PS
Something I put together on another thread that may be of use......
Use a Tripod
As for all landscape shots it's best to use a tripod. You can't get away from this because there's no way you'll acquire really sharp images by holding that camera in your hands. Why? because the average landscape exposure time is around half a second or thereabouts due to the use of graduated and/or neutral density filters. And on top of this it's a good idea to use mirror lock and a remote release cable. If you don't have a remote release cable you can always select a timer delay from the camera's menu.
Try Using a Shutter Release
Another almost essential part of your landscape photography kit is a Shutter Release Cable. Try to use one of these so you don’t wobble your camera when taking a picture, or when timing is critical. If you can’t afford a cable, or just don’t want/need one, then try using the 10sec timer of your camera instead.
Use a Graduated Filter
As a landscape photographer you should use a graduated filter when there's a bright sky's present in the shot. This will allow for a balanced exposure in-camera and save you time messing about in Photoshop afterwards trying to retain sky detail. The downside of is an increased exposure time, hence the half a second reference previously, and why a tripod is essential if you want to acquire really sharp images.
Use a low ISO value
To keep sensor noise to a minimum use you lowest ISO, and certainly no more than ISO 100. If the light's low... slow things down and use that tripod !!!!!!!!!
Use Spot Metering
Spot metering works a treat with landscapes. What you do is spot meter off a bright part of the scene, check the histogram and adjust settings manually to get a better tonal range. If your camera doesn't have spot metering, use center-weighted metering, which works pretty well.
Maximize the Depth of Field
To acquire maximum depth of field use a small aperture (high f-number). This will increase exposure time, but you won't care about that because you're using a tripod anyway. You then autofocus one-third of the way into the frame then switch to manual focus. You do this to prevent the autofocus from hunting, especially because of the low light level entering the camera.
The time of day
The beauty of landscape photography is in its variety - even one viewpoint can provide infinite possibilities, depending on the weather, time of day, and season. As a general rule early moring and evening are the best times. Then, a wide variety of lighting conditions are available for one or two hours, giving warm colors and low-angled lighting that shows up textures and shadows.
Take your time
By studying the foreground detail available and any lead-in lines before you click away you'll get a more interesting composition and a better image. When you see what appears to be a good landscape to shoot, don't fire away until you've assessed the variation in the vicinity. Allow time to explore and place the tripod where you think you'll get a great shot. Then take time to move around, looking through your camera's viewfinder for that ideal position. Don't rush this bit. Seek that perfect site, and experiment with various focal lengths, heights and angles.
Foreground Interest
Try including an object in the foreground to add more appeal to your images. Sometimes we tend to focus too much on the main subject and forget about what’s in the foreground, but including an object like a rock or bush adds another point in the story of your photograph, and helps lead the viewers eyes through the frame. Foreground Interest also helps to achieve a more balanced composition by empathizing with the main subject
Lead in Lines
Coupled with Foreground Interest, Lead in Lines are great for capturing the way a viewer looks at your photograph. Try to compose your scene so that features like roads, railings, railway lines, streams, shorelines etc, run from or near your foreground interest towards your main focal point. This way it gives your image a sense of direction; the viewers eyes are directed where you want them, so the story of your scene can be conveyed more clearly.
The Rule of Thirds
Use the rule of thirds, so that your foreground interest and main subject fall on the intersections of the imaginary thirds lines. This helps achieve a balanced composition and makes your scene easier on the eye.
Stick to the Rules
Unless you’re supremely confident in your photography, then stick to the rules and guidelines. Breaking the rules can give some of the best results, but don’t just ignore them without knowing why you are doing so. Once you know the ropes and can understand why you would break a particular rule then the world is your oyster.
