Page 41 - Cape-Camera-Jan-Feb-2022

Cape Camera January/February 2022

foreground interest all the way to the background. in changeable weather, the point of change between stormy
This is indeed the best approach for many scenes, but it’s not and fine weather can produce some of the most dramatic re-
the only way and shooting at the maximum aperture of your sults.
lens can produce interesting results in certain situations. By fo- This image was taken at sunrise as a snowstorm started to blow
cusing on the focal point, you can allow the foreground to blur over the camera and towards the horizon. If it wasn’t for the
in a pleasing way which can help to add a sense of depth and bright light out to sea on the horizon the image would be ex-
three-dimensionality to the image. tremely dull, but the combination of the light and moodiness
The 20mm f/1.8 is a fantastic lens for shooting shallow depth- helped to make the shot work.
of-field landscapes. It’s also perfect for landscapes generally Carry an umbrella and clamps
because of the wide field of view and the fact that they’re so Putting your kit away when it starts to rain can be a hassle, so
small and lightweight. Not to mention, they’re also excellent for one way around this is to carry an umbrella and attach it to your
astrophotography so they’re hugely versatile. tripod with a clamp. Just make sure it doesn’t get blown over!
Arrive early, leave late
The point at which the sun passes the horizon isn’t necessarily
the best time to shoot. Aim to be on location an hour before
sunrise and up to an hour after sunset to enjoy many more op-
portunities.
Do it for yourself
Shoot the kinds of landscape images you enjoy purely for your
own enjoyment. It’s easy to say, but don’t get caught up in the
quest for likes on social media because these aren’t important.
Forget about gear
Getting new gear is always exciting, but it won’t necessarily
guarantee better landscape images. Focus on what you have
and overcome limitations that can lead to highly creative work-
arounds.
Shoot as often as possible
By composing the most prominent rocks in this scene accord-
ing to the rule-of-thirds, they’re both visually well-balanced and
act as foreground interest within the sky-reflected water
You know what they say, practice makes perfect. Shoot as of-
ten as possible to refine your skills, hone your eye, learn to work
more efficiently and get to know your kit inside out.
Take a workshop
Taking a group or one-to-one workshop with a professional
photographer you admire is the perfect way to improve your
skills. What’s more, you’ll be able to pick up skills unique to that
Gain control with filters photographer.
Filters are a landscape photographer’s best friend. A polarizer Take risks and break the rules
performs several functions, ND filters help to shoot longer ex-
posures and ND grads help to maintain sky detail.

Bad weather can be good weather A centrally composed subject and centrally positioned horizon
There’s almost no such thing as bad weather in landscape pho- work perfectly for this silhouetted scene shot at the end of a dull
tography. Of course, when the weather forecast says it will be and overcast day.
raining torrentially all day your chances of success are slim. But The rules of composition are a guide rather than a law that you

Cape Town Photographic Society 40