3 Tips for Better Landscape Photos January 13, 2015 07:37 20 Comments

Tip Number 1: GOOD STABLE TRIPOD

These 3 tips have served me well in the last few years. Carrying a heavy tripod miles back
in the woods was difficult at first, but now I won't take a photo without it. I use a 3 legged
tripod with a 3 lever head.  There are only 2 height adjustments per leg to allow for quicker
setup. Also, each leg can be adjusted independently of the others for more unusual positions.
A tripod is indispensable for shots like these.
Martin Creek Falls off Warwoman Road near Clayton Georgia, featured in my nature DVD:
"Favorite Appalachian Waterfall Hikes" Volume 2

Martin Creek Falls

Tip Number 2: CIRCULAR POLARIZER FILTER

There are really too many benefits to not have one on hand. To get rid of reflected light on
trees and leaves. To bring out incredible blue skies and crispy white clouds. But the greatest
benefit would be to get rid of reflected light on water.  You can purchase a circular polarizer 
for most any camera based on the lens size. Or buy a step-up ring to fit an odd-sized lens.
Added benefit is that it will help protect your expensive lens if you fall or drop your camera
as happens to me more often than I would like to admit. I would stick with the name brands.
Cheap filters are not worth the trouble. I even use polarizers on all my video cameras.

Standing Indian Mountain

Tip Number 3: TIME OF DAY

Morning, early morning to be exact. Morning light is special. It is warmer in color
and the light is better. Also, rainy cloudy days even when it is misting rain.  When 
you think about it, every wonderful photograph that has intrigued or inspired you
was taken by someone who was there in that place just at that moment in time.

So: Get out of bed and climb the mountain. You'll be glad you did.

Onion Mountain View North Northwest

Bonus Tips:

  • Read your camera's manual. Really, have you read every single page?
  • Neutral Density Filters can help reduce the amount of light in a shot.
  • Understand Composition. We'll explore that in future blogs.
  • Take the time to learn photo editing software. There are some good free ones. 
  • Take lots of photos because in lots of photos you will develop your own style.
  • Learn about aperture settings. Very important for image quality.
  • Better exposure is better than more megapixels.

These days I only shoot with digital cameras. For some reason they make sense to me.
I've used Photoshop for 20 years in my art business. This has really come in handy with
photo editing and manipulation. Remember, the end result is what is important.

Feel free to comment. These tips are how I take photographs. Use the ideas that work for you.

Thanks for reading,  Michael M. Rogers at: michaelmrogersfineart.com