More on composition - Learning to 'see' the landscape (the difference between a holiday snap and a photograph.)

We've all done it. I know I have. We are out in the field, armed with camera and tripod, searching for that killer image. And then we see it! The excitement of the moment takes hold and quick as a flash we set up our gear and go for it. But when we get home the final image rarely lives up to our expectations. Sure it's in focus, it sort of looks like the location, but there is no drama, no 'wow factor'. Why?

Chances are you will have done at least one, or all, of the following:

1. Set up your tripod less than three feet from where you were standing when you first saw your 'view'.

2. Taken your shot from head height.

3. Taken your shot in 'landscape' format.

As a result, chances also are you have ended up with nothing more than a technically competent 'record shot'. A holiday snap. Now don't get me wrong, holiday snaps are great, I have taken plenty in my time, and they are very good at their job. Being holiday snaps that is. But when I am out in the field I am a landscape photographer on a mission. I want to produce high quality work that stands apart from a mere record shot. And this takes thought, consideration and effort.

So let's pause, relax, take a few deep breaths and have a look at the first thing on our list. It is very tempting to just photograph the first view you see. After all, that was the view that attracted you in the first place so it has to be the one to take. Yes. And no. This is landscape photography, not sports or news photography. You have the luxury of a little time on your side. That may only be five or ten minutes if the sun is going down or the rain is about to move in, but that is more than enough to do a quick reconnaissance of your immediate surroundings. So have a wander, check the angles, is the image better with that tree in it or should I move a few steps forward, or to the right? Be careful doing this on a beach for obvious reasons. You don't want to work out your ideal position to then have your pristine foreground full of footprints.

Next, as ski instructors the world over have cried, 'Bend ze knees!' It's generally accepted that good landscape images have strong foreground interest. Something to lead the eye into the frame. Something to give an element of context. This is often best achieved by getting close to your foreground, being as one with your landscape if you like. I am not suggesting you need to prostrate yourself in an effort to achieve a worm's eye view. Just try comparing the view through the lens when you are stood up with the view if you go down on one knee and you'll see what I mean.

Thirdly, just because this is landscape photography doesn't mean you can only take pictures in a landscape format. Turn your camera on it's side and see how that looks. Using a 'portrait' approach can often enhance an image by compressing the scene and reinforcing the verticals. Waterfalls are probably the most obvious subjects to benefit from this treatment but it can be used on any subject matter.

So, we have just spent 10 minutes considering our options and after all that we have found that a landscape image, taken from head height, where we were stood 10 minutes ago, is still the best view. Great. So take it. Trust me, you have not wasted your time. I would suggest that the chances of this happening are slim to none, and even if it has happened I would suggest you have also come away with a handful of alternative views that are just as good but for different reasons. At the end of the day you have captured the best picture you could, given the circumstances, and you have done the location justice. That's all anyone can ask.

A word of warning though. From now on you will never be able to take a holiday snap again, and this may cause some friction when all your partner wants is a quick picture of the kids eating their ice cream, but you insist on walking round the scene, kneeling, standing and checking alternative framing options.

Hey, nobody ever said being a photographer was a pain free existence!





About the author: David Stanley is a freelance photographer concentrating on landscape and travel images. He has growing portfolios of royalty free images with Alamy and istockphoto. For more articles and reviews, along with a selection of his work available as open and limited edition prints, please visit his website at www.davidstanleyphotography.com.

(If you are reproducing this article please ensure you include the 'About the author' footer in full on each occasion. Thanks.)