Tips And Tricks For Mountain Photography

If you get chance, head out into the countryside and photograph some mountains. Here are some top tips for shooting great photos of mountains. 

Horizon - When you're shooting mountains it's important that you get the horizon line straight. Most Nikon cameras these days will have a built in electronic level, helping you to make sure the image won't be wonky. The mountains don't have to sit in the middle of the image, however, if there is a lot of foreground interest and not much interest in the sky, angle the camera down a little to make the top of the mountains the top of the image.  

Reflections - There are often lakes at the foot of mountains and these can make for some great reflections of the mountain if they're not too choppy. Line your shot up so as to capture an interesting looking symmetrical image. Often photographers will choose not to put the horizon line in the centre of the frame, but this is one instance where it will work.

Portrait or landscape -  If you're photographing a lone mountain, consider shooting in Portrait instead of landscape, to avoid too much empty space on wither side of the peak. This format will also allow you to include a longer foreground lead up to the mountain, and this works especially well is there is a stream flowing down from the mountain. 

Different viewpoints - Photos looking up at mountains from down in the valley can look great and imposing, but there are different viewpoints available that will also make great shots. If you're able (and willing!) to go hiking up a mountain, it'll be well worth it on a clear day especially if there are other mountains close by that can be seen. 

Mountains as a backdrop - Mountains can also look great in a photo even if they're not the main focal point of the image. Photographing interest in the foreground with appropriately placed mountains in the background can really make an image sing.