Whether you need a new corporate headshot or you’re thinking about trying your hand at landscape photography, tips from the pros can make all the difference. After all, why make your own photography mistakes when you can learn from someone else’s? Landscape photography is a fun and relaxing hobby to enjoy—plus it’s a great excuse to get out in nature. Use these quick tips to help you get started with your new passion.

When to Go

If you’re interested in photography, you may have already heard of the golden hour, that magical time just after sunrise or before sunset. Many photographers take advantage of the flattering natural light that’s available during these times. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking a corporate headshot or photographing a meadow of flowers, the golden hour is prime lighting.

Purchase a Tripod

For anyone who plans to invest time in learning to take better photos, it really is worth buying a tripod because low shutter speeds are often used to capture landscape photos. Steady hands just aren’t enough. A tripod will give you time to carefully set up the best angle and frame your shot. Be sure to choose a tripod that’s light enough to carry if you plan to hike out to wild areas that are more remote.

Scope Out the Area

Another tip is to scope out the area in advance. Of course, this isn’t always possible. Sometimes you just come across something interesting—like an old barn that’s falling down, and need to go for it. But it’s usually best to spend a little time becoming familiar with an area beforehand. For example, gorgeous scenic areas may be more crowded on certain days, such as weekends, especially during warmer months.

Invest in a Wide Angle Lens

You may also want to invest in a wide angle lens for your landscape photography adventures. This isn’t to say that you’ll always want to use a wide angle lens for outdoor photography, but it’s nice to have in your toolkit. Choose a high-quality lens for the best photos.

Look to the Sky

Let’s talk about the sky for a moment. If you want an easy way to add a bit of drama to your photography, look to the clouds. What’s fun about this is that you have no control over it. The clouds that end up in your photos happen by pure chance. Elements like moody cumulus clouds can completely change the feeling of a photo, and the undersides of clouds can also add contrast by reflecting colorful light.

View My Landscape Photography

If you enjoy landscape photography, please come see my latest pieces that are displayed at San Ramon City Hall. Artwork will be up from May 3rd – June 14th. Beautiful metal wall prints are available for purchase. You can also book a session with me at Pooja Photography by clicking here or calling 925.690.3356. Whether you need to update your corporate headshot and branding, or create memorable family portraits, I would love to help you capture the perfect moments.