Here's a round up of some of the ePz photographers who shoot good landscapes, and how they take their stunning shots.
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Our site has some great landscape photography talent. Here are just six of the top photographers who shoot landscapes on ePHOTOzine. They will each explain a bit about their photography and what inspires them.
How did you get into landscape photography?
I got into Landscape photography because my partner at the time got a DSLR camera and started going out and about at sunset time, after a while I loved what she was doing, and eventually I got bitten by the bug.
Talk us through how you set up a shot and what techniques you use to capture them.
When I set up a shot, I find the composition that I want, and with the camera on my tripod, set it to full manual settings. I generally decide what filters to use and set the ISO to 100. I then decide what f stop to use to suit the scene, meter for the light and set the exposure time. I take the image using a remote switch to minimise shake. Most of the time I use a cheap single Cokin P121S graduated filter because I find I get the best results from it and less colour cast. I like to include bold foregrounds and try to make them as interesting as possible.
What draws you to sunset and sunrise photography?
The colours of the sky at sunset draw me to take the majority of my images at that time of day. The way the clouds colour up can make such a difference to a landscape or seascape image, changing it from a very ordinary image to a dramatic colourful image. I do however, prefer sunrise photography as there are less people around and it all contributes to the experience of being out at that time of day, being with nature and getting the images that you want in beautiful surroundings. Also, the challenge of getting the image that you want, in that small window of time when the colours are at their most vivid, makes it very rewarding when it all comes together.
How did you get into landscape photography?
I have always had a love for the countryside and the coast and mixed with a passion for taking photos it's natural that I wanted to be a landscape photographer. I love being at a location at the golden hours and capturing a scene that only a few might be witnessing. I have had a film SLR but never really used it properly. It was the advent of digital and the ability to see your images instantly and process them in Photoshop that really appealed to me.
Talk us through how you set up and take a shot?
I may visit a location on numerous occasions to get the light I want. I have been to wonderful places and never even took one shot but on other days I might spend hours shooting because the light is so good. I pick a composition I'm happy with and as always use a tripod with a shutter release cable. I have various types of filters like ND Grads that help with balancing exposures. Circular Polarizers also help for cutting down reflections and ND filters for long exposures. These will all be used depending on the type of image I'm after. Most of my images will be wide angle landscapes so I use my 17-40mm L lens for the majority of my pictures usually shooting around f/16 so I have sharp images from back to front. There are times when I will stay in the same spot and other times I might look for better compositions depending on what the light is doing.
What draws you to images involving water?
The coast, lakes, waterfalls and rivers all appeal to me as they are always changing. You never get the same image twice. I especially love the coastal areas in Co Antrim & Donegal. I've always felt a draw towards the sea, maybe because I regularly visited the Donegal coast as a child. You can get some great atmospheric effects with filters like the LEE Big stopper smoothing out the water and creating wonderful cloud movement, but I equally love capturing a big crashing wave smashing off rocks. Couple that with a setting sun, some lovely low light and colour painting the scene and I'm a happy man.
How did you get into landscape photography?
I started off in landscape photography many years ago like most people my age with a small point & shoot film camera but never really took it any further than the odd camping trip or days out in the Lake District or Wales. Then in 2006 while off work due to illness I invested in a 400D & kit lens set-up which took me to the digital level from film, plus I had a bit of time to get out and about.
I started off mainly on the local beaches at Crosby & New Brighton and even though I could see I was improving my photography I had a few issues that I thought needed work. I've always been a huge fan of Mari Owen and her amazing Welsh landscape photography so decided to book a tutorial course with her down in the Brecon Becons and it was Mari who helped me overcome some off my starting hiccups like focus and camera settings. Since then I've had the privilege to meet many outstanding landscape photographers both in the Northwest, Wales and Scotland mainly due to ePHOTOzine and find it very informative to watch how others work a landscape scene and the results they achieve.
Talk us through how you set up and take a shot.
All my images start out with the same set-up - tripod, f/16, ISO100 and WB Auto.
