Learning Center
Travel

I frequently lead workshops (www.PhotographicAdventure.com) in several unique locations across the county.  Some of these destinations have a tendency to overwhelm photographers who are experiencing the landscapes for the first time.  From intimidating shelf roads around Ouray, Colorado to the vast dunes and beachscapes of The Outer Banks of North Carolina, the excitement of being outdoors in such an inspirational environment causes some photographers to miss many wonderful images.  Here are a few tips that I like to share which help to make the most of your time working in such dynamic locations.

WORK WITH A PLAN

Try to approach each location with a shooting plan much the same way a movie director would shoot a scene in a movie. A director will establish a location by organizing the camera shots into three basic categories: wide shots, medium shots, and close-ups.

The Wide Shot Sets the Scene

When you approach a scenic location, you are able to look all around and gather a variety of details that make up the "big picture." A wide shot allows viewers to do the same thing, orienting themselves to the scene.  This allows the viewer to put the elements together in context.  This is where I would use Tamron’s 28-75 F2.8 or the 17-50 F2.8.  Using either of these lenses at wide angle allow me to share the entire scene in the image.  The ability to zoom in slightly allows me to compose the image exactly the way I want.

The Medium Shot Tells the Story

The medium shot compresses the major elements of a scene into a single image.  This is a great time to look for foreground interest, framing elements, leading lines and other compositional tools.  Again, my 28-75 F2.8 is the lens of choice. You might think I would use the 75mm end of the lens for my medium shots, but more often than not, I like to get as close to my subject as I can which often means I am still using the wide angle end of the lens.  I find being closer to my subject allows me to better capture the magnitude of the subject – especially as it relates to its surroundings. 

Close-ups Provide Drama

Close-ups focus on the minute details of a scene. Telephoto and macro lenses frequently work well for close-ups. These lenses have less depth-of-field which allows me to isolate and separate the main subject against an out-of-focus background.

SHOOT FROM SEVERAL ANGLES

It's a good idea to capture several images, and then change your position to shoot from a different vantage point. By moving, you bring some elements of the image closer together while separating others. You also change what is in the background, either including more environment or separating the subject from the background. Search for the best vantage point, the most interesting composition, and the decisive moment.

SLOW DOWN

I can’t tell you how many times I have seen workshop attendee’s jump out of the Jeep and take off almost running to start photographing.  I have certain locations where I require participants to find a spot to sit down and spend at least 15 minutes simply observing the scene from a single location.  This helps to focus their thoughts on the location and really take in all there is to experience from that one spot.  This is the time to determine their shooting plan and it usually results in their seeing something they may have missed if they just started shooting away.

KEEP A JOURNAL

I have my participants keep a journal of each day’s activities.  I know many of you will not want to do this at first—but you will thank me later!  Try to write as you go and leave room for additional thoughts as you reflect on your experiences later.  Include items such as:  the name of the trail, the name of the waterfalls, the town or area, your experience getting there and what you experience while you are there. The images you take will mean more to you when you can connect the images to the experience you discuss in your journal.  It is far better to share an image with someone and say, “Here is an image of The Mittens and Merrick Butte.”  Showing of an outstanding image of “three big rock formations” is not quite as impressive.