Capture a Wilderness Landscape

Both of these photos were taken from the same ridge at different times of day. Despite the fantastic scenery, the first photo is pretty bland. The second picture provides a clear subject with human interest, a great perspective, and warm sunset lighting.

Those who've tried to take landscape photos probably know it's depressingly easy to come home with a pile of bad shots. Even with superb scenery, random snapshots all too often fail to capture the magic. The following tips are aimed at helping casual shooters boost their panoramic prowess.

A New Perspective

Don't settle for the first thing you see. Small changes in perspective can profoundly transform a scene. Crouch or lie down, climb some rocks or a hill, or walk around the lake. Try a variety of viewpoints until you find the one that is most compelling.

Landscapes are all about shapes, lines, and spaces. So obey the rule of thirds. Use lines to balance the image and draw the viewer's eye through your composition.

Catch the Light

Landscapes usually look best when the sun is low and the shadows are long. The slanting, gold-tinged light of morning and evening bring out textures and shapes that are invisible at other times of day. Avoid harsh midday light, since it is much colder in tone. It also casts deep shadows that look black and impenetrable in photos.

Make it Personal

Add a sense of scale to your photos by including people in your frame. Placing a human subject in the picture, even at a distance, can add emotion, perspective, and personal interest to an otherwise bland shot.

Special Cases

Show off interesting rock formations by silhouetting them against a blue sky. Pairing rocks with a colorful sunset or dramatic clouds may also work well. Don't be afraid to let the features of the rock itself dominate the photo; often a simple composition looks better than a crowded one.

Water can be a fickle subject. Wake up early in the morning to capture fog on a lake. Look for glassy reflections in the water; trees or sky mirrored on the surface of a lake create natural symmetry. On a breezy day try to catch the sunlight glinting off ripples in the water. When photographing a large expanse of water, anchor the composition by including partially submerged rocks or reeds in the foreground.