Quick Tips for Landscape and Weather Photography

Images and Tips by Ian Plant

Landscape photography is a captivating art form. It allows us to capture the beauty of nature in its rawest form.

Yet, it’s not as simple as pointing your camera at a scenic view and pressing the shutter. It requires a deep understanding of light, composition, and weather conditions.

IAN’S WEATHER TIP:

“Mountains create their own weather. I captured this cloud blossoming over the glaciated mountains of Torres del Paine National Park in Chile.”

In this article, we’ll share landscape photography tips that will help you capture great landscape images that truly reflect the beauty of the outdoors.

From mastering the golden hour to braving inclement weather, we’ll cover a range of topics. We’ll also delve into the technical aspects, such as the histogram, essential equipment and post-processing techniques.

These landscape photography tips for beginners and advanced enthusiasts will enhance your skills for photographing storms and stormy weather.

IAN’S WEATHER TIP:

“While most photographers pack up when rain starts, I try to be in position when the rain is beginning to fade. If the sun breaks through while there is still rain in the sky, you might get lucky and catch a rainbow (or a double rainbow if you are extra lucky)! Rainbows always form opposite the sun, so put the sun at your back when looking for rainbows. I made this image in Badlands National Park right after a twenty-minute rain shower ended.”

Understanding the Golden Hour

The golden hour is a magical time for nature photography. It refers to the period shortly after sunrise or before sunset. During this time, the light is soft, warm, and directional, creating a beautiful glow on the landscape.

Mastering the golden hour can significantly enhance your landscape photos. It can add depth, texture, and a sense of drama to your images. So, plan your shoots around this time to capture the landscape in its most enchanting form. Storm photography during these hours can produce exceptionally distinctive images.

Scouting and Planning Your Location

Scouting your location beforehand is a crucial step in landscape photography. It allows you to find the best spots, understand the light, and plan your composition. Use tools like Google Maps and photography apps to research and scout locations.

Planning also involves checking the weather forecast and understanding lighting conditions to choose the best time of day to shoot. Landscape photographers know the most stunning landscape photos often require patience and multiple visits to the same location. So, plan your shoots, but also be ready to adapt to the conditions on the ground.

IAN’S WEATHER TIP:

Partly to mostly cloudy skies often yield the most amazing sunrises and sunsets. For this photo taken in Torres del Paine National Park in Chile, conditions were cloudy and rainy. The rising sun found a gap in the clouds, and for several minutes, the entire sky was bathed in the rosy color of dawn.

Composition Techniques for Impactful Weather Landscapes

Composition is the arrangement of elements in your photo. It’s what guides the viewer’s eye and tells the story of your image. Mastering composition techniques can transform your landscape photos from good to great.

Here are some key composition techniques to consider:

• Rule of Thirds
• Leading Lines
• Foreground Interest
• Balance

The Rule of Thirds: The Rule of Thirds is a basic yet powerful composition technique. Imagine your frame divided into nine equal parts by two horizontal and two vertical lines. The idea is to place the important elements of your scene along these lines or at their intersections.

This technique creates balance and interest in your photo. It’s a simple rule, but it can make a big difference in your landscape photography.

Leading Lines and Foreground Interest: Leading lines guide the viewer’s eye through the image. They can be anything from a road to a river or a line of trees. Use them to lead the viewer towards the main subject or deeper into the scene.

Foreground interest is another effective technique. By including an interesting object or pattern in the foreground, you add depth to your photo. It makes the viewer feel like they’re stepping into the scene.

The Importance of Balance: Balance in a photo creates a sense of harmony. It doesn’t always mean symmetry, but rather a pleasing arrangement of elements. For example, if you have a large mountain on one side of your frame, consider balancing it with a tree or another element on the other side.

Balance can also be achieved through color, texture, and light. Experiment with these elements to create balanced and compelling landscape photos.

IAN’S WEATHER TIP:

“Be there when the weather changes! Your best chance to capture dramatic conditions occurs when weather fronts come in and move out, such as when this storm began to clear at sunrise over Grand Teton National Park. I was lucky to get fog below the mountains, and golden sunrise color on the peaks and clouds.”

Mastering Light in Landscape Photography

Light is the key ingredient in photography. It shapes the scene, sets the mood, and brings your landscape photos to life. Understanding and mastering light can significantly improve your landscape photography.

IAN’S WEATHER TIP:

“Pay attention to space weather as well. We’re entering the solar maximum right now, which is the time during a 10-year cycle of peak solar activity, which means plenty of chances to incorporate the aurora into your landscape photos, such as with this Northern Lights show I captured over the coastal mountains of Iceland.”

Natural Light and Time of Day

The quality of natural light changes throughout the day. Early morning and late afternoon, often referred to as the golden hours, provide soft, warm light that’s ideal for landscape photography.

Midday light can be harsh and create strong shadows. However, it can also bring out vibrant colors and textures, especially in desert or snowy landscapes.

Weather Conditions and Dynamic Range

Weather conditions can greatly affect the light in your landscape photos. Overcast days provide diffused light and rich colors, while sunny days offer high contrast and strong shadows.

Dynamic range refers to the range of light in a scene, from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights. Capturing a wide dynamic range can add depth and drama to your landscape photos.

