Outdoor Photography How To

Have you ever marveled at landscape photos shot with long exposures and ND filters, and said to yourself “This is too complicated for me?” The quick video below will correct this misconception and explain how easy this is to accomplish using a few basic tips.

One of the most common questions inexperienced photographers ask themselves is, “why aren’t my images sharp?” When this frustrating dilemma occurs often it may actually discourage shooters from pursuing their hobby.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We have both good news and bad news for you today, and we’ll start with the latter: If you stashed your macro lens in the depths of your photo cabinet at the end of summer, you’ll have to dig it out and dust it off.