English Language Teaching in Japan and Asia

How to take photos: Landscapes

Basic gear you need:

• Tripod (or monopod if hiking), remote shutter release (or use your cameras timer)

The Aim:

• To show something unique, original, that others haven't done or seen before

How:

• ISO: Usually, it's best to use iso100 to avoid noise.
• Aperture: about f22 is usually good, as there's more of the scene in focus.
• Shutter Speed: These vary, according to the conditions. I usually use my tripod and timer or remote release for slower speeds. If you're photographing waterfalls, rivers or lakes, then your shutter speed is more likely to be about one second or two (consider adding a Neutral Density filter).
• White Balance: Be sure your white balance is set for the the light conditions, either 'Sunny', 'Cloudy', or other
• Lenses: I prefer to use a shorter lens, where the focal length might range from 11 to 50mm. I usually use my 18-70mm lens, but if I had a 24mm or 28mm Minolta lens, I'd prefer these. Other people might prefer something shorter or 50mm lens (non-zoom / prime lenses). Often, a newer lens can bring out more details or more colour, but go with whichever is vital for your composition
• Quality Issues: Be sure there's no distractions, or unnecessary junk in the background. Plan it, so everything that you see through the lens is there, because it needs to be. That includes no powerlines, no garbage bins, or an unsightly McDonalds billboard or other. Avoid shooting in the midday sun, as the shadows are harsh, and highlights are over done. I prefer late after noon with a lower sun, and a slight tinge of gold on everything, giving a warm colour cast on everything. Other photographers will tell you early morning is best. If you do have to shoot at a time closer to midday, make sure you're on the lit side of the object, and so you're hiding the shadows. Finally, Usually, you want to avoid putting the horizon across the middle; usually you'd put it in the upper 1/3 or lower 2/3 portions of the frame.
• Composition: Also see the composition article.

Examples:

Click on these to view them at a larger size

	< F9, 1/125, iso100; 18-70mm lens at 18mm, with Cokin P160 linear polariser
	< F11, 1/100, iso100, 18-70mm lens at 40mm
	<F4.5, 1/125, iso200; 75-300mm lens at 75mm, monopod used. Notice the thirds rule being applied (see the composition article). Here, the object, the cable car is lit up, and with a shadowy background, makes it stand out.

Also see this gallery for more examples