I have to admit that the very reason I fell in love with Hawaii and chose to live here nearly 20 years ago, is the same reason so many people flock here every year for vacation. The warm weather, the wonderful feeling of Aloha in its people, and the amazing natural beauty of the islands.
As a photographer I was of course drawn to the beauty of Hawaii, its sweeping seascapes, tropical forests and the majesty of its mountains. With 11 of the 14 climate zones known to man represented here, it is a virtual landscape cornucopia for any photographer. While I feel fortunate to be able to have such a wonderful backyard of subjects, photographing them is more complicated than you might think.
Everyone who likes to take photos has at one time or another ventured into the realm of landscape photography. Whether it was on vacation, for profit or personal growth, the spark of recording that split moment in time of your favorite scene is irresistible. If you have ever been disappointed by the results of your landscape photography, you likely began asking yourself questions. Was it the light, the exposure, the time of day? What was it that made the image just seem to lie there, rather than wow you or pop off the page? If your final image just didn't do your vision justice, maybe was your composition. In this article, we will explore some of the basic rules behind good landscape composition.
Arguably one of the premier landscape photographers of our time was Ansel Adams. Photographing in Black and White, working primarily in Yosemite National Park, and primarily with an 8x10 view camera, Ansel knew his craft, his subject and his medium intimately. The only thing left to explore was, to accurately capture the landscapes he photographed in their true splendor. Doing this meant composing scenes so that the viewer would see what he was visualizing. Every detail, every component of the scene was carefully placed, shadowed or enhanced through filtration to create the drama that we have come to know as his imagery.
So what kinds of things can you do to assist your imagery? Sometimes it's as simple as being in the right place at the right time but mostly, planning is the key. Choosing your subject, your time of day and even your season in advance can make for some of the most spectacular shots in your landscape portfolio.
A wise man once said that luck is opportunity meeting preparation. So prepare and plan your next landscape shoot.
The first step in your planning is your equipment. Depending on the shoot, travel light, but be prepared. Unlike Ansel, you probably won't be toting around an 8x10 camera but a sturdy tripod, several lenses and a couple of camera backs can be nearly as heavy. There are several great "backpack" cases for the hiker, and lightweight carbon fiber tripods offer great stability at minimal packing weight. If you are looking to enhance your photo's onsite, filters like a good polarizer, a warming filter or diffuser. Even if you are shooting digital filters will help shorten your editing time later. Finally for protection purposes you might want to pack an inexpensive rain poncho just incase.
Now that the tools have been addressed, let's talk preparation. If you plan to shoot a spot you have been scouting, choose your time of day. Find the time that best suits the scene. You may have driven by it or seen it in a travel brochure. Either way you can make it spectacular by shooting it at its optimal lighting condition. When you really think about it, proper lighting is really the single most important thing in any photograph. When considering your lighting, direction, shadows & highlights will all help define your subject.
Angle of view - The angle you take your photograph from will define your viewer's perception of the image. Try something a little different. Go high, Go Low but make sure it works for the composition and your main subject matter.
Use the rule of thirds in 3D. - Traditionally the rule of thirds are defined on your screen like a tic tac toe puzzle. We suggest improving on this by adding the elements of foreground, middle ground and background to help your viewer with the illusion of a 3D image on a 2D medium like a print.
Balance - This aspect of the image can also be a major contributing factor to the illusion of a 3D image. Balancing your image left to right as well as foreground to background will help with that 3d effect.
Positive & Negative Space - One of the strongest elements of an image is its highlights. People are drawn to them like moths to the flame. However as important as these "bright spots" are the negative or dark areas. They give balance to the highlights and because people try to avoid looking at them, it helps to frame your scene.
Remember the basics - The simplest things in life are the best. Break your image down to its raw elements, line, form, shape, color & texture and build it back up, placing those elements you wish to accentuate in the forefront and reducing those that will detract from the main subject.
It seems like a lot to cover when you are caught in the moment yourself, remember though if capture that moment accurately; you can enjoy it any time you want. Take your time, review the basics and the click the shutter. Best of luck out there - Aloha
