Understanding the nuances of landscape photography can take your work from good to great. Composition plays a huge role in capturing great photos.
Coming to you from Brian MatiashThis insightful video highlights essential techniques for composing landscapes. Matiash emphasizes the importance of leading lines and how using them differently can impact the effectiveness of your photos. For example, placing your camera at different angles to capture leading lines can turn an ordinary photo into an extraordinary one. Experimenting with angles and perspectives allows you to see and capture scenes in unique ways.
Matiash also explores the creative incorporation of man-made structures into your landscape photography. Photographers typically favor natural scenes, but incorporating elements like fences or bridges can add interesting dynamics to your composition. This approach challenges you to find a balance between natural and man-made elements, enhancing the overall impact of your photo.
Another helpful tip from Matiash is to experiment with different lenses and focal lengths. Using a fisheye lens can bring a fresh perspective to familiar scenes, creating a creative break from the norm. These lenses, while specialized, can give your work a unique style. On the other hand, telephoto lens can compress a scene, bringing distant elements closer together and adding depth to your photo. This technique is especially effective for panoramas, allowing you to capture a wide panorama without losing detail.
Matiash also discusses the importance of including people in landscape photos to create a sense of scale. This technique helps viewers grasp the scale of natural features. For example, placing a person next to a large tree or rock formation can highlight the sheer size of these elements, making the photo feel more intimate and impactful. Check out the video above for Matiash’s full rundown.
And if you really want to dig deeper into landscape photography, check out our latest guide, “Photographing the World: Japan with Elia Locardi!”
