by David Hebblethwaite

Created on: March 08, 2009

Landscape photography,' sounds daunting doesn't it? There are quite a few factors to take into consideration, light, subject, framing, composition, but it's not really as daunting as it seems. With a little thought, and a little look, you could be producing landscapes that you would be proud to hang on your wall.

Start by choosing a camera that suits both your budget and your subject. It needn't be an expensive camera, you can pick up a very good camera at a reasonable price. It goes without saying that if you pay that bit extra you'll get a better camera. But remember, price isn't everything.

To get the best out of the view a lens with a short focal length should be used. Anything fifty millimetres and below will suffice. A fixed length lens also gives a better quality picture, but if you're not aiming at professional perfection then a short zoom will give added flexibility. Using the zoom will enable you to isolate interesting features for a different view.

Another thing to consider is how many mega-pixels?' The more the better, there are cameras with up to 16 mega-pixels, but again this isn't absolutely necessary. A camera with 16 mega-pixels will capture more fine detail than one with 4 and will also produce better quality enlargements.

The second thing you should do is look for a subject. Find that beautiful view, that dramatic vista. This is really a personal opinion, mountains, rolling hills, forest or flat plain it's entirely the decision of the photographer. Of course you don't have to choose a subject before you set out, simply pick up your camera and go for a walk. Remember, though, keep your eyes open, and be careful not miss that perfect shot because you're having a drink from that can.

Having found the perfect view consider looking at it from different angles. Move around and have a good look, which angle do you prefer? If you are using a digital camera you can take advantage of the fact that you can take as many pictures as you want and then delete the ones that don't come up to standard. Take several 'final' pictures from each angle you may end up with an exhibition in your hall.

Look for lines that lead into the picture. A row of trees, a stream even a road or a fence, will lead the viewers eye into the scene. Unless the sky is the main subject don't over do it. Keep it to the upper third of the overall view. Foreground interest is important to any landscape photograph. It adds depth to the overall effect, without it even the best view can look flat. Anything will work, a rock, a clump of grass, a wild flower, but try to find the most interesting subject.

Bright sunshine may make for a pleasant walk but it doesn't do your photographs any favours. Harsh light tends to wash out the colours making it appear flat and dull. Get up and early make use of the golden hour. The hour after sunrise when the light is at its best will give the colours a richer feel. The greater contrast between shade and light will bring your landscapes to life. If you're not an early bird don't forget the hour before sunset. Try taking the same photographs at opposite ends of the day, the difference in the direction of the light may produce a different effect.

Not so daunting a subject after all. As long as you remember the basics, but don't be afraid to experiment. The most important rule is to enjoy what you do, take pictures that please you. By all means be critical, ask others to be critical, that's how to improve your work, but have fun.

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