Landscape Photography Basics For Beginners: A Practical Guide

Landscape photography is an amazing way to capture the beauty around you. 

If you’re new to landscape photography and finding your images don’t quite match the beauty you see, you’re not alone. 

The good news is, by focusing on learning landscape photography basics, you can start taking photos that capture the beauty you see.

But let’s be honest – it can feel overwhelming at first. There’s so much information out there, it’s hard to know where to start.

That’s why I’ve created this guide. It covers the key basics you need to know.

We’ll look at understanding exposure, getting to know your gear, basic camera settings and working with natural light. 

You’ll also learn composition basics, get an intro to post-processing, and pick up some practical tips for your next landscape shoot.

It’s tempting to try and learn everything at once. But that often leads to confusion and missing the basic foundations. 

My goal is to set you on the right path, giving you the knowledge to capture the world through your lens with confidence, and most importantly, without the overwhelm.

Let’s begin our journey into the basics of landscape photography and start creating images you’ll be proud of.

Understanding The Basics: Exposure, Camera Modes, And Settings

We simply must start learning the basics of landscape photography by getting to know the essential elements that make up a great landscape photo. 

In this section, we’ll explore how your camera captures light, the different modes you can use, and the key settings that’ll help you create stunning images.

Demystifying The Exposure Triangle: Aperture, Shutter Speed, And ISO

The exposure triangle is the foundation of photography, and it’s simpler than it sounds. It’s all about how we capture light to create our images.

Aperture: Think of aperture as the pupil of your camera’s eye. It controls how much light enters the camera and affects the depth of field (how much of your image is in focus).

• Wide aperture (small f-number like f/2.8): Lets in more light and blurs the background. Great for isolating subjects in a landscape.
• Narrow aperture (large f-number like f/16): Less light enters, but more of the scene stays in focus. Perfect for those sweeping vistas where you want everything sharp.

For landscapes, I often start with f/8 or f/11. This usually gives a good balance between sharpness and depth of field.

Shutter Speed: This is how long your camera’s sensor is exposed to light. It’s measured in fractions of a second (like 1/250) or in seconds for longer exposures.

• Fast shutter speed (e.g., 1/1000): Freezes motion. Useful for capturing crashing waves or wildlife in your landscapes.
• Slow shutter speed (e.g., 1/30 or slower): Creates motion blur. Perfect for those silky waterfall shots or streaky cloud effects.

For general landscape shots, I usually start around 1/60 if I’m hand-holding my camera. If I’m using a tripod, I will go much slower to capture movement or in low light conditions.

ISO: ISO adjusts your camera’s sensitivity to light. It’s a bit like turning up the volume on your TV – it makes everything brighter, but you might get some ‘noise’.

• Low ISO (100-400): Produces clean, crisp images. Ideal for bright, sunny days.
• High ISO (800+): Helps in low light but can introduce graininess. Useful for sunrise/sunset shots or in shadowy areas.

For landscapes, I try to keep my ISO as low as possible, usually 100 or 200, to get the cleanest image. But don’t be afraid to bump it up if you need to – a slightly grainy photo is better than a blurry one!

For the best guide on camera settings, head over here: Best Landscape Photography Camera Settings: Beginner Guide.

Camera Modes: When To Use Auto, Semi-Auto, And Manual

Your camera comes with different modes, each suited to different situations. Let’s break them down:

Auto Mode:

• The camera does all the work. Great when you’re just starting out or in tricky lighting situations.
• Pro: Easy to use. Con: Limited control over your image.

Aperture Priority (A or Av):

• You set the aperture, and the camera adjusts the shutter speed.
• Perfect for landscapes where you want to control depth of field.
• I use this mode most often for landscapes. It gives me control over how much of the scene is in focus.

Shutter Priority (S or Tv):

• You set the shutter speed, and the camera adjusts the aperture.
• Useful when you want to control motion in your image, like blurring a waterfall or freezing waves.

Manual Mode (M):

• You control everything. It’s the most flexible but does require a bit of a learning curve.
• Don’t feel pressured to use this right away. It’s a great goal to work towards as you get more comfortable with your camera.

There’s absolutely no shame in using auto or semi-auto modes while you’re learning. That’s why they exist after all. 

The best mode is the one that helps you capture the image you want!

Key Camera Settings For Landscape Photography

While every scene is different, here are some general settings to get you started:

Aperture:

• Usually between f/8 and f/11 for a good balance of sharpness and depth of field.
• Go wider (smaller f-number) to blur backgrounds or narrower (larger f-number) for maximum depth of field.