Once I get set-up with say a boat image it's then a case of trying to get all the eggs in one basket so to speak. For me it's foreground first in most cases so I'll be looking at the sand for lines or pattens. A nice reflection would be a bonus. Then I move on to the subject in the middle ground with maybe a bit of light hitting the boat itself then set my composition. Lastly, to the background. Then it's move around the subject till you get in the zone were you know the image is going to be good until you get the set-up you want. Then it's time to start playing with filters and settings to refine the image. I've been out with photographers who can see an image in their mind before even taking the camera out of the bag, but for me it's about getting set-up and letting the image come to me. But mostly it's about having fun and trying new stuff. You just never know what's out there until you get there. In fact, some of my best images have been taken in weather you wouldn't put the cat out in!
What draws you to landscape images?
Landscape photography to me is all about being outdoors and the colder the better. There is just no better feeling than opening up your tent early morning to a fresh frost or snow then heading off to a beach or lake setting knowing you're the only one there (or mad enough to be there). Winter is my favorite time of year and I regularly wake up to temperatures of -5 while away on camping trips but it's all made worthwhile by good company, great locations that are free from people and a good few pints in the local pub in the evenings with a real fire. What more could you ask for? Well maybe a hotwater bottle!
Bruffy
How did you get into landscape photography?
Talk us through how you set up a shot and what techniques you use to capture them.
When I set up a shot, I find the composition that I want, and with the camera on my tripod, set it to full manual settings. I generally decide what filters to use and set the ISO to 100. I then decide what f stop to use to suit the scene, meter for the light and set the exposure time. I take the image using a remote switch to minimise shake. Most of the time I use a cheap single Cokin P121S graduated filter because I find I get the best results from it and less colour cast. I like to include bold foregrounds and try to make them as interesting as possible.
What draws you to sunset and sunrise photography?
The colours of the sky at sunset draw me to take the majority of my images at that time of day. The way the clouds colour up can make such a difference to a landscape or seascape image, changing it from a very ordinary image to a dramatic colourful image. I do however, prefer sunrise photography as there are less people around and it all contributes to the experience of being out at that time of day, being with nature and getting the images that you want in beautiful surroundings. Also, the challenge of getting the image that you want, in that small window of time when the colours are at their most vivid, makes it very rewarding when it all comes together.
JohnParminter
What inspired you to get into landscape photography?
I was born and brought up in rural Cumbria and from an early age walked, climbed and ran in the Lake District hills. I spent 30 years experiencing the outdoors and around my 40th birthday decided to buy a camera to try and see if I could capture some of the memorable sights I have experienced.
Talk us through how you'd set up a shot?
The majority of my shots are pre-planned and pre-visualised. I spend a lot of time studying maps and researching subjects I want to photograph, I build up a mental picture of the image I want to capture which will incorporate all the complimentary aspects that I think will make the image appealing. I first choose the subject, invariably a mountain for the last few years, then work out what aspect or feature I want to photograph. I then determine which season, weather conditions and time of day will best suit the image I have in mind. Only when I think conditions are right and I have available time will I attempt to capture the image that I have pre-visualised. This can take a long time to materialise or may require a few attempts before I am satisfied with the results.
When I attempt a shot the success will be determined if the captured image meets or exceeds my pre-visualised expectations. I'm not usually spontaneous but will of course take advantage of a pleasing situation that presents itself whilst I am out and about in the hills.
You take a lot of mountain shots - what makes them special for you?
Mountains have been an influence on me from an early age. From the age of 10 and my first climb of Blencathra to now thinking about the next one to photograph, they are constantly on my mind. If I am not photographing them then I spend my free time running over them in competition, mountain biking or simply walking in them for pleasure. I've dedicated the last few years to photographing the best 100 Scottish mountains for a book project that I am working on and hope to soon be able to share some of the wilder and lesser known areas of Scotland with a wider audience.
I was born and brought up in rural Cumbria and from an early age walked, climbed and ran in the Lake District hills. I spent 30 years experiencing the outdoors and around my 40th birthday decided to buy a camera to try and see if I could capture some of the memorable sights I have experienced.
Talk us through how you'd set up a shot?
The majority of my shots are pre-planned and pre-visualised. I spend a lot of time studying maps and researching subjects I want to photograph, I build up a mental picture of the image I want to capture which will incorporate all the complimentary aspects that I think will make the image appealing. I first choose the subject, invariably a mountain for the last few years, then work out what aspect or feature I want to photograph. I then determine which season, weather conditions and time of day will best suit the image I have in mind. Only when I think conditions are right and I have available time will I attempt to capture the image that I have pre-visualised. This can take a long time to materialise or may require a few attempts before I am satisfied with the results.
