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A Complete Guide To Improving Your Digital Landscape PhotographyWelcome to our Digital Landscape Photography Guide. Since the introduction of the Camera in 1888 photographers have remained naturally drawn to photographing the landscapes around them, a trend still firmly rooted in the approach of today's amateur and professional photographer alike. 
Digital Landscape Photography is a broad and varied subject matter, with a huge spectrum of possible interest areas and approaches. You may have seen the work of Landscape Photographers solely interested in shooting 'urban' scenes, images of city life, construction or degradation. Or those who enjoy an alternative approach, experimenting with color manipulation, infrared or unusual angled shots. In this guide we'll discuss the most common area of Landscape Photography - the natural world.
Constant evolution of technology within the digital photography market has provided us with the opportunity to go further than ever before with our work. Combining new technology with advanced techniques and more 'know how' means that even the amateur is now capable of producing mind-blowing results.
Whether captured on canvas, paper or in as a digital image, landscapes have always been a great artistic theme for photographers. We have and always will be inspired by our surroundings, its colors, shapes, contrasts and impacts. However, producing these results is not easy, even with the digital equipment readily available to us in todays market. It takes technique and more importantly it takes imagination and flair. Lets discuss some of these techniques now.. 1. Location Location.. 
A carefully chosen location is paramount to a good Landscape shot. Think about the purpose of your shot before hand. What is it your trying to achieve? Try to visualize your finished picture. Is it for a particular purpose such as hanging above your fireplace? Or maybe you're trying to capture a beautiful scene such as a mountain range, seascape or moorelands? Location & purpose should come as one.A great landscape trick is to imagine and assign an emotion to your picture before you take the shot. For example, if you were looking for a shot to hang in the bedroom, think of serenity, peace or calm. If you were looking for a shot for a exhibit, think anger or fury to bring out a striking impact. You'll be amazed how you will naturally change the composition of your shot after thinking of an emotion behind the picture! Give it a try yourself! 2. The Composition.. 
Keeping it simple and uncluttered is generally a good rule. By removing distractions from your photographs, you will help bring more prominence to your focus subject as the viewers eye will not drift as much. It is also important to include some form of foreground interest into the image too, this may be your main subject or it could simply be part of the background that continues forward. Landscape photographers often talk of the 'Rule Of Thirds'. When using the 'Rule of Thirds' you keep the main focus subject off center and away from the middle of the frame. As a result, a photo looks more dynamic, and ultimately more interesting to view. Imagine your image is divided into nine equal parts. Placing your subject where any of these lines intersect or meet, will help in producing a well-balanced, dynamic photo. Yet do remember that your creativity beats any rule hands down! So don't be scared of experimenting with your digital landscape photography composition. Many masterpieces were discovered through experimentation! 3. The Focal Point.. 
The focal point is closely related to the composition of your image. Simply ensure that your composition has a particular focal point to attract the viewers eye, such as a lighthouse, a boat on the ocean etc. This just makes sure the photo has a dimension and sense of scale. Keeping this technique in mind will also help prevent the image from looking too bland or boring.
You dont have to use something mainstream as your focal point, infact it's more eye-catching and interesting when you choose something completely out of the ordinary. There really is no boundary here, be creative and see what you can come up with. After all, we're looking to achieve impact with our photography. This is what makes good photos striking & memorable! 4. The Time of Day.. The quality and effect of light changes dramatically during the day as the hours pass. As the sun rises, shadows are weaker and pastel colors more apparent in your shots. Atmospheric haze is also at its lowest. As the day progresses the light becomes more contrasting & harsh, with colors fully saturated during the middle of the day. Shooting with the sun behind you, or to one side, will usually work best for maximum color impact. A favorite time to shoot is often in the evening, as the sun sets, the light casts a warm, rich glow which works extremely well for landscape images.
Try placing the main focal images in front of the sun, causing light to break around the edges. The results can be astounding. As the afternoon progresses, the sunlight will create much warmer colours on your subjects or scene. Shooting into the sun as it moves towards the horizon can also create stunning silhouettes. Making a silhouette with a sunset couldn’t be simpler, at this point of day you'll find them everywhere! Once the sun has set the dusk or twilight colors can still glow with warmth. After the sun has disappeared carry on taking pictures using longer exposure times and you'll see the sky takes a dark blue tint which is great for atmospheric scenes.
5. Capturing The Perfect Moment.. 
There's a lesson to be learned here, a good photographer must have the discipline and self control to take the shot he wants, but also NOT to take the shot he doesn't want! Do not be rail-roaded into taking second rate shots just because factors seem to turn against you. If you cant get the shot you want because it starts to rain, take a walk, explore! Don't see the rain as a set back, see it as an opportunity to capture shots only possible when it's raining!
The last thing to consider is your equipment, which is vital when out shooting Digital Landscape Photography. You DO NOT need extremely expensive kit to take superb shots. There are however some items that are crucial to effective & safe digital Landscape photography. A Camera Bag that is both protective and sturdy is essential if you're walking over rugged areas. The last thing you want is for the strap on your $10 bag to break, and empty your camera equipment over the wet muddy ground! A tripod is a piece of equipment I would certainly recommend investing in, if you're really interested Digital Landscape Photography. As previously mentioned, it doesn't have to cost the earth! As long as it's stable & fits your camera model correctly you'll be fine. Read more on How To Choose The Correct Tripod. It really will prove invaluable in getting angles & exposures you couldn't achieve by holding the camera by yourself. Finally a lens cleaning cloth with come in handy on many occasions. Many landscape people interested in digital landscape photography find themselves taking pictures in areas of high moisture or rain where your lens may become foggy. Please don't try to wipe your lens with anything other than a specifically designed lens cleaning cloth! You could scratch the lens surface permanently! You can buy them cheaply from
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Now we've discussed the important steps to great Digital Landscape Photography, go try them for yourself! Carefully think about these techniques and how you can apply them. You'll be amazed at the digital landscape photography YOU can produce!
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Location - Plan the location for your shoot beforehand.
