Types of Landscape Photography

The most common type of landscape photography uses the land and natural scenery such as mountains, waterfalls and forests. However, urban and industrial landscape photographers uses buildings and man-made features in the same ways as nature photographers use mountains and trees.

Considerations

Light is the most important element in landscape photography. Light can turn an uninteresting scene into an interesting image and vice versa, according to The Ultimate Guide to Digital Nature Photography.

Misconceptions

Sunny days are not always the best days to do landscape photography. Diffused light is best for waterfall pictures, while sunny days are better for the grand vista shots.

Geography

Landscape photography can be done anywhere, from a backyard garden to the downtown of a nearby city, to an industrial complex halfway around the world.

Function

Landscape photographs can be used for fine art and to push environmental causes.

Identification

There are three styles of landscape photography. Representational landscape photography mimics what physically exists in the field. Abstract uses elements such as color and shapes but the actual subject is often indistinguishable. Impressionistic is in the middle; it is not a documentary photograph, but hints of the scene are seen in the image.

References

• Photoshop Roadmap
• The Ultimate Guide to Digital Nature Photography; Mountain Trail Photo team; 2009
• Digital Photography Bible; Dan Simon, 2004