Landscape Photography

Some Tips – Definitely not Absolute Rules!

Have a clear FOCAL POINT• Without a clear focal

point, your viewer may “wander”... And your image might look empty.

• Focal point could be a building, a rock formation, a tree... Something to draw the viewer’s eye.

• Think about COMPOSITION... Where you place your focal point... (rule of 3rds is helpful)

Maximize your DEPTH OF FIELD

• Try to make sure as much of your scene is in focus.

• Choose high F-Stop/aperture setting

Consider your FOREGROUND

• Having points of interest in your forground gives a sense of depth, and a “way into” the photograph.

Use foreground to FRAME YOUR SHOTS

• Besides using foreground for points of interest, foreground elements at the edges can also be used to frame your shot...

Use LINE in your pictures

• Having the element of LINE – A road, a river, a wall or natural feature – can lead your viewer through your photograph.

Think about the sky• Most landscapes will have a

dominant foreground, or dominant sky.

• If the sky is boring (empty, undramatic), then keep it to the upper 3rd of your shot... Just make sure you’ve got an interesting foreground.

• If sky is dramatic, consider placing your horizon lower in the shot.

Pay attention to HORIZONS

• Is it straight? Nothing can be more annoying than getting a great shot, but finding the horizon is tilted/crooked.

• Where is it? One of the “3rd Lines” is usually most effective...

Lighting – The “Golden Hours”• Though plain

daylight can be great, think about trying to shoot at dawn and dusk... – The angle of the

light can add a great dimension

– That ‘golden’ light

– Skies at sunrise and sunset are striking.

Ansel Adams... A quick profile...

• 1902-1984• American Photographer and

environmenatlist.• Famous for his photos of the

American West (esp. Yosemite National Park)

• Worked with large format cameras

• Used technique of “visualization”

• Taught, wrote books, popularized photography.

YOUR MISSION

• Practice landscape photography! • Find interesting spots in town– Mount Royal and the lookout!– By the river!– Parks!– Find good angles – high up can be great!

• Find interesting spots out of town– Mountains!– Rivers!– Forests!