Photographing A Landscape Landmark PT1 - Photo Biker 29

7 Building Blocks of Photography 2

Landmark photography - we all do it! Whenever we visit somewhere new or a monument on a well-trodden path, we will take a picture of it. Some of us with our phones to capture a moment or create a memory. And some of us because we love photography and want to improve our skills. 

In the video above, landmark photography is on the agenda. As are using a wide-angle lens, ND filter and motion blur.

We often find landmarks within beautiful scenery, but how do you make the most of it and capture a landmark in its best light - literally?

I hop on my bike to visit St Catherine’s Chapel. It’s set on a hill in Dorset's beautiful countryside, providing both a challenge and an opportunity. 

In the video, it's abundantly clear that light is king. And light, as we know, can make or break an image.

Do you go against the light or with it? It’s all about trial and error; not every scene or subject will work the same. So, get out there and experiment - the more you do, the more you’ll learn!

Take a look at the video to see how I approach landmark photography with a strong sun to contend with. 

I get excited about days when it’s bright with clouds in the sky (as you’ll hear in my voice). It’s because the sun can provide some dramatic lighting opportunities, and the clouds help to make the blue sky a bit less boring. 

But how do you work with clouds? Is there a way to bring them into the picture to complement it? Of course! Clouds aren’t just for helping fill a blank space; they can also create leading lines.

Leading lines take you on a journey through an image. In this instance with my landmark photography, they ensure the eye is drawn to the main event itself - the landmark. 

You can also capture the movement of clouds, which brings life to a picture. In the video, I play around with shutter speed and exposure to capture that motion blur whilst remembering that a slower shutter speed lets in more light. If you don’t adjust exposure to compensate for this, you’ll get an overexposed, burnt-out image - not ideal.

It’s important to be confident and at ease with adjusting settings and what that will do for a picture. Your focus should be on the creative, not the technical - that’s what my Masterclass in Photography will teach you. 

Have you found yourself on a shoot faffing with your camera, struggling to figure out how to make different settings work together? So much so you may be missing some incredible creative opportunities… If that’s a yes, or even a maybe, check out my Masterclass online course - I’ll help you get rid of that blocker!

Best wishes...


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