Using Filters to Enhance Your Photos

Filters can help you control and enhance the light in your landscape photos. Polarizing filters can reduce glare, enhance colors, and increase contrast. Neutral density (ND) filters can darken the scene, allowing for longer exposures to blur motion, such as flowing water or moving clouds.

While filters can be helpful, they’re not a substitute for understanding and working with natural light.

IAN’S WEATHER TIP:

“Fog occurs when moist air combines with cool air temperatures. The fog in this scene from Canaima National Park in Venezuela helps to diffuse the light and lends a mysterious quality to the landscape.”

Focus Techniques for Clarity

Focus is key to achieving sharp images. For landscape photography, a common technique is to focus a third into the scene to ensure everything from the foreground to the background is in focus.

Using a small aperture (large f-number) can also increase your depth of field, resulting in a sharper image. However, be aware of diffraction, which can reduce sharpness at very small apertures.

The Histogram and RAW Format

The histogram is a useful tool for checking your exposure. It shows the distribution of tones in your image, from shadows on the left to highlights on the right. Aim for a balanced histogram without clipping at either end.

Shooting in RAW format gives you more flexibility in post-processing. It captures more detail and allows for greater adjustments without loss of quality.

Embracing the Elements: Weather Photography Tips

Weather plays a significant role in landscape photography. It can transform a familiar scene into something extraordinary. Embracing the elements can lead to dramatic and unique photos.

IAN’S WEATHER TIP:

“Wind is an important variable for certain types of landscape scenes, particularly coastal scenes (wind creates waves crashing on the shore) and sand dunes. Wind scours sand dunes of footprints, leaving them looking pristine and photogenic. If the wind is strong enough to blow sand in the air, the effect can be magical, especially when the blowing sand is backlit during the golden hour. I made this photo during a sandstorm in Death Valley National Park. I was swabbing sand out of my ears for days after, but it was worth it!”

Capturing Storms and Dramatic Skies

Storms can create some of the most dramatic skies. Dark clouds, lightning, and rainbows can add a powerful element to your landscape photos. Timing is crucial, so be patient and ready to capture the moment. Safety is paramount. Never put yourself at risk for a photo.

Dealing with Adverse Conditions

Adverse conditions can present challenges but also opportunities. Fog, snow, and rain can add mood and interest to your photos. Protect your gear with weather-sealed covers and bags.

Also, prepare for quick changes in weather. Dress in layers and always carry protective gear.

Safety and Preparation

Safety should always be your top priority. Check the weather forecast before heading out. Be aware of potential hazards, such as lightning or slippery surfaces.

Also, let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

IAN’S WEATHER TIP:

“Dramatic storm clouds can be photogenic even during the middle of the day. I captured this moody scene in the early afternoon in Antarctica, intentionally choosing a dark exposure to enhance the drama of the weather.”

Essential Gear for Outdoor Photography

Outdoor photography requires some essential gear. This gear not only helps you capture better photos but also protects your equipment from the elements.

• Tripods and Remote Shutters: A sturdy tripod is a must for landscape photography. It provides stability, especially for long exposures. A remote shutter release can also help reduce camera shake. The goal is to capture sharp, clear images. These tools can help you achieve that.
• Lens Choices and Care: Your choice of lens and focal lengths can greatly impact your landscape photos. Wide-angle lenses are popular for capturing expansive scenes. Photographers can use telephoto lenses to isolate details. Regardless of your lens choice, always keep them clean. Dust and smudges can ruin your photos.

Post-Processing: Enhancing Your Landscape Images

Post-processing is a crucial part of landscape photography. It allows you to enhance your images and bring your creative vision to life.

• Basic Adjustments and HDR Techniques: Start with basic adjustments like exposure, contrast, and white balance. These can significantly improve your image.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) techniques can be useful for scenes with high contrast. It helps to balance the light and dark areas.

• Color Grading and Creative Edits: Color grading can set the mood of your landscape photos. It involves adjusting the colors in your image to achieve a certain look or feel.

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your edits. Experiment with different styles and techniques to create unique images.

IAN’S WEATHER TIP:

“All you need is a little bit of golden hour light to break through to transform your landscape subjects. While photographing in the fjords of the Faroe Islands, light broke through the clouds for a few seconds, which was all I needed to make this image successful. You must be ready for those fleeting moments, however, so even when conditions look gloomy, set up anyways just in case!”

Learning from the Masters and Peers

Developing your eye for landscape photography takes time and practice. It’s about learning to see the world around you in a new way.

• One of the best ways to improve is to learn from the masters. Study their work and try to understand what makes their photos stand out.
• Follow professional landscape like Ian Plant on Instagram and Facebook.
• You can find inspiration in books, online galleries, and social media. Don’t just look at the images, analyze them.
• Engage with the photography community. Join local clubs, participate in online forums, and attend workshops. You can learn a lot from other photographers.

Conclusion: The Journey of Landscape Photography

Landscape photography is a journey, not a destination. It’s about exploring the world, capturing its beauty, and constantly learning and improving.

The best landscape photo is the one that makes you feel something. So, keep shooting, keep experimenting, and most importantly, enjoy the process.