ISO:

• Keep it low (100-400) for the cleanest image possible.
• Increase if needed in low light, but be aware of increased noise.

White Balance: Auto works well in most situations.

Try Cloudy or Shade to warm up your images, especially during golden hour.

Focus Mode: Single-shot autofocus for stationary landscapes.

Metering Mode: Matrix/Evaluative for most scenes.

Image Quality: Shoot in RAW if your camera allows. It gives you more flexibility when editing.

Simple Techniques For Achieving Sharp Images

Nothing’s more frustrating than a blurry landscape photo. Here are my top tips for tack-sharp images:

1. Use a tripod: This is the number one way to get sharper photos, especially in low light or when using slower shutter speeds.
2. Enable your camera’s self-timer or use a remote shutter release: This prevents camera shake from pressing the shutter button.
3. Focus about one-third into the scene: This maximises depth of field in most situations.
4. Use your lens’s sweet spot: Usually between f/8 and f/11.
5. Check your shutter speed: If hand-holding, try to keep your shutter speed at least 1/focal length of your lens. So for a 50mm lens, aim for at least 1/50 second.
6. Use image stabilisation: If your lens or camera body has it, turn it on when hand-holding, off when using a tripod.
7. Be mindful of your aperture: Very small apertures (like f/22) can actually reduce sharpness due to diffraction.
8. Clean your lens: A dirty lens can reduce contrast and sharpness.

Remember, these are starting points, not hard rules. 

The joy of photography comes from experimenting and finding what works best for you. 

Don’t be afraid to play around with these settings – that’s how we learn and grow as photographers.

By understanding these basics, you’re well on your way to capturing beautiful landscape images.

In the next section, we’ll look at the essential gear that can help you on your photography journey.

Essential Gear To Get You Started

When I first started in landscape photography, I thought I needed every gadget under the sun. 

But the truth is, you don’t need a lot to get started. Let’s look at the essential gear that’ll help you capture beautiful landscapes without breaking the bank or weighing you down.

Choosing A Camera: What Features Matter For Landscapes?

The good news is, you don’t need the fanciest camera on the market to take stunning landscape photos. 

Here’s what to look for:

1. Sensor size: Larger sensors generally perform better in low light and offer better image quality. Full-frame cameras are great, but crop sensor cameras (APS-C) can be excellent for landscapes too.
2. Resolution: Higher megapixel counts allow for larger prints and more cropping flexibility. Aim for at least 16MP, but don’t stress if you have less.
3. Weather sealing: Landscapes often mean unpredictable weather. A weather-sealed camera can give you peace of mind.
4. Dynamic range: This helps capture details in both bright and dark areas of your scene. Many modern cameras excel at this.
5. User-friendly interface: Look for a camera with intuitive menus and controls that feel comfortable in your hands.

Don’t let gear limitations hold you back from getting out there and shooting!

The Importance Of A Stable Tripod

I can’t stress enough how crucial a good tripod is for landscape photography. Here’s why:

1. Sharpness: It eliminates camera shake, especially in low light or when using slow shutter speeds.
2. Composition: It allows you to carefully frame your shot and make small adjustments.
3. Long exposures: Essential for those silky water or streaky cloud effects.

When choosing a tripod, consider:

• Weight capacity: Should comfortably support your heaviest camera and lens combination.
• Material: Carbon fibre is lightweight but pricey. Aluminium is more affordable and still does the job well.
• Height: Make sure it can reach your eye level without extending the centre column.
• Portability: If you plan on hiking, a lighter, more compact tripod might be worth the investment.

A good, stable tripod is an investment that will serve you well for years to come.

Lenses: Which Ones Do You Need To Get Started?

Lenses can be a rabbit hole, but for beginners, I recommend starting with these:

1. Wide-angle lens (e.g., 16-35mm): Perfect for those sweeping vistas and dramatic foregrounds. It’s the classic landscape lens.
2. Standard zoom lens (e.g., 24-70mm): Versatile for a variety of landscape compositions. Often comes as a kit lens with many cameras.
3. Telephoto lens (e.g., 70-200mm or my favourite 100-400mm): Great for isolating distant elements in the landscape or capturing wildlife.

If you’re just starting out, a good quality standard zoom lens can cover most situations. As you develop your style, you can add more specialised lenses to your kit.

