Landscape Photography
How to prepare for landscape photography? First you need to decide the location and date you are going for. Next you need to check the weather forecast. Choose clothing suitable for the weather. Pack everything into a backbag. Shooting gear should include at least a camera, a lens and a sturdy tripod. Extra battery is very advisable as well. If you are shooting film, remember to take enough film with you. Light meter can be very helpful as well. Remote or cable release can be very useful, if you are planning to shoot long exposures. If you own any filters, pack them with you as well. 2-3 stops gradual neutral density filter is great for the color. One warm color and one cold color filters are great for creating separation in black and white. Depending from the location and time of day, you might also need compass, map, sunscreen, insect repellent, flashlight, water and snacks.
After you are done with the preparation, it's time to create some amazing pictures. First of all, be there early or you might miss the moment you wanted to capture, like sunrise or sunset. If you are shooting on the beach, watch out tidewater or you might get wet! When you are choosing your scene, think about things, like composition, horizon, foreground, angle, focal point and lines. Rule of third is a great tool to help you cerate better compositions. Either sky or foreground (or both of them) should be interesting. If the sky looks plain, but foreground is interesting, then set your horizon to the upper third of the image. If the sky has moody clouds or beautiful sunset, then it might be better to set the horizon to the lower third of the image. You should try different agles than just eye level to make the image more interesting. Lanscapes can be really boring without a focal point, but also very confusing with too many. Lines can be very powerful, if used right. Focal point or lines can help you to lead viewer into the image. Effects, like long exposure to create feel of movement, panorama, HDR or painting with light, can add nice touch to your landscapes.