5 Reasons to Use a Telephoto in your Landscape Photography

Do you haul around your heavy telephoto lens in your photography backpack but rarely take it out? I'm hanging my head in shame because my answer is, "Yes." I'm notorious for rarely taking out my telephoto, and this is something I must change. A resolution, per se, even though we're well into February. As the temperatures begin to warm and we all begin to spend a little more time outdoors exploring all the beauty nature has to offer, I'm sure you're embracing your opportunities for landscape photography. Instead of keeping that telephoto lens tucked inside your backpack, adopt the following reasons for why you should take it out and use it in your landscape images.  

1. Isolate your subject

Telephoto lenses are fantastic for isolating a subject. When zoomed in using a telephoto, you can crop out large areas of detail, which will isolate a single subject. The composition of your image is vital in such a situation, though. Think about how you can draw attention to a single subject through the use of telephoto and compose your picture with strength, drawing all attention to your single subject. 

^{ISO 800, 200mm, f7.1, 1/100SS}

2. Showcase details

Telephoto lenses are fantastic for focusing in on details. As a landscape photographer, I find I very often view a whole scene, but by doing this, I know I'm missing some spectacular details. The use of a telephoto lens forces you to observe a scene in an entirely different way. You'll undoubtedly become a stronger photographer if you can also see details within a landscape scene. Use your telephoto to help you see landscapes differently than the usual wide view.   

^{ISO 400, 70mm, f11, 1/640SS}

3. Enhance mood

When zoomed in, the mood is big and bold. I think the use of a telephoto lens is a fantastic way in which you can capture and enhance the mood and atmosphere in an image. Many extraneous details are cropped out when using a telephoto simplifying an image but enhancing what remains. When the weather is moody, use your telephoto to isolate the atmosphere within the frame. 

4. Compression 

 Compression occurs when a telephoto is used at long focal lengths. Distant objects appear closer to foreground elements. Compression is a beautiful way to enhance a scene and bring components in the distance forwards in a way that harmonizes a scene. Look for scenes that feature layers to prevent your image from appearing too flat or compressed.  

^{ISO 400, 85mm, f7.1, 1/500SS}

4. Perspective 

Telephoto lenses are fantastic for showcasing a different perspective. Popular landscape locations are photographed repetitively. The simple use of a telephoto can offer a different perspective of a heavily photographed scene. A perspective is a powerful tool in photography, and a telephoto lens can enhance a feeling of awe, power, intimacy and connection. 

^{ISO 800, 70mm, f9, 1/80SS}

5. Creativity 

Since a telephoto lens can isolate a scene and focus on details, it's easy to use this lens creatively. The use of a telephoto lens in techniques like panning will yield beautiful results. 

^{ISO 640, 95mm, f22, 1.3 sec}

There are many benefits to using a telephoto lens in landscape photography, so don't carry around that heavy lens and neglect to pull it out of your backpack! Make an effort to capture a few images with your telephoto. The effort is well worth it.