The Art Of Landscape

Photography
Content
Introduction.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Wait For The Light........................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Have Everything Tack Sharp............................................................................................................................................................................ 5
Capture Time................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
Patience And Persistence Will Always Pay Off.................................................................................................................................................. 7
Use the Orton Effect....................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Travel to Interesting Places.............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
Shoot in Strange Weather Conditions............................................................................................................................................................ 10
Introduction
There are endless discussions about the true con-
cept of Fine Art, many of them related to Photogra-
phy. As soon as you say that your photographs are
“Fine Art” you are bound to hear negative criticism,
mostly centered around the thought that you are be-
ing elitist and vain by using such term. Paintings or
sculptures do not usually need to be labeled as “Fine
Art”, as they are intuitively recognized as such, but
in the middle of millions of snapshots, what should
you call the images you have put so much effort
into? There is no right answer, so I wouldn’t worry
too much about the label. If you choose to focus on
the fact that if you are putting your soul and vision
in your works, trying to show the landscapes you
witness with the greatest impact and emotion, then
you are most certainly creating “art”, which is clearly
“fine”.
3
Wait For The Light

Fine art landscape photography is all about captur- post-processing one knows. The light during gold-
ing beautiful light in a scenic location. Photograph- en hour, blue hour, and twilight is best for this. Of-
ing a stunning landscape in harsh light will unlikely ten this means getting there earlier and staying later
yield a dreamy looking shot no matter how much when most people are not around.

4
Have Everything Tack Sharp

This is a general tip for most landscape photogra- ment by learning basics such as shooting with a tri-
phy, but it’s worth including here because the details pod, cable release, as well as advanced techniques
are what makes the image stand out. Learn how to such as maximizing depth of field using hyperfocal
squeeze every bit of sharpness out of your equip- distance, and focus stacking.

5
Capture Time
One of the techniques I love is using long exposures
to capture extended periods, and compress it into a
single image. Long exposure is beyond what is seen
by the normal eye, so it has a sense of mystery and
fantasy. I shoot a lot with a circular polarizer to en-
hance colors and cut reflections, but also this cuts
down some light, making longer exposures possi-
ble. When I need to cut more light out I use neutral
density filters. I will also shoot well after the sun has
dropped below the horizon when light levels are low
and exposures times are extended. I recommend at
least a 3 stop ND filter. Be aware that a 10 stop ND
filter will allow you to take long exposures during the
brighter parts of the day, but you probably won’t be
able to see enough to focus or compose your shot
with it on.
6
Patience And Persistence Will Always Pay Off
Landscape photographers work with the most stub-
born and unpredictable light assistants ever, so you
should be ready to cope with frustration, cold, stress
and physical pain. People always think about land-
scape photography as a very zen-like activity, but if
you want to get the job done, then be ready for a
delicious adrenaline rush when you are trying to deal
with temperamental gear, harsh environment, phys-
ical obstacles and quickly changing light, where the
famous golden hour should, unfortunately, be called
“golden minutes”. You will need to return to the same
place quite often and frequently return home with no
interesting images. You will be the first person arriv-
ing or the last one leaving your location, and meals
will probably be skipped or made during odd hours.
It’s not romantic or easy most of the time, but when
all elements combine and you capture a great im-
age, there’s nothing that comes close to that feeling
of oneness and meaningful purpose!
7
Use the Orton Effect

If you haven’t heard of the ’Orton effect’, you’ve prob-
ably seen it in images without knowing it. It’s a tech-
nique in post-processing that blurs the image slight-
ly and adds contrast. This has the effect of making
things appear to glow. It is very handy to create a
dreamy look. There are many resources out there
on how to do this in post-processing. If you do start
using Orton, remember, less is more. Stay classy.

8
Travel to Interesting Places
This one is challenging but also a bit obvious. This
planet has so many fascinating natural phenome-
nons that seem unreal, but they are really real. So go
take a trip and experience them for yourself. One of
the best things about being passionate about land-
scape photography is that it naturally leads you to
amazing places. It’s easier to create a dreamy look-
ing shot when you are standing in front of something
that is simply unbelievable.
9
Shoot in Strange Weather Conditions

Dreams and fantasies are weird, strange and un- my trips around the weather for this reason. Check
usual, so why not shoot in strange conditions? The the forecasts often and plan accordingly. Don’t be
stranger and more unique the better. I seek out inter- afraid to go to “bad weather” just be prepared and
esting weather conditions to photograph, and plan stay safe.

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 featured tips by
@DWongPhotos and @joseramos