Thirteen techniques of landscape photography

Lead: To be a landscape photographer, there are so many things to learn and master, but novices don't have to be discouraged. As long as you learn the basic theory well and keep practicing, you will become a landscape photographer one day! The following are thirteen techniques of landscape photography that I have compiled. Welcome to reading.

(1) Take a clear picture: the rearview mirror is locked.

To take clear photos (especially at night when long exposure is needed), we can use the tripod and cable release, and also use the "mirror lock" function for users of SLR cameras to raise the mirror in advance before opening the shutter for real shooting, so as to reduce the vibration caused by the movement of the mirror and make the photos blurred. Note that this function is only applicable to SLR cameras with mirror function, and other mirrorless cameras do not have this setting.

The open button of the mirror lock may vary depending on the vehicle model and may need to be set in the menu. Please pay attention.

(2) Select the focus manually

Many cameras automatically choose the focus setting when they leave the factory. For landscape photography, we'd better know exactly where we are focusing, so as to have the clearest focus and depth of field control (see point 10).

(3) Make good use of the characteristics of wide angle and telephoto.

To take beautiful scenery photos, all kinds of lenses are ok, but first you have to know the characteristics of the lenses:

(Super) Wide-angle lens: Wide-angle lens can shoot large scenes, and the lens deformation characteristics of wide-angle lens can make photos more tense. It is a common shot, and it is strongly recommended that students start with it. APS-C can buy 1 1mm lens, and Quan Huafu can use 16mm or around the focal length;

Telephoto lens: telephoto lens can "compress" the distance between far and near scenes, making the foreground occupy a larger proportion in the photo (see: what is the "compression effect" of telephoto lens), which is often used in mountain scenery, coastal areas and so on. camera lens

There is also a special kind of lens called "fisheye glasses", which can shoot the angle of view of 180, and its extremely wide and twisted characteristics can sometimes shoot very special effects!

A (full-size) 16mm wide-angle lens can shoot a wide field of view.

(4) Learn basic composition skills.

The composition is ever-changing, but students can learn from the basic composition teaching first.

(5) Know when to use the polarizer CPL.

Polarizers are very useful in landscape photography;

Make the sky bluer

Eliminate the reflection of water and green leaves, and shoot a scene invisible to the naked eye.

Improve contrast

Do a little dimming effect

But pay attention to the need to adjust the polarizer before each shooting.

There are photos using CPL (right) that can clearly see the bottom of the water.

(6) Necessary scenery: gradient gray filter GND

Besides polarizers, the "Graded Gray Filter" (GND) is the one I use most! Gradient gray filter is a kind of lens with gradient coating, usually square (or round), which usually changes from dark gray to transparent, and there are two settings: soft gradient and hard gradient. It is an essential filter to balance the difference of light, especially suitable for daytime shooting, and can shoot the layering of the sky and the ground in the same photo.

The gradient gray filter can balance the light difference.

(7) Plan the trip in advance and shoot at the right time.

Light is really very important for landscape photography, and it can never be ignored! Therefore, it is best to plan your trip in advance and shoot at sunset, sunrise, magic moment and other excellent times.

(8) Observe first, then shoot.

Many students also made a mistake when taking photos of scenic spots, that is, taking photos as soon as they arrived at the scenic spots. In fact, it is best to observe the environment carefully to see how the light is, the direction of the target subject, the choice of the prospect, etc. Don't rush it!

Don't forget your tripod.

Tripod is not only used for shooting at night, but also used for shooting subjects such as daytime, sunset and running water.

During the day, you should also use a tripod (with a reducing mirror) to shoot running water.

(10) controls the depth of field.

You should also learn to control the depth of field. Deep depth of field can make all the pictures in a photo clear, while shallow depth of field can blur the background and highlight the subject, which is very useful when shooting close-ups. The two shooting methods are also suitable for landscape shooting. Students who don't understand this teaching carefully: 5 minutes will let you learn the application skills of "depth of field"

(eleven) make good use of clouds, rivers and shores.

Landscape photography has many subjects. If you see beautiful clouds, rivers or coasts, you can make more use of them. In addition to being the protagonist, it can also be an excellent background.

(12) Be patient.

Nature, light, etc. I won't give in to you. In addition to careful planning, sometimes patience is needed, especially the shooting theme of sunset and magic hour.

(13) Shooting, reviewing and practicing

This also applies to landscapes, portraits and other themes. If you want to improve your shooting skills, remember to review what can be improved from time to time after shooting, and then practice more!