Capturing incredible landscape photos can be a struggle.
But did you know that there are a few landscape photography secrets…
…that will have you shooting like the pros in no time?
In this article, I’m going to share with you 6 secrets for gorgeous landscape photos. You’ll come away with the ability to capture amazing shots–no matter your current skill level.
Sound good?
First light at Three Cliffs Bay, Gower, South Wales | © Verity E. Milligan Photography
Let’s dive right in.
1. Shoot During the Golden Hours for Amazing Light
If you want to capture incredible landscape photos…
…then you need incredible light.
And the best light?
It’s found during the ‘golden hours.’
The golden hours are the short period during the beginning and end of the day–when the sun is low on the horizon.
(The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset.)
The warm light during the golden hours can change an ordinary vista into something extraordinary.
Sunset at Loch Sligachan, Isle of Skye, Scotland | © Verity E. Milligan Photography
One of the first things you can do to improve your landscape photography?
Spend time shooting during these golden hours.
Try to avoid shooting in the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky and casts long, harsh shadows. Images taken during the middle of the day are difficult to capture and process.
Whereas the soft golden light of sunset/sunrise…
…will give your landscape photography an immediate boost.
2. Photograph the Sunrise and Sunset for Gorgeous Colors
Do you want to capture brilliant, colorful landscape photos?
Then shoot at sunrise and sunset.
Check the skies a few hours prior to your photoshoot. Take note of the cloud cover. If the sky is partially (but not completely) covered by clouds, that’s a good sign the sky will look incredible.
Light breaks through the mist to illuminate St Herberts Island on Derwent Water in the Lake District | © Verity E. Milligan Photography
The problem with shooting dramatic sunrises and sunsets, however…
…is that such conditions involve massive dynamic range.
That is, there’s a huge difference between the brightest parts of the sunset and the darkest parts of the foreground. And your camera will struggle to cope with it.