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Quite a question that, isn't it?
I love looking at landscape shots, you know, the ones with a lot of atmosphere that are really just a field, a sky and probably a tree. do you know the ones I mean?
I know I need filters (or be a dab hand in ps and I'm definately not). And a tripod. And probably more time than I have. But what do I need to look for? What filters would be good to use (at this time of year) and roughly how long do you take over getting the perfect shot?
And does anyone know anywhere in Northants or surrounding counties that is perfect for a beginner like me to have a crack?
Quote: I know I need filters (or be a dab hand in ps and I'm definately not). And a tripod. And probably more time than I have. But what do I need to look for? What filters would be good to use (at this time of year) and roughly how long do you take over getting the perfect shot?
I would say a nice set of neutral density grads would be your best bet. No need to go wild with filters, but ND grads are a big help in avoiding blown highlights and/or blocked-in shadows.
How long? I wouldn't claim to have taken the perfect shot (I keep trying though!), but it varies widely. Sometimes I can tinker around for ages and be disappointed with the end result, or grab a shot quickly before the light changes and be delighted. That uncertainty is part of the enjoyment for me. 
Doug
I would like to point out that you can still take great landscape photos without ANY of the things you have mentioned.
Of course they give you options you wouldnt otherwise have but I often go out with just a camera, one lens and no filters. It forces you to get the best out of the kit you have with you and helps you 'spot' shots.
Dan
Wow Kate - that's an enormous question that could take an age to answer.
The way I went about leaning was to study the images that I liked and asked myself what it was about that particular image that made it stand out for me. After all, what works for me may not work for someone else.
Once I know why I like something, so I can ask the more detailed questions about what lens was used, how important were filters or PS work etc.
The question about how long it takes is also very variable. Sometimes you just find yourself in the right place at the right time and you get the shot in a couple of minutes - other times you plan the shot days or weeks in advance, spend half a day getting to the location then wait for the perfect combination of light and clouds, then spend an age tweaking the result in PS.
Some very general guidelines - wider lenses are usually favoured, tripods are almost a must, having the right light rules.
Good luck
John
This was taken with no filters and no tripod ..
click here
EDIT - Just realised it was taken using a tripod lol
Quote: ut the shots I've taken with the camera 'nude' (the camera that is, not me)
There's your porblem ... its you that should be nude not the camera. Don't get me wrong it can be scary sometimes (especially for other people in my case) but it helps you become at one with the landscape ...
As Marco Pierre White would say .. mother nature is the true artist ... 
or as my mates would say "Culturedcanvas is the true p**s artist" ..
So, I've got access to a 10-20mm lens and have the usual kit lens too. I've just bought a 28-135mm lens but I am guessing the wide angle is the way to go with these things.
The pictures that really do it for me are the ones with dramatic skies. I've got a ND grad, so will use that and pray that I get teh right conditions when I go out.
I do have a feeling that my lack of ps know how is letting me down here. I've read lots of digital magazines and can see the improvements (and even understand the step by step instructions!!) but can't seem to apply them correctly to my own images. Perhaps that is all about practice and training the eye too?
Quote: Quote:ut the shots I've taken with the camera 'nude' (the camera that is, not me) There's your porblem ... its you that should be nude not the camera. Don't get me wrong it can be scary sometimes (especially for other people in my case) but it helps you become at one with the landscape ...
As Marco Pierre White would say .. mother nature is the true artist ...
or as my mates would say "Culturedcanvas is the true p**s artist" ..
pmsl
The use of light is also important. Early morning or late evening light gives a warm look to landscapes, also adding depth and atmosphere to the image. ND grads and maybe a polariser are all the filters you should need, a tripod is essential for any landsape work.
Depends what you want from a landscape - if it's just a pictorial composition then you impose the current taste's template on any scene you approach and you'll succeed; if you want to record something of the place, it's nature or history then interposing that template will make it practically impossible.
Ceri
Hi Kate,
I have never been to Northants so I do not know that many locations but try and get the best out of that location. I am based in Norfolk which is an area I love, for many years I hated it and never took any photographs in Norfolk, I just tried to go to the same locations other people were doing across the country for my main photography.
What I now love about Norfolk is that the landscape is so unique, there is no other area like the broads in the whole country. If you visit parts of the Norfolk broads there is so much to photograph and so many of the areas are wild and not really visited very often and the windmills really add a good focal point and a subject to picture. The Windmills also tell a story about the landscape, it only looks the way it does today because a few hundred years ago man decided to drain the marshland by using the mills.
I really tried to build a good knowledge of the landscape around me and I am sure you will over time, find some good areas where you live and make the most of them.
Take a look at these portfolios
http://www.ephotozine.com/u37494 http://www.ephotozine.com/u26726 http://www.ephotozine.com/u14833/gallery
The above photographers are all based in East Anglia around Suffolk and Essex so they are not too far away from you and whilst you would not say these areas are not high up on a photographers list they all manage to get excellent shots from their local area.
I would say all you probably need to get a good start is a tripod and a filter holder and a 1 stop, 2 stop and 3 stop ND grad. You could add a polariser later but its not essential.
I know very little concerning Photoshop and only really do the basic levels/ curves adjustment a little bit of saturation some times and sharpening. To be honest you will be a much better photographer if you can get it right in the camera. I am always pushed for time as it is and when taking lots of shots I need to get them to clients quickly, if I had to spend ages on each picture there would not be enough time in the day for me especially when the weather can be so unreliable.
Just take your time with each shot, the best tools for any image is your own eye and light, lots of people can expose a scene correctly especially with modern cameras but what makes a good image is the subject and composition.
Look at light study it and learn how to make the most of it and over time you will realise the importance of light in landscape photographs and once you learn this your picture will dramatically improve.
Chris
I'm going to go against the flow here and say that any type of light is good - provided that you know how to use it to your advantage.
On a dull day, go and shoot in the woods or shoot small details. You don't have to shoot moody, low-light sunsets like pretty much everyone else...
As John Frid says, the best way to learn is to study the shots of others. Also, it's worth studying great painters, too. After all, the 'rules' were laid down by the masters of the renaissance so there's much to be learnt here. Work out how others use composition and light and then go out and try and take similar pictures. Once you can do that, then you'll be ready for the tough part - forging your own style.
What makes a good landscape? Composition and lighting that shows your subject to its best advantage. Get that part right and then start thinking about equipment.
Quote: I do have a feeling that my lack of ps know how is letting me down here. I've read lots of digital magazines and can see the improvements (and even understand the step by step instructions!!) but can't seem to apply them correctly to my own images. Perhaps that is all about practice and training the eye too?
Dont worry about these sort of things, if you read a lot of the magazines you will relise in the future how crap a lot of these images look, many are way over saturate and few make use of light.
If you really can get the light correct its amazing at how only a few tiny adjustments are required in PS.
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