Taking pictures of your natural surroundsings, also referred to as landscape photography, is one of the most fun and inspiring ways to start 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 taking landscape pictures is paying close attention to detail. The more detail you can get in your landscape pictures, the better your final limage 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.

Choose a Focal Point

What is it about some pictures that catch your attention while others fall flat? The answer is often due to the choice of the image’s focal point. 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 many different types of camera filters available each with its own specific purpose. 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.  Whenever you’re working with landscape photography, try to consider the contrast before you shoot.  Images that are all one color or tone aren’t interesting

Pick the Right Time of Day

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.

Get a Tripod

Sure, carrying a tripod everywhere you go could potentially be a burden, but if you’re following the advice above and shooting with slow film and long exposures, you’re going to need one. 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 a great way to get started as a photographer. You never have to worry about difficult or impatient subjects and you get to go outside and appreciate the beauty of nature. With the right equipment and a little consideration, you’ll be creating impressive and striking imagery in no time.

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