that the aspiring photographer start with daylight photography as it is a less demanding and also easier to see all the settings on the camera and lens. The following are a few non technical hints and tips for those about to commence landscape photography: • Always prepare for your photography session, not matter how short, by taking time before hand to reconnoitre the landscape and terrain so that you become totally familiar with your surroundings. It is very important to know where the sun is rising; where the sun is setting and how the light will appear at the time of day you are planning to photograph. • It is also important to become aware of the extent of any human and vehicular traffic at the time you are planning to photograph otherwise this may impede you from getting unhindered shots and thus cause you frustration and anxiety and spoil what could have been a wonderful experience. • In conjunction with the previous comment most experienced photographers prefer to photograph either during the first two hours or last two hours of sunlight. In the first two hours of sunrise the sun's rays are clean and pure and provide beautiful low light which is not intense whilst the last two hours in the afternoon provide a glorious warm golden glow; long shadows and glorious sunsets. • It is advisable for all photographers, where practical, to use a good sturdy tripod and remote switch. Even though most lenses have anti shake it is nearly impossible with a large camera and lens to avoid all movement. Money spent on a good strong tripod with a remote switch will be repaid many times over with beautiful clean and clear shots. The tripod and remote switch also allows the photographer to check all the camera and lens settings with a lot less pressure than if the photographer were holding the equipment. • The two other recommended pieces of equipment considered essential for any photographer are a circular polarising filter and a lens hood. Light rays which are reflected by any surface become polarised and polarising filters are used to select which light rays enter your camera lens. They allow you to remove unwanted reflections from non-metallic surfaces such as water, glass etc. They also enable colours to become more saturated and appear clearer, with better contrast. This effect is often used to increase the contrast and saturation in blue skies and white clouds. . The primary use for a lens hood is to prevent light from hitting the front lens element from the sides which reduces contrast and creates flare. Pictures taken with a lens hood installed can also have a richer colour and deeper saturation. A secondary use for a lens hood is to protect the lens. Lens hoods are generally strong and stick out from the lens some distance. Accidental touches and scratches to the front element are reduced simply because the glass is more difficult to reach with the hood in place. • Digital cameras just keep getting better but despite all this progress you will need photo software that gets your pictures looking the best they can. You will also need good photo software to import and organize all those digital images, share them online, and print them. There are many software programmes available today which allow you to do all the editing and image storing that you heart desires. The best way to find out what is available is to research the internet for articles on digital photo editing; check for articles in photographic magazines and/or check with your local camera store. • The final piece of non technical advice is to study what the professionals are doing by reading photographic magazines and reviewing web sites of these experts to see how they approach landscape photography. There are also many web sites where aspiring photographers can chat and exchange ideas and where other photographers will give you advice. Now that you have done a lot of research; purchased all your equipment; read all the manuals; experimented with all the settings; worked out which time of day suits you to photograph; have checked out and reconnoitred the area in which you wish to photograph it is simply a matter of practice, practice and practice. Remember once you have purchased the equipment and editing software the only cost is your time.
Related Articles -
Landscape Photography, Australian Landscape Photography,
| 