Helpful Accessories That Shouldn’t Break The Bank

These affordable extras can make a big difference:

1. Lens filters: Ok, good quality filters aren’t cheap but they really are game changers, especially when it comes to long exposures.
   • Circular polariser: Reduces glare and enhances colours, especially useful for water and skies.
   • Neutral density filters: Allow for longer exposures, great for creating motion blur in water or clouds.
2. Camera bag: Protects your gear and makes it easy to carry. Look for one that’s comfortable and fits your needs.
3. Lens cleaning kit: Keeping your lenses clean is crucial for sharp images.
4. Extra batteries and memory cards: Nothing worse than running out of power or storage space on location!
5. Rain cover: A simple plastic cover can protect your gear in unexpected weather.

Remember, you don’t need to buy everything at once. Start with the basics and add pieces as you grow and discover what you enjoy shooting most.

The most important thing to remember is that gear is just a tool. 

The real magic happens when you combine your unique vision with the beauty of the landscape. 

Don’t let a lack of fancy equipment stop you from getting out there and capturing the world around you. In the next section, we’ll look at how to compose your shots to create compelling landscape images.

Never forget that all the great photos in history were made with more primitive equipment than you currently own.

~ Brooks Jensen

Composition: Framing Your Landscape

When I first started in landscape photography, I thought great photos were all about finding the perfect location. 

But I quickly learned that how you frame your shot is just as important as where you take it. 

Here are the most simple composition techniques that’ll help you create more compelling landscape images from the start.

The Rule Of Thirds: An Easy Way To Add Interest To Your Photos

The rule of thirds is a brilliant starting point for composing your landscapes. Here’s how it works:

1. Imagine your frame divided into a 3×3 grid (many cameras can display this grid for you).
2. Place key elements of your scene along these lines or at their intersections.
3. For landscapes, try placing the horizon on the upper or lower third line, rather than slap-bang in the middle.

For example, if you’re shooting a beach scene, you might place the horizon on the upper third, filling the lower two-thirds with interesting foreground elements like rocks or patterns in the sand.

Remember, this ‘rule’ is more of a guideline. Once you’re comfortable with it, don’t be afraid to break it for creative effect!

Using Leading Lines To Draw People In

Our eyes naturally follow lines within an image. Use this to your advantage to draw viewers into your photo and guide them to the main subject. Look for:

1. Leading lines: Roads, paths, rivers, or fences that lead the eye into the scene.
2. Diagonal lines: These create a sense of dynamics and movement.
3. Curved lines: S-curves (like winding roads or rivers) can add a graceful flow to your image.
4. Converging lines: These can create a strong sense of depth and perspective.

When you’re out shooting, take a moment to look for these natural lines in the landscape. 

They might not always be obvious at first glance, but once you start seeing them, you’ll find they’re everywhere!

Adding Depth With Foreground Interest

One of the challenges in landscape photography is translating a three-dimensional scene onto a two-dimensional image. 

Adding interesting foreground elements is a great way to create a sense of depth. Try these tips:

1. Get low: Sometimes kneeling or even lying down can help you incorporate interesting foreground elements.
2. Look for texture: Rocks, flowers, or patterns in the sand can make great foreground subjects.
3. Use a wide-angle lens: This allows you to include more foreground while still capturing the broader scene.
4. Create layers: Try to have distinct foreground, middle-ground, and background elements in your shot.

Remember, the foreground doesn’t need to be the star of the show. Even subtle elements can add depth and draw the viewer into your image.

Putting it all together

Remember, these composition techniques are tools, not rules. As you practise, you’ll develop an intuitive sense of what works. Don’t be afraid to experiment – sometimes the most striking images come from breaking the ‘rules’!

Here’s a little exercise I love: Next time you’re out shooting, try capturing the same scene in three different ways. Use the rule of thirds for one, focus on leading lines for another, and prioritise an interesting foreground for the third.
You might be surprised at how different the same landscape can look!

Composition is where the art of photography really shines. It’s your chance to show the world not just what you saw, but how you saw it. In our next section, we’ll explore how to work with natural light to bring your compositions to life.

Working With Natural Light

Light is the essence of photography, and in landscape photography, natural light is our paintbrush. Learning to work with light can transform your images from ordinary to extraordinary. Let’s explore how to make the most of nature’s spotlight.

Golden Hour: Making The Most Of Nature’s Spotlight

The ‘golden hour’ – that magical time just after sunrise and before sunset – is a landscape photographer’s best friend. Here’s why it’s so special:

1. Warm, golden tones: The low angle of the sun bathes everything in a beautiful, warm light.
2. Soft shadows: The light is less harsh, creating gentle shadows that add depth without being overpowering.
3. Enhanced colours: The warm light can make colours appear more vibrant and rich.

