This week I looked into finding some tips when photographing a landscape. I looked at some websites and videos to try and find a starting point to make some simple adjustments for making a photo better.

Some of the points that I took away from my research is to try and incorporate the following:

  • When you find a view, turn around and see what you could be missing.
  • Make your photos level by using the grid aspect on the camera (or edit the image after and straighten it).
  • If the sun is in your frame, use the 2x feature or zoom in so that the sun is no longer altering the lighting in the picture.
  • Try using a different aspect ratio (from 4:3 to 16:9). This will eliminate more of the blank space in the top or bottom of the photo. Using this method, the photo will be wider and not as tall.
  • Finally, be aware of the composition of the photo. Suggestions include adding a person into the background of the photo, adding one component of focus (ex. a lone tree), textures, or a component to show where the photographer stands.
4:3 photo
16:9 photo

I tried to use all of these different components when taking some pictures. The day that I went out was super cloudy so there was no issue with the sun affecting the lighting. Additionally, the person aspect of the photos was more difficult. I brought along my dog, but unfortunately, she is not the most photogenic or cooperative dog so the better of the photos did not have that aspect.

I will continue to use these tips in my future photos.

Resources:

https://iphonephotographyschool.com/landscape-photography/