Landscape photography looks simple — point the camera and press the shutter — but the difference between a postcard and a flat photo comes down to a few details: light, depth and composition.
Hunt for the light
A landscape lives on light. The golden hour in the morning and evening gives warm tones and shaping shadows, while the "blue hour" just after sunset brings calm, deep tones. See how to use the golden hour while travelling.
Build a foreground
A rock, a flower, a stream or a path in the foreground adds depth and draws the eye into the frame. Without a foreground even a spectacular view looks flat.
Keep sharpness across the depth
In a landscape you usually want everything sharp from foreground to horizon — stop the aperture down (e.g. f/8–f/11) and focus roughly one third into the frame.
Mind the horizon and keep the frame tidy
A crooked horizon ruins even the best view. Keep it level and decide deliberately how much sky and how much land to include — depending on which is more interesting.
Composition above all
The rule of thirds, leading lines and natural frames are especially powerful in landscapes — more in our guide to composition in travel photography. Gather the best views from your trip into a story in TRAMFI.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a tripod?
In good light no, but at dawn, dusk and for long exposures a tripod helps a lot to keep things sharp.
Horizontal or vertical?
Horizontal emphasises the sweep, vertical the height and foreground. It is worth shooting both and choosing later.