When I attempt a shot the success will be determined if the captured image meets or exceeds my pre-visualised expectations. I'm not usually spontaneous but will of course take advantage of a pleasing situation that presents itself whilst I am out and about in the hills.
You take a lot of mountain shots - what makes them special for you?
Mountains have been an influence on me from an early age. From the age of 10 and my first climb of Blencathra to now thinking about the next one to photograph, they are constantly on my mind. If I am not photographing them then I spend my free time running over them in competition, mountain biking or simply walking in them for pleasure. I've dedicated the last few years to photographing the best 100 Scottish mountains for a book project that I am working on and hope to soon be able to share some of the wilder and lesser known areas of Scotland with a wider audience.
ade_mcfade
'Wasdale' by ade_mcfade
How did you get into landscape photography?
I'm from the countryside originally, rural Lancashire by Pendle Hill, so was always at home there. When affordable digital came along around 10 years ago, and petrol was cheap, I used to spend most weekends in the car pottering around the Dales and North York Moors, places I'd been through but never really seen. Spending time on my own meant I could stop where ever I wanted, for however long I needed. I started to work out what I enjoyed most, mainly waterfalls and rivers back then. Also, city shooting all seemed a bit daunting back then - I didn't really know what I was doing and people would be annoying, so getting away from it all in a field or on a hill was far more relaxing. We're lucky up here in Yorkshire and Lancashire, lots of variety in landscape and coast line within one hour - from rolling dales to barren limestone pavements.
Talk us through how you set up and take a shot.
Around 2006 I found a formula which produced repeatable results - using a polariser, ND grad filters, cable release, tripod and anglefinder to get low down and create images with ultra-wide angled lenses (typically 17mm on full frame). Most of the landscapes I've sold and have appeared in magazines follow the formula - and I'm sure many landscape photographers on ePHOTOzine do too. I tend to look for something in the near ground as foreground interest, preferably with some kind of lead into the shot - a line in the sand, a rocky crevice, a road marking or just a rock and stick. Water does the trick too of course. Then in the background, I'm after something as the focal point. Too often it's a tree... though in the lakes, the mountains themselves are interesting enough.
You'd shoot that at f/16, focussing 1/3 way into the shot, so you'd get everything sharp and a longish shutter to blur motion, of course, only shooting at sunset to get the magic, warm toned light.
Now, a few years on, I'm less formulaic really - I've shot many landscapes with a 500mm f/4.5 L lens, even had an EC with one! It's more about reading the conditions and choosing the right kind of shot. If it's a poor sky, then I'd use a long lens to find something interesting without the sky. I like long shadows, so look for those in photos - sometimes driving up a hill and looking down below gets you some really cool long shadows of trees.
What draws you to the photos you take?
Landscape is fun rather than work - so it tends to be done when I get spare time, or feel the urge to get out there. It's often stop-offs on the way to places these days, maybe taking a longer route and setting off earlier to call into old haunts.
I still love water, wiers always look great, though when the light gets really low, you can end up with a silhouette and white water if you're not careful... enter HDR!
What looks good to the eye often doesn't look great on camera - I've had mates take me to these really wide exposed areas, bigging them up, only to find that there's no photo there. It's got the "wow that's a huge open vista" appeal, but there's nothing really discernible to shoot.
I've often used the Drax, Eggborough and Ferrybridge power stations on the M62 for this. They're huge, the biggest in Europe, so can be seen for miles around. I think you need something to interest the eye, certainly initially anyway, then they can have a wander around the shot. So something with presence draws me, though not always the obvious tree or boulder!
I'm from the countryside originally, rural Lancashire by Pendle Hill, so was always at home there. When affordable digital came along around 10 years ago, and petrol was cheap, I used to spend most weekends in the car pottering around the Dales and North York Moors, places I'd been through but never really seen. Spending time on my own meant I could stop where ever I wanted, for however long I needed. I started to work out what I enjoyed most, mainly waterfalls and rivers back then. Also, city shooting all seemed a bit daunting back then - I didn't really know what I was doing and people would be annoying, so getting away from it all in a field or on a hill was far more relaxing. We're lucky up here in Yorkshire and Lancashire, lots of variety in landscape and coast line within one hour - from rolling dales to barren limestone pavements.
