VIEWING A LANDSCAPE

Photographing a landscape is more difficult than what it seems as it implies interpreting of a three-dimensional panoramic view along with the subtleties into a flat image. Most often, a view might look appealing to eye but might not come very well on the film. Every time you view a scene, your eyes constantly edit the scene while inhibiting unwanted details.

In certain cases, an image can be improved beyond identification by moving a little distance. The basic viewpoint might be fine, but possibly a lower or higher viewpoint is required. It is always worth giving time to experiment with diverse viewpoints. Take as many shots as you like of the same compositions, because you might never come back to the same place or the effect of light may not be the same.

Choosing a dominant element

Any landscape is a complex mixture of forms, colors, perspective, tones and textures. If you simply take a shot of a particular view without realizing its potential, it is possible that the result achieved is depressing, thus it is essential to have a well-defined idea of how you want the different elements to be connected to each other. You should be selective for what you want to include in a picture. With the careful selection of viewpoint and focal length, one can decide on the important elements and their arrangement within the constraints of viewfinder.

Parallax error

One of the most usual reasons for not achieving the desired picture is parallax error. Many cameras, except the single reflex lens cameras give a slender distinction in framing between what you observe and the picture taken. From a distance the error might not be very noticeable, but as you go closer, the error increases.

Professional tips for viewpoint: -

1. If the light conditions are not opportune, then try to locate a different viewpoint or wait till the time light is in the just direction.
2. Foreground gets minimized when shooting from a higher viewpoint.
3. The foreground gets emphasized while taking a shot from a lower viewpoint.
4. It is important that a landscape has some main characteristic.

Above: in this bleak landscape, the only sizeable feature is an ancient group of standing stones. Here the light is shining directly onto the stones and the photograph obtained shows a lot of details and texture.

Above:  in this version, the sun was behind the stones. Here a partial silhouette with less detail makes a graphically stronger image.