How to Photograph a Landscape with Impact

It's no secret that I have a profound love for landscape photography. The mountains are apart of who I am today. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, I have spent many summers in the Canadian Rocky Mountains with my camera in my hand. It's no surprise that as a landscape photographer, my very favourite scenes contain images with the beloved mountain ranges I grew up in, continue to share with my children, and enjoy to this day. 

Viewing the mountains through the eyes of a landscape photographer is a powerful thing, and I've come to recognize that there are a few key ingredients to photographing a landscape with impact. I want to share these tips with you so that you can make the most of your landscape photography opportunities. It may not be mountain scenes that you most often capture, but being aware of these key ingredients will help you photograph more impactful landscape images. 

1. Light 

It's also no secret that I adore light both as a mom and landscape photographer. Light is everything and can elevate even the most simple scene into something breathtaking. As a landscape photographer, the most sought after light is usually around sunrise and sunset. The soft light as it rises or sets combined with colours and alpenglow is highly attractive. It's a great idea to be aware of sunset and sunrise times when heading out to capture landscape images and make sure you arrive early enough so that you do not miss nature's great show. 

So does that mean that prized landscape images cannot be photographed outside of sunrise and sunset hours? Absolutely not! The Canadian Rockies are known for moody atmosphere. Seasonal storms can blow in at the drop of a hat. Light before and after these exquisite storms is spectacular. Several of my favourite images were taken when a summer thunderstorm rolled through over the noon hour. Be sure to take advantage of these atmospheric opportunities when light and weather put on a show!

As a mom photographer, I sometimes dread flat, dreary and overcast daylight. As a landscape photographer, I think this type of light can be dynamic, especially when other atmospheric elements like fog are present. Don't be afraid to embrace overcast light and play up the mood in a landscape scene lit by this type of light. A little post-processing dodging and burning can infuse incredible drama into a landscape image lit by overcast light.

^{ISO 31, 24mm, f16, 1sec}

2. Scout and do location research 

Being prepared is vital as a landscape photographer. Now you always need to expect the unexpected, but it does help to do some location research and scout locations before setting up your camera. One of my very favourite apps is PhotoPills. It helps me plan and prepares me for a specific location. I also enjoy Astrospheric, which a good friend of mine recommended, as this app is fairly accurate when it comes to cloud and weather forecasts. I also suggest that you arrive early at a location and take a walk around. Survey your landscape and pay attention to specific details like how you might best compose for your subject.

^{ISO 100, 20mm, f13, 8sec}

3. Pay attention to the weather 

I adore the weather almost as much as I love light! Weather infuses such incredible life, mood and sometimes drama into landscape images. When a viewer sees an image full of impactful weather, he or she can relate in a life-like way to the scene.

Heading out in less than ideal weather can sometimes be risky. You might end up with socked in fog and nothing to see, or you might end up with a spectacular scene if that fog clears up a little. Sometimes you might witness a powerful lightning show or a stunning double rainbow. Nature likes to put on a show, and I enjoy being there to capture it. I think it's smart to pay attention to and embrace the weather. You are bound to capture a more impactful image by doing so!   

^{ISO 100, 35mm, f16, 62sec}

4. Take safe risks

I'm someone who errs on the side of caution. I like comfortable. There are, however, times that I have taken safe risks, and by doing so, I've come away with images that I've adored. Landscape photography is not easy, nor is it for the faint of heart. Landscape photographers are up against nature's power. Sometimes we hike long distances with wild animal risks. Other times we stay up way too late to watch an Aurora show into the wee hours of the morning. However, despite all these risks as long as we are prepared I think safe risks are worth the effort.   

^{ISO 6400, 14mm, f1.8, 4sec}

5. Use different focal lengths 

I need to take my own advice here with this point! I'm notorious for hauling around my very heavy 70-200mm and never taking it out of my backpack!

Using different focal lengths is a great habit. You will not only capture variety in a landscape scene but using different focal lengths will help you become a better photographer. Using different focal lengths can force you out of your comfort zone. This will help you think more dynamically about the landscape scene in front of you, and by doing this, you'll create more impactful images.

^{ISO 800, 70mm, f14, 1/500}

Remember these tips next time you're are heading out into our beautiful world to photograph your favourite landscapes. They will certainly help you in your quest to capture more impactful images. Also, remember, don't forget to enjoy the peacefulness and awe that nature has to offer.