How to Take Great Landscape Photographs
Find the Right Time of Day
The best time to take landscape photos is during the golden hour, which is the hour just before sunset or just after sunrise. The warm light and long shadows created during this time can add depth and dimension to your landscape photos.
Sunset view of the Cabot Trail at Cape Breton Highlands National Parkin Nova Scotia. Photo by Yeager Anderson.
Use a Tripod
A tripod will help you keep your camera steady and avoid blur caused by camera shake. This is especially important when shooting in low light or when using a long shutter speed.
Photo of Vermont-based videographer and photographer Chris Spencer taking a photo of Lake Louise at Banff National Park. Photo by Yeager Anderson.
Consider the Weather
Overcast days can create soft, even lighting that can be ideal for landscape photography. On the other hand, a bright, sunny day can create harsh shadows and blown-out highlights.
Use a Wide-Angle Lens
A wide-angle lens will allow you to capture more of the scene in front of you, giving your photos a sense of depth and scale.
Photo of Lake Louise at Banff National Park by Yeager Anderson.
Look for Interesting Foregrounds
An interesting foreground can add depth and context to your landscape photos. Look for elements like rocks, trees, or flowers to include in the foreground of your photos.
Photo of one of the many lakes at Banff National Park by Yeager Anderson.
Experiment with Composition
Try different composition techniques such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and symmetry to add interest and drama to your photos.
Pay Attention to the Background
A cluttered background can be distracting, so look for a clear, uncluttered background that will complement your foreground.
Use a Polarizing Filter
A polarizing filter can help reduce glare and increase the saturation of colors in your photos.
Shoot in RAW
Shooting in RAW format allows for more flexibility in post-processing, and allows you to adjust the white balance, exposure and shadow/highlight of the image.
Take Your Time
Landscape photography is all about capturing the beauty of the natural world, so take your time and don't rush. Enjoy the process and take your time to find the best composition and lighting.