The relative ease of digital cameras to generate an image can lull photographers into a state of passive capture. It is easy to walk around with your camera while reacting to external stimuli allowing the camera to control much of how the scene is recorded. This reactive approach to photography is not essentially detrimental. The results are spontaneous and occasionally beautiful, but it does rely heavily on chance. The other extreme are photographers who meticulously plan an image in advance. Having come from a background in scientific, technical and architectural photography I am often guilty of this type of overtly intentional photography.
I think most landscape photographers exist somewhere in the realm between being a reactive and an intentional photographer. We have a vision of the images we would like to create. We plan for an outing by choosing a location and time when we think conditions will be optimal. When we arrive at our destination, we study the landscape, looking for stimulus such as luminosity, color, contrast or shapes to inspire and guide where we point the camera.
Once you have our subject, once you have been inspired, what should be your next step? Do you stand in one spot, perhaps zoom the lens a little then push the shutter hoping that the camera will capture the emotion and mood of the scene as you envision it? Assuming the camera will record the scene with all the feeling you visualize quite often leads to disappointment in landscape photography. At this point you need take control of the image creating process in order to make your vision happen.
I often find that creativity happens while I am in the field. It is when I am capturing the photograph that I am in the zone and thinking ahead as to how the final image will look. By taking the time as we are photographing to not only analyze the scene, but to analyze our intent will lead to more success as a landscape photographer. The following four skills or techniques can be used to help you create more expressive photographs.
Point of View
The first and most important step is to take the time to determine the best angle. Lens choice and camera position are two factors that will have the most creative impact over the lines in the final image. When you position the camera keep in mind that you are positioning the viewer and forcing them to see the subject from the same perspective that you felt best expressed your vision.
Explore the subject from different angles. How does moving to the right or left, up or down affect how you perceive the subject. Once you have chosen your line, next you must make the decision where to place the camera along the line and which lens to use.
Dogwood blossoms seen from the side and from above.
Taken from the side the blossoms appear to be floating in front of the dark background. The diagonal composition expresses movement.
The same blossoms seen from above form a pattern that is static and grounded to the background of lichen covered granite.
This view of Mono Lake from the trail was obscured slightly by dense brush. The reflection of the offshore Tufa formations was bisected by the shoreline. By standing on a rock and hoisting the camera high over my head while composing on the LCD screen I was able to eliminate the foreground distractions as well as get separation between the shoreline and the reflections.
Crop In Camera using Aspect Ratios
Lens choice and camera position factor into the decision of what to include or exclude from the frame. Additionally, you can utilize the in-camera aspect ratio settings to further refine your composition. Using aspect ratios to crop in camera is a good way of eliminating elements that we don’t want to include in the frame. It can also help you previsualize the final image. Some scenes may look better in a panoramic format while others lend themselves to a square frame. Most digital cameras have the ability to shoot in full (either 3×2 or 4×3) aspect ratio as well as 16×9 (panoramic) and 1×1 (square). Changing the aspect ratio changes what aspect of the subject or scene is emphasized in the composition.
If you shoot in jpeg, the images are locked into the chosen aspect ratio. Most cameras (there might be an exception) retain the entire image when shooting in RAW and you will be able to change or refine the composition later if desired.
Full aspect ratio – Full aspect gives us a ratio of 3 units wide by 2 units high. This allows plenty of depth in the image and the viewers’ eyes will drift as easily up and down as from left to right.
A 16 x 9 aspect ratio is a panoramic crop. The image feels more expansive forcing the viewer to scan the image from left to right with less up and down.
Cropping to a square aspect ratio, 1:1, height and width are equal. I feel that the emphasis now is on the squall and the thunderhead looming across the top of the frame.
Black and White Mode
Using black and white mode on your camera can give you valuable feedback by removing color distractions, allowing you to focus on composition.It can also inspire you creatively, especially when struggling with the landscape, by emphasizing shadows and shapes. Viewing the image in black and white helps view compositions more critically.
Look in your camera manual if you are not sure how to change the settings to black and white or monochrome.
Keep in mind that when you shoot in the black and white mode the color data is still available in the RAW image file and can be converted back to color in processing. Photographs shot in JPEG will be black and white only.
Viewed in Black and White the textures and shapes of the shadows on the dunes becomes more distinct.
Evaluate Shutter Speed In The Field
Shutter speed can play a critical role in creating expressive photographs. Is the shutter speed fast enough to render sharp images if required? Conversely if you are shooting long exposure images to create atmosphere, is the exposure long enough to create the desired mood? Take the time to review your images and adjust the shutter speed as needed. Making multiple images at different shutter speeds gives you choices later when editing your photos.
Take a look at the four images below. Each was taken at a different shutter speed. Note the texture in the flowing water.
Conclusion
Take advantage of digital camera technology. Gone are the days when you might have to wait days before seeing the results of your photographic efforts. You are now able to fine tune the image and increase your chances of success while you are in the field.
Practicing these four essential techniques will help to make your photography more intentional and more expressive.