One of the genres of photography in which nearly everyone participates to some degree, landscape photography is one of the most classic and traditional categories of our medium. It is representative for so many reasons, whether being used for conservation purposes, documentary, backgrounds, events, or as a symbol—landscapes, as mundane or as grand as they might be, are the settings in which we exist. So how do we photograph these spaces? Or, more pointedly, how do we successfully photograph the land? It’s a rich topic, but on a practical level, here are some essential tips for landscape photography.
1. Planning
Not necessarily unique to landscape photography, but one of the most beneficial things you can do when photographing in the wilds is to have a plan. This can be as little as doing a cursory search on your phone and loading GPS directions, or as much as studying topographical maps and planning a multi-day off-the-grid exploration. Either way, your photography will be better off with some semblance of a plan in place; it will free your mind not to have to worry so much about where you’re going and how you’re getting there, and instead have the mental capacity to think more about what you’re seeing along the way. There are many other stages of planning in all arenas of photography, but think of this stage as a concerted organizational effort and time spent brainstorming about what you want to do with your photographs.
2. Spontaneity
I love a good contradiction, and right here is a good time to bring up an important one: be spontaneous. Even while you have a plan in place, maybe also plan for a bit of time to stray from said plan. Some of the best photographs come from unplanned circumstances, and it’s always a good idea to give yourself a little bit of leeway for the unexpected to take place. For example, know that you’re going to a certain national park for a day, and know you need to be on your way out just after sundown, but let yourself wander and explore for the whole day while you’re there. Plan to be spontaneous.
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