To make the most of golden hour:

• Plan ahead: Check sunrise and sunset times for your location.
• Arrive early: Give yourself time to set up and compose your shots.
• Stay late: The light can change rapidly, offering different moods in a short time.
• Experiment with backlighting: Try shooting towards the sun for dramatic silhouettes or sun stars.

Adapting To Different Weather Conditions

Don’t let less-than-perfect weather keep you indoors. Different conditions can create unique and dramatic images:

Overcast days:

• Perfect for waterfalls: The soft, diffused light reduces harsh contrasts.
• Great for long exposures: You can use slower shutter speeds without overexposing.
• Enhances colours: Overcast light can make colours appear more saturated.

Stormy weather:

• Dramatic skies: Stormy clouds can add mood and drama to your landscapes.
• Changing light: Gaps in the clouds can create stunning light beams.
• Rainbows: Keep an eye out for these natural wonders after rain.

Foggy conditions:

• Creates mystery: Fog can add an ethereal quality to your images.
• Simplifies compositions: It naturally obscures distracting elements.
• Enhances depth: Layers of fog can create a strong sense of distance.

As you practise working with natural light, you’ll start to see the world differently. 

You’ll notice how light shapes the landscape, creates mood, and transforms ordinary scenes into extraordinary images. In our next section, we’ll take a look at how a little post-processing can enhance the natural beauty you’ve captured.

Introduction To Post-Processing

When I first started in photography, I thought the job was done once I pressed the shutter. But I soon discovered that a little post-processing can really bring out the best in your images. Don’t worry – we’re not talking about creating fantasy worlds here. Instead, we’ll look at how to enhance the natural beauty you’ve captured in-camera.

Why A Little Editing Can Make A Big Difference

Post-processing isn’t about drastically changing your image. It’s about refining what you’ve captured to better reflect what you saw and felt when you took the photo. Here’s why it matters:

1. Cameras have limitations: They can’t always capture the full range of light and colour that our eyes can see.
2. Enhances mood: Subtle adjustments can help convey the atmosphere of the scene.
3. Corrects minor issues: It allows you to fix things like slightly crooked horizons or dust spots.
4. Brings out details: You can reveal details in shadows or highlights that might be hard to see in the original image.

Remember, the goal is to enhance, not to completely alter. We want our images to look natural and true to the scene we experienced.

Basic Adjustments To Enhance Your Landscape Photos

Let’s look at some simple adjustments that can make a big difference:

1. Exposure: Brightening or darkening the overall image.
2. Contrast: Increasing the difference between light and dark areas.
3. Highlights and Shadows: Recovering detail in very bright or dark areas.
4. White Balance: Adjusting the overall colour temperature of the image.
5. Saturation and Vibrance: Enhancing colours (use sparingly for a natural look).
6. Sharpening: Bringing out fine details.
7. Noise Reduction: Smoothing out graininess in low-light images.
8. Cropping: Refining your composition after the fact.

Start with small adjustments. It’s easy to go overboard, especially when you’re just starting out. If you’re unsure, step away from your computer and come back with fresh eyes.

User-Friendly Editing Software For Beginners

You don’t need expensive software to get started with editing. Here are some beginner-friendly options:

1. Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop: Powerful and popular, with a bit of a learning curve.
2. Your Camera Brand: Most reputable camera brands come with their own editing software that can be a great place to start.
3. Luminar: Offers AI-powered tools that can be great for beginners.

Most of these offer free trials, so you can experiment to see which one feels most intuitive to you.

The art of subtle enhancement: Avoiding over-editing

It’s easy to get carried away when editing, but remember – less is often more. Here are some tips to keep your edits natural:

1. Use the ‘before and after’ view: Regularly compare your edited version to the original.
2. Take breaks: It’s easy to lose perspective when staring at an image for too long.
3. Dial it back: If you think an adjustment looks good, try reducing it by 20-30%.
4. Check different screens: Your image might look different on various devices.

A Simple Editing Workflow For Beginners

Here’s a basic workflow to get you started:

1. Import your image into your chosen software.
2. Adjust the overall exposure if needed.
3. Tweak the white balance to ensure natural-looking colours.
4. Adjust highlights and shadows to reveal details.
5. Fine-tune contrast and clarity for a bit more punch.
6. Make subtle colour adjustments if necessary.
7. Apply gentle sharpening.
8. Crop if needed to refine composition.

