InFocus - Analysis

Every issue we will take an image or two to pieces or select a theme. We will discuss what makes or breaks the image. This issues theme is Landscape Photography.

What's in a Landscape?

Landscapes are probably the most popular subjects to photograph. The reason for this is probably because they are pleasant and are always there for us. The problem is that because of their popularity, it is very difficult to make a particular landscape image stand out!

You could be forgiven for thinking that landscape images are strictly pictures of natural scenery such as mountains, seaside's, forests and valleys. These subjects are landscape but don't forget the 'manmade' landscapes either. In some cases urban landscapes may not be considered 'landscape' photography but an excellently taken cityscape can be as striking as any other would.

Using Scale

Another problem many photographers have is the use of humans or a human element in a landscape photograph. In fact this is an old chestnut where many veteran landscape photographers have very strong opinions. In a natural landscape the human element is taboo. However in some cases in order to accentuate the size or vastness of a landscape, the human element provides an instant 'measuring stick' to bring proportion to an image.

Here we have two images of an identical landscape. One has people sitting on a rock and the other has no human element. The question is whether or not you feel the addition of the people helped the image or not. This is actually a very subjective question that you will rarely if ever get everyone to agree on. As a result it really is up to the photographer to decide how he/she wants the image to be presented.

When to Shoot

Lighting and the quality of lighting is an extremely important factor in all subjects in photography, landscape is no different. The advantage the studio photographer has is that he/she can create the lighting effects they desire. The landscape photographer is at the mercy of the lighting conditions that are present at the time of the shoot. There is no way to alter lighting in landscape photography.

It is generally agreed amongst landscape photographers that early morning or late evening lighting is best. This is when the sun is at an angle. This gives shadow detail that creates depth in an image. Also sunlight can change in color at very early morning or late evening to give a more dramatic effect. Mid day sunlight tends not to bring up great detail in a landscape causing the image to look flat and lacking in vibrancy.

What film?

Your choice of film is dependent on the effect you desire. It is generally accepted that a slow speed color transparency film is best for landscapes. This type of film produces rich color saturation and renders sharp, well-defined detail in both brightly lit and heavily shaded areas in a properly exposed image. The drawback with this film however is that you will almost certainly need a tripod to avoid camera shake as shutter speeds will be slow.

Strikingly graphic landscape images can be achieved using Black and White film. Shade, pattern and texture in a landscape can be brought to life in a black and white image.

If you print your own black and white images, you have the added benefit of bringing out these details further still through careful manipulation and choice of paper grade.

What Film Format?

With landscapes in order to render detail to its limit, the bigger the image or negative, the better. Professional landscape photographers will use medium or large format cameras. The large film format allows for sharper, more defined image quality.

For those using APS cameras or cameras that have a Panorama format, this is a very effective way of presenting a landscape. This type of image isolates the 'middle ground' of a landscape. This cuts out uninteresting foreground and sky detail.

If you would like to know more about shooting landscape why not take our Landscape Photography Course. Everything you need to know about how to capture great landscapes is here more...

More info...

If you want to learn more about all kinds of photography, take a look at our complete full length courses. All are tutor assisted with examples, full text and projects.

• Basic Photography Course For the beginner, this tutor assisted level 1 course assumes you have little or no knowledge of photography. Suitable for both digital and film users.
• Digital Photography Course This course shows how to capture digital images, use manipulation programs to add effects and enhancements, and print and display your work. Includes image restoration.
• Glamour Photography Course This level 2 course assumes you know your way around a camera. It takes you further with studio lighting setups, home studio, model portfolios, posing guide, multiple lighting guide, model releases, make up and more.
• Freelance Photography Course This level 2 course is essential if you want to make money with your camera. Imagine being paid to be do something you love doing, well you can now with School of Photography.com.
• Black and White Photography Course Have you ever wanted to learn how to develop film at home? Then go on to make your own prints using an enlarger in a darkroom? Then this level 2 course is the right start for you.
• Landscape Photography Course Find out how to improve your landscapes with this level 2 course. Packed full of illustrations, examples, full text and projects.

To search our site and free tips easier we have added MSN search.

Subscribe! Enter your email to join SOP News 2 today!

If you have an RSS reader, you can get updates automatically sent to your computer via our RSS feed.

Copyright

There are no 'public domain' images or content on this site. All original images, diagrams and content on this website, brochures and newsletters are © School of Photography.com and/or its contributors and MAY NOT be copied or reproduced in any form or medium whatsoever, with the exception of the RSS feed , without prior written agreement from School of Photography.com

School of Photography.com is registered in the Republic of Ireland. E&OE.