Great Landscape Photography

Be at One with the Land

By Mark A. Fenwick

Buyers and collectors have accepted photography as art for some time, but only if it's of significant artistic merit. Great landscape photography sells because the buyer is searching for escapism and the need to dream. As a species we have always been linked to and drawn to the landscape. Do you have a love for the countryside and an understanding of the landscape? When you're out in the great outdoors, away from the bustle, what do you see ... ... sunlight filtering through trees and dancing on the landscape? ... snow on the mountains and a gushing river in full flow? ... coastal cliffs with the shimmering sea lapping onto the shore? ... a brooding sky casting a spell over the windswept moors? ... the warm glow of the sun setting at the close of day? ... or mists and changing patterns of wind, clouds and magical light? Do you see the beauty and feel the connection? To produce a great photo landscape you need to understand the countryside and how light affects it. You need to have a passion for the land and experience an intimate connection with nature. The best way of doing this is to explore an area on foot and become part of the landscape before taking any photos. On your walk look for:

• Light (shadows and highlights)
• Shapes (round and angular)
• Colour (harmony and discord)
• Texture (rough and smooth)
• Composition (strong and weak)
• Tones (light and dark)
• Patterns (even and odd)
• Mystery ( ? and ? )

So the next time you're out with your camera looking for that open vista of rolling hills and mountains, also observe the intimate details in the landscape and maybe just photograph a small section of the bigger picture. Where do you go to find the perfect or most interesting images? Do you have a favourite place or do you simply like to travel and see what you find? The world is full of wonderful locations and the image creator is blessed with so much choice. Some of you will specialize in a particular area ... capturing the wildlife silhouetted against golden sunsets in Africa; the architecture of ancient civilisation in Egypt; the vast skies and tumbleweed of Nevada or the diverse, often moody landscape of the British Isles. Whatever gives you the most joy and satisfaction, go there and get creative! If you only have a vague idea of the landscape work you would like to do, the best idea is to just go out there and explore. Start locally. It's surprising what you'll find literally on your back door and this will give you a chance to experiment and see what locations you are drawn to. Your personality and your vision must come through in every photo you take; it's up to you to capture the essence of the landscape in front of you. If your photograph works, the person viewing your image will feel they can step into your picture and experience the emotion of being there. A great landscape photograph is a great escape.

About The Author

Mark A. Fenwick is a Fine Art Photographer. For tips and tricks of professional photography, and photography jobs and opportunities, visit PhotographyUpdate.com.