Remember, every image is different and might need different adjustments. Trust your eye and what looks good to you.

Post-processing is a skill that develops over time, just like composition or camera technique. 

Don’t be discouraged if your first attempts don’t look exactly as you imagined. With practice, you’ll develop your own style and workflow.

In our final section, we’ll look at some practical tips for your first landscape photography outing, bringing together everything we’ve learned so far.

Practical Tips For Your Next Landscape Shoot

You’ve learned about camera settings, composition, and working with light. 

Now it’s time to put it all into practice! Here are some practical tips to help you make the most of it.

Choosing An Accessible Location 

Start Close To Home And Keep It Simple:

1. Local parks or gardens: These often offer a variety of landscapes in a manageable area.
2. Nearby lakes or beaches: Water can add a beautiful element to your compositions.
3. Urban landscapes: Don’t overlook cityscapes – they can be just as rewarding as natural scenes.
4. Your own backyard: Sometimes the best practice ground is right outside your door.

Choose a location that’s easy to get to and allows you to focus on photography without worrying about difficult terrain or long walks. 

Planning Your Shoot: Timing And Weather Considerations

A little planning can go a long way:

1. Check the weather forecast: Different conditions can create different moods in your images.
2. Research sunrise and sunset times: Remember, the golden hours just after sunrise and before sunset often offer the best light.
3. Use apps like PhotoPills or The Photographer’s Ephemeris: These can help you plan for the position of the sun or moon.
4. Scout your location in advance if possible: This allows you to plan compositions before the best light arrives.
5. Arrive early: Give yourself plenty of time to set up and get comfortable with your surroundings.

Remember, sometimes unexpected conditions can lead to the most interesting photos. 

Be prepared, but also be open to what nature offers on the day.

Packing Checklist For Your Outing:

Here’s a quick checklist to help you prepare:

• Camera and lenses
• Charged batteries (plus spares)
• Empty memory cards
• Tripod
• Filters (if you have them)
• Lens cleaning kit
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Water and snacks
• Mobile phone (for emergencies and helpful apps)
• A positive attitude!

After Your Shoot:

1. Review your images: Look at what worked well and what you might do differently next time.
2. Don’t be discouraged if not every shot is perfect: Even professional photographers take many photos to get one they’re happy with.
3. Share your experiences: Consider joining a local photography group or online community to share your journey and learn from others.

Remember, every outing is an opportunity to learn and improve. 

The most important thing is to enjoy the process of connecting with nature and expressing your unique vision through photography.

As you continue your landscape photography journey, you’ll develop your own style and preferences. 

The joy of landscape photography comes not just from the images you create, but from the experiences you have along the way.

Conclusion

This article was all about landscape photography basics, focusing on a joyful, stress-free approach for beginners.

We’ve covered essential camera settings, composition techniques, working with natural light, and simple post-processing tips.

Remember, landscape photography is about capturing the beauty you see in a way that’s meaningful to you. 

Don’t worry about perfection – focus on enjoying the process and connecting with nature through your lens.

Each time you practise, you’ll grow more comfortable with your camera and develop your unique photographic eye. Start with familiar locations, experiment with the techniques we’ve discussed, and most importantly, have fun.

Your journey in landscape photography is just beginning. Grab your camera, step outside, and start exploring the world around you. 

That’s it for now – Happy photographing!

Other Helpful Articles:

• Top Composition Techniques for Better Landscape Photos 
• Best Landscape Photography Camera Settings: Beginner Guide 
• Landscape Photo Editing: Beginner Guide For Better Images 
• The Exposure Triangle: Complete Guide For Beginners
• Rule of Thirds: How To Use For Better Landscape Photos
• Sharp Landscape Photos: Everything You Need To Know
• Planning Landscape Photography: 5 Tips For A Successful Shoot
• Waterfall Photography Tips For New Photographers
• Neutral Density Filters: How To Use For Better Photos
• How To Use Leading Lines For Powerful Landscape Photos
• 15 Of The Best Apps For Landscape Photography
• How To Master Sunrise Photography: Best Settings And Tips
• Landscape Photography Gear: What You Need To Get Started
• Frame Within A Frame: Easy Ways To Improve Your Composition 

Ready to take your landscape photography further? Don’t forget to grab your free Landscape Photography Toolkit. It’s packed with practical tips and checklists to help you capture beautiful scenes with more confidence.