"Finding Photogenic Landscapes"

In this section you will be able to scope out a place to photograph based the angles of the landscape, color, and other key components. All this means is that you will have to do some kind of research before taking the picture. Here are some key components of taking a great landscape photograph.

COLOR FIRST: This is the first key component that will indicate wether or not this landscape will produce into a great photograph. Obviously, the color red to humans is the most attractive color which means any hint of red in a landscape has potential in being a great photograph. Although red is the best color to look for, other colors such as blues and greens are the next best colors to use.

CLOUDS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE: Having clouds in your landscape photograph can make for a more interesting picture. The most popular kinds of clouds to use in a picture would be the ones that are near the horizon and above the main area. Like most landscape pictures the best time to capture clouds would also be early morning or late afternoon because this is when there is the most dramatic amounts of coloring. Clouds are not only good for their dramatic coloring but, can add depth to the landscape buy, using the shadowing effect from the extracted light coming through the clouds.

NORTH/SOUTH CAMERA ANGLES: This is a very important skill to understand when photographing landscapes. When the camera angles are adjusted to either the North or South you will automatically get the sunsets and sunrises. When using sidelight you can use polarizing filters to give the background more density and more colors in the sky.

CHECK FOR OPEN HORIZONS: If you find a landscape that you think will make a great photograph see if the east and west horizons are clear of light filled landforms. This mainly has to do with mountainous regions. So if the eastern horizon is open than you should photograph at dawn. Than when the western horizon is clear that is when you want to photograph sunset. If you follow this simple "rule" you will most likely get the best chances of dramatic colors within the middle ground and backgrounds.

FOREGROUND DETAILS: To capture the best landscapes you really want to capture the details in the foregrounds. For example, on the Oregon Coasts the sand dunes and sea stacks are the details within that particular foreground. The sand dune can set up a scene for the photograph like having the sand dunes lead up to the ocean or something like that.

MAGIC MOMENTS BESIDE STILL POOLS: Bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and tide pools are excellent landscape scenes. Water allows you to have shadows and different depths of views. Basically, you can get a mirror like reflection of that subject which adds to be a dramatic scene. The best way to get a mirror like reflection is when the water is calm and still.

For more information on "Finding Photogenic Landscapes" I would read pages(143-153) in the book, "Nature Photography" , written by, Tim Fitzharris.