Talk us through how you set up and take a shot.
Around 2006 I found a formula which produced repeatable results - using a polariser, ND grad filters, cable release, tripod and anglefinder to get low down and create images with ultra-wide angled lenses (typically 17mm on full frame). Most of the landscapes I've sold and have appeared in magazines follow the formula - and I'm sure many landscape photographers on ePHOTOzine do too. I tend to look for something in the near ground as foreground interest, preferably with some kind of lead into the shot - a line in the sand, a rocky crevice, a road marking or just a rock and stick. Water does the trick too of course. Then in the background, I'm after something as the focal point. Too often it's a tree... though in the lakes, the mountains themselves are interesting enough.
You'd shoot that at f/16, focussing 1/3 way into the shot, so you'd get everything sharp and a longish shutter to blur motion, of course, only shooting at sunset to get the magic, warm toned light.
Now, a few years on, I'm less formulaic really - I've shot many landscapes with a 500mm f/4.5 L lens, even had an EC with one! It's more about reading the conditions and choosing the right kind of shot. If it's a poor sky, then I'd use a long lens to find something interesting without the sky. I like long shadows, so look for those in photos - sometimes driving up a hill and looking down below gets you some really cool long shadows of trees.
What draws you to the photos you take?
Landscape is fun rather than work - so it tends to be done when I get spare time, or feel the urge to get out there. It's often stop-offs on the way to places these days, maybe taking a longer route and setting off earlier to call into old haunts.
I still love water, wiers always look great, though when the light gets really low, you can end up with a silhouette and white water if you're not careful... enter HDR!
What looks good to the eye often doesn't look great on camera - I've had mates take me to these really wide exposed areas, bigging them up, only to find that there's no photo there. It's got the "wow that's a huge open vista" appeal, but there's nothing really discernible to shoot.
I've often used the Drax, Eggborough and Ferrybridge power stations on the M62 for this. They're huge, the biggest in Europe, so can be seen for miles around. I think you need something to interest the eye, certainly initially anyway, then they can have a wander around the shot. So something with presence draws me, though not always the obvious tree or boulder!
Codiac
'White Park Bay' by Codiac
How did you get into landscape photography?
I have always had a love for the countryside and the coast and mixed with a passion for taking photos it's natural that I wanted to be a landscape photographer. I love being at a location at the golden hours and capturing a scene that only a few might be witnessing. I have had a film SLR but never really used it properly. It was the advent of digital and the ability to see your images instantly and process them in Photoshop that really appealed to me.
Talk us through how you set up and take a shot?
I may visit a location on numerous occasions to get the light I want. I have been to wonderful places and never even took one shot but on other days I might spend hours shooting because the light is so good. I pick a composition I'm happy with and as always use a tripod with a shutter release cable. I have various types of filters like ND Grads that help with balancing exposures. Circular Polarizers also help for cutting down reflections and ND filters for long exposures. These will all be used depending on the type of image I'm after. Most of my images will be wide angle landscapes so I use my 17-40mm L lens for the majority of my pictures usually shooting around f/16 so I have sharp images from back to front. There are times when I will stay in the same spot and other times I might look for better compositions depending on what the light is doing.
What draws you to images involving water?
The coast, lakes, waterfalls and rivers all appeal to me as they are always changing. You never get the same image twice. I especially love the coastal areas in Co Antrim & Donegal. I've always felt a draw towards the sea, maybe because I regularly visited the Donegal coast as a child. You can get some great atmospheric effects with filters like the LEE Big stopper smoothing out the water and creating wonderful cloud movement, but I equally love capturing a big crashing wave smashing off rocks. Couple that with a setting sun, some lovely low light and colour painting the scene and I'm a happy man.
Munk
How did you get into landscape photography?
I got into landscape photography while holidaying with my family. I started off by taking still shots with my video camera which gradually took over from the videoing after I progressed on to a Fuji bridge camera. The passion for photography began during an early morning mist photo shoot in the Lake District capturing these beautiful moments and locations appealed to me. In 2006 I joined the Harlow photographic society and signed up with ePHOTOzine which gave me inspiration to improve my photography.
Talk us trough how you set up and take a shot.
