Nature Photography How To

There are plenty of camera settings to consider for capturing the best possible landscape photos, depending upon the specific look you’re after. And one of our favorite pros insists that, “aperture is the most important stylistic instrument of all.”

Sometimes we edit outdoor photos to make them more closely resemble what we saw through the viewfinder. Other times, especially when shooting on drab days, the goal is to add some punch so the images look as they would under better conditions.

When I started in photography my pictures were factual; they fulfilled the “here’s what it looked like” requirement and checked off all the familiar guides: a clearly-defined subject; properly placed leading lines; the rule of thirds obeyed; backgrounds taken into careful consideration. But they were static images, and there was no real communication of what the images were about.

Shutter Speed is an important consideration with an interesting duality. Many photographers opt for high shutter speeds in an attempt to assure maximum sharpness—admittedly a key consideration when setting up a shot. But there are times when a slow shutter speed will deliver images with a heightened sense of artistry.

We’re currently in the midst of a rather heinous winter, with record snowfall in many part of the country, and this is both good and bad news for intrepid photographers who are willing to venture out in the cold.

One skill that can make the difference between a good photograph and a great one is the proper use of depth of field—especially when shooting landscapes, nature, and other outdoor images. In the video below you’ll learn how this concept works, and the three key variables for doing it right.