Nature Photography Photo Workshop by Nat Coalson

Author:Nat Coalson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2011-04-07T04:00:00+00:00

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Chapter 6: The Grand Scenic Photograph

The grand scenic photograph is one of the most common types of nature images. It’s usually the first kind of outdoor photos people begin making (this ties in with those ever-popular vacation pictures mentioned in Chapter 1). Usually, the wide-open, breathtaking vista is the most obvious photograph you want to capture.

So how do you make something so obvious into something special?

Making a compelling landscape photo showing a grand vista is one of the more difficult types of nature photography — straight landscape images are often the least interesting nature photos. Why? Because the photo fails to (1) envelop the viewer in the scene and (2) express the photographer’s unique vision through effective design.

With these types of photos, you want viewers to feel as though they are standing at the same spot you were and become immersed in the picture. You must communicate what this special place means to you in an intellectual and emotional sense.

Choosing a location

In Chapter 1, you learned some methods for location research. When you’re planning a grand scenic landscape shoot, scouting is invaluable. To know about the place before you arrive makes a big difference in the success of your photographs.

Starting out, you should choose locations with easy access. The difficulty of getting to a place shouldn’t get in the way of practicing your photography. Depending on the time of year you plan to visit, you need to know about sunrise and sunset times, weather conditions, and hours of access.

Photogenic spots

Of course, you’ll be looking for locations that you find visually appealing. But you should also use the concepts presented in previous chapters to guide your choice of locations with purpose and intention. Look for places where you are free to roam around, at least a bit. Locations where there’s only one place to shoot from aren’t a lot of fun. Also, try to find places that offer a broad range of vistas, from long-distance views to more intimate areas where you can get close to your subject matter. Examine the relationships between foreground and background elements.

Look for places with character and a unique visual story to tell. Some places are much more photogenic than others, and if you find a good shooting location the success of your photographs will provide inspiration to keep working on your craft.

Public lands

National parks are great places to photograph, and most are open ’round the clock (see 6-1). If you can get in before sunrise and/or stay after sunset you’ll often make your best images during these times. Entrance fees are required for all U.S. national parks. National monuments and state parks are a little more challenging; they usually have strict opening and closing times; fees are also required here. Public lands such

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