Shooting photographs of natural environments, known most commonly as landscape photography, is one of the most popular and fun ways to get started in art of taking pictures. While it may seem simple to snap a couple of photos of a mountain or a hillside, it can be a bit more complicated than point and shoot. So to help make it easier, here are a few simple tips to help you take even better landscape pictures:

Slow it Down

One of the most important things about landscape photography is detail. The more detail you can get in your landscape pictures, the better your final image will look. In order to get a maximum depth of field and be able to capture the smallest detail, close your F stop as much as possible and use a slower speed film or setting with a longer exposure.

Find a Focal Point

What is it about certain photographs of mountains that make them appealing, when others look boring? The answer is often found in the focal point of the image. No matter what subject you’re shooting, you need to decide on what is going to be the important part of that image and frame your shot accordingly. Landscape photography provides plenty of focal points – look for trees, mountains, or rock formations and work from there.

Try Using a Filter

There are tons of filters available for cameras, each of which serves a specific type of photography. Polarizing filters will darken the sky in your image and help build contrast in the colors, which will lead to a more dynamic and interesting image when it’s time to print. Anytime you’re shooting landscapes, always think about the contrast before you start shooting. Images that are all one color or tone aren’t interesting

Time it Right

Depending upon the type of landscape you’re shooting, different times of the day are either going to help you or hurt you. Since the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, the overall appearance of a landscape can be dramatically different in the morning than it is at dusk, so plan ahead on catching the perfect angle. The two best times of the day for landscapes are usually morning and evening as the pitched shadows will add dimension to your images.

Always Have a Tripod

Although carrying a tripod is a pain, it really is necessary with using longer exposures so that you can get the proper amount of detail in your landscape. Using a tripod will give you the opportunity to take the same picture with different exposures and will help to prevent image blur. Image blur can be a problem when you’re using a slow shutter speed (anything less than 60 is too low to guarantee clarity without a tripod).

Landscape photography is one of the best ways to start as a photographer. You don’t have to deal with impatient subjects, you have a reason to go outside and experience nature, and you get to visually tell the story of that day’s journey. With a little thought and the right equipment, you’ll soon be shooting beautiful landscapes that you’ll be proud to display in a picture frame on your wall.

Author Bio: Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Shop online and see our picture frame selection like our beautiful unique picture frames and gorgeous flower picture frames.

Category: Arts and Crafts
Keywords: landscape photography tips,landscape photography techniques,photography 101,learn photography