Music to Our Eyes with Tom Baskind Photography on Taking Better Landscape Photos

What's music to our eyes? Great photography. Let's talk about Landscape photos and how to take better images. While it can really take years of training, here are a few tips to get you to become a better photographer and not with a phone.

Nature and landscape photography are some of the most popular genres of photography. It captures stunning images of nature, such as mountains, forests, deserts, lakes, and oceans. Landscape photography can also include shots of cityscapes, architecture, and street scenes.

No matter what type of photos you're taking, there are a few tips to help you take better landscape photos. 

Here are some helpful tips from Thomas Baskind Photography, an online nature photography instructor, on ways to take better photographs:

• Understand the Rule of Thirds: The Rule of Thirds is a technique for composing shots that helps you create more dynamic and interesting photos. When you look through your viewfinder, imagine two horizontal lines and two vertical lines dividing the frame into nine sections. Then, place your subject or main focus along one of those lines or at one of their intersections. This will create more depth and energy in your photo.

• Pay Attention to Lighting: Natural lighting is always the best choice when shooting landscapes. Early morning and late afternoon sunlight gives you more control over the shadows and highlights in your photos. You can use reflectors, scrims, and other tools to adjust the light and bring out details in your photos.

• Include Foreground Elements: Adding an exciting foreground element can give your landscape photos an extra punch. This could be something as simple as a tree or a rock in the foreground that leads the viewer's eye into the photo.

• Play with Angles: You don't always have to shoot from eye level. Play around with different angles and perspectives to give your photos a unique look. You could even try shooting from a low angle or shooting straight down for a bird's-eye view.

The Importance of Lighting in Landscape Photography

Lighting plays a pivotal role in landscape photography. When it comes to creating stunning images of nature and landscapes, light is what will make or break the shot. 

While there is certainly some room for experimentation, having a good understanding of how to properly utilize light will help you take your landscape photography to the next level. 

For starters, pay attention to the direction and intensity of the light. This will help you decide where to position yourself when taking pictures, as well as determine how to best expose your image. 

If you are photographing in the middle of the day, for example, you may want to shoot with the sun behind you so that your subject is evenly lit. Alternatively, you can use the time just before sunset or after sunrise to get the most beautiful and dramatic lighting for your photos. 

Another important aspect of lighting in landscape photography is to be aware of shadows. Shadows can add a sense of depth and atmosphere to a shot, but they can also cause problems if they're too harsh or dark. To avoid this, use a diffuser or reflector to soften the light and balance out any harsh shadows. 

Finally, try to use a low ISO setting when shooting in dimmer lighting conditions. Doing this will help ensure that your photos don't come out too grainy or noisy. With a bit of practice and a good understanding of how light works, you'll soon be able to take amazing shots of nature and landscapes.

Learn More from Tom Baskind Landscape Photography

By following the aforementioned tips, you can take better nature and landscape photographs that stand out from the crowd!