My photo shoots begin with an early rise so I can arrive at my destination about thirty minutes before sunrise. Once I have found my shot, I set my camera (Canon 5D Mark II) on my tripod with a wireless release and bracket. After I've checked the composition, I capture the image.
What draws you to the photos you take?
Atmospheric lighting conditions and landscapes with minimal subjects appeal to me.
I got into landscape photography while holidaying with my family. I started off by taking still shots with my video camera which gradually took over from the videoing after I progressed on to a Fuji bridge camera. The passion for photography began during an early morning mist photo shoot in the Lake District capturing these beautiful moments and locations appealed to me. In 2006 I joined the Harlow photographic society and signed up with ePHOTOzine which gave me inspiration to improve my photography.
Talk us trough how you set up and take a shot.
My photo shoots begin with an early rise so I can arrive at my destination about thirty minutes before sunrise. Once I have found my shot, I set my camera (Canon 5D Mark II) on my tripod with a wireless release and bracket. After I've checked the composition, I capture the image.
What draws you to the photos you take?
Atmospheric lighting conditions and landscapes with minimal subjects appeal to me.
ChrisStyles
'Gypsy Dream' by ChrisStyles
How did you get into landscape photography?
I started off in landscape photography many years ago like most people my age with a small point & shoot film camera but never really took it any further than the odd camping trip or days out in the Lake District or Wales. Then in 2006 while off work due to illness I invested in a 400D & kit lens set-up which took me to the digital level from film, plus I had a bit of time to get out and about.
I started off mainly on the local beaches at Crosby & New Brighton and even though I could see I was improving my photography I had a few issues that I thought needed work. I've always been a huge fan of Mari Owen and her amazing Welsh landscape photography so decided to book a tutorial course with her down in the Brecon Becons and it was Mari who helped me overcome some off my starting hiccups like focus and camera settings. Since then I've had the privilege to meet many outstanding landscape photographers both in the Northwest, Wales and Scotland mainly due to ePHOTOzine and find it very informative to watch how others work a landscape scene and the results they achieve.
Talk us through how you set up and take a shot.
All my images start out with the same set-up - tripod, f/16, ISO100 and WB Auto.
Once I get set-up with say a boat image it's then a case of trying to get all the eggs in one basket so to speak. For me it's foreground first in most cases so I'll be looking at the sand for lines or pattens. A nice reflection would be a bonus. Then I move on to the subject in the middle ground with maybe a bit of light hitting the boat itself then set my composition. Lastly, to the background. Then it's move around the subject till you get in the zone were you know the image is going to be good until you get the set-up you want. Then it's time to start playing with filters and settings to refine the image. I've been out with photographers who can see an image in their mind before even taking the camera out of the bag, but for me it's about getting set-up and letting the image come to me. But mostly it's about having fun and trying new stuff. You just never know what's out there until you get there. In fact, some of my best images have been taken in weather you wouldn't put the cat out in!
What draws you to landscape images?
Landscape photography to me is all about being outdoors and the colder the better. There is just no better feeling than opening up your tent early morning to a fresh frost or snow then heading off to a beach or lake setting knowing you're the only one there (or mad enough to be there). Winter is my favorite time of year and I regularly wake up to temperatures of -5 while away on camping trips but it's all made worthwhile by good company, great locations that are free from people and a good few pints in the local pub in the evenings with a real fire. What more could you ask for? Well maybe a hotwater bottle!
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24 Aug 2012 12:43PM-
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24 Aug 2012 1:49PMQuote:John is top of the list i reckon
We didn't do it in any particular order. In fact, we have so many good landscape photographers there will most likely be a few more of these style articles in the future.
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24 Aug 2012 3:08PMPlease link to ePHOTOzine photographers who you feel are incredible landscape photographers (don't just include friends)
I'll start by adding a few - this is by know means all my favourites...just a few off the top of my head for starters.
Paul Morgan
Sut68
Amanda Broughton
Phil Crowder
Angela Joel
Bill Barraclough
Alun Davies
Yung Yuynh
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24 Aug 2012 11:07PMAndylea
jeanie
edrhodes
A few more for the list
Regards,
Bren
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29 Aug 2012 2:18PMI've got to agree with Paul's Morgan and Sutton and will add
Nick Walton and
Martin West
Darren.
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29 Aug 2012 8:10PMTim
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