The world has has seen the enormous contribution of photography as an art-form for some time. This has been helped by the proliferation of digital media and the internet making access so much easier. Like all art-forms though, it’s only a valid contribution if it’s of significant artistic merit. High quality landscape photography promotes discussion and adds value, and even sells if that’s your goal, if the viewer is searching for escapism and the need to dream. We have always been linked, and drawn to, the landscape. Do you have a love for the countryside and an understanding of the landscape?
When you’re out in the great outdoors, away from the bustle, what do you see …
- sunlight filtering through trees and dancing on the landscape?
- snow on the mountains and a gushing river in full flow?
- coastal cliffs with the shimmering sea lapping onto the shore?
- a brooding sky casting a spell over the windswept moors?
- the warm glow of the sun setting at the close of day?
- or mists and changing patterns of wind, clouds and magical light?
Do you see the beauty and feel the connection?
To produce a great photo landscape you need to understand the countryside and how light affects it. You need to have a passion for the land and experience an intimate connection with nature. The best way of doing this is to explore an area on foot and become part of the landscape before taking any photos.
On your walk look for:
- Light (shadows and highlights)
- Shapes (round and angular)
- Colour (harmony and discord)
- Texture (rough and smooth)
- Composition (strong and weak)
- Tones (light and dark)
- Patterns (even and odd)
- Mystery
So the next time you’re out with your camera looking for that open vista of rolling hills and mountains, also observe the intimate details in the landscape and maybe just photograph a small section of the bigger picture.
Your personality and your vision must come through in every photo you take; it’s up to you to capture the essence of the landscape in front of you. If your photograph works, the person viewing your image will feel they can step into your picture and experience the emotion of being there. A great landscape photograph is a great escape.
