A landscape photograph is a photograph in which the main subject is nature. The purpose of a landscape photograph is to capture the beauty of a natural landscape, and this is the reason landscape photographers do not include people as their subjects. Landscape photography, just like wildlife photography, is not easy as it requires a lot of time and effort. There are three styles of landscape photography: representational, impressionistic and abstract. No matter what your style is, the following tips on landscape photography are sure to help you. Useful Tips for Landscape Photography Just like any other art, there are certain landscape photography techniques that you should follow if you wish to click some awesome shots. If you have tried your hands at portrait photography before, you'll find that these tips are different from tips for portrait photography for the fact that these are two very different styles of photography. Tip 1: Use a Wide Angle Lens The ideal lens for landscape photography is a wide-angle lens. Using a wide-angle lens allows you to capture more of the breathtaking view in your shot. Also, using a wide-angle lens for your shot gives you the option of converting it into a panorama, with the help of editing software. You can experiment with different angles for the shots and also with lenses of different focal lengths. Tip 2: Maximize the Depth of Field Increasing the depth of field of the photograph means a greater part of the photograph is in focus. To do this you need to decrease the aperture of the camera. However, decreasing the aperture size means less light reaching the image sensor, which needs to be neutralized by increasing the shutter speed. Tip 3: Use a Tripod Camera Stand and Remote For the simple reason that you need to set the shutter speed as high, to compensate for a smaller aperture, it is extremely important that your camera is completely still while the shot is taken. If you hold the camera in your hand during the shot, chances are that it may get shaken, resulting in a blurred image. It is even better if you use a wireless remote instead of manually clicking the shutter with your hands as this way you'll get really sharp images. Tip 4: Use Filters and Polarizers If you are taking the shot during the day, it is advisable to use graduated filters. This way, there will be a balanced exposure in the photograph right from the beginning without you having to spend hours on Photoshop editing it. There are an array of different filters that serve to enhance your shot in different ways. While density filters control the amount of light reaching the lens, color filters come in different colors, and add a touch of a particular shade to the photograph. Polarizing filters add saturation to your shots. Tip 5: Choose the Perfect Timing The quality of landscape photography depends a lot on what time of the day you take your shots. Experts believe that the best time to take your shots is either early in the morning or late in the evening. Sunrise and sunset add a special touch to your photographs and are termed as the 'golden hours'. This is because the angle as well as the color of the light during these hours have been widely accepted as the best for landscape shots. Tip 6: Follow the Rule of Thirds The 'Rule of Thirds' is helpful in creating a balanced composition, which is essential for landscape photography. According to this rule, you are supposed to divide any composition into three parts by imagining lines passing across it. Now, you have to set the frame such that the areas or objects you wish to focus on, lie on the intersection of these lines. This can be a useful tip for beginners in the field of landscape photography. Tip 7: Capture Movement The term 'landscape' generally brings serene images to our mind. However, objects in motion do form a part of many landscapes. Consider this. You climb a hill to capture the breathtaking view of the valley below. On your way back after having clicked some splendid shots, you suddenly come across a majestic waterfall. Being the nature lover that you are, would you not want to capture the beauty of its cascading waters? 'But how?', you may ask. Well, to capture moving elements in a landscape, you need to set a slow shutter speed. However, you must keep in mind that a slow shutter speed means more light reaching the lens. To counter this, you need to have a smaller aperture and use the right filters. Tip 8: Be Patient Patience is one of the key ingredients to stunning landscape photography. Rushing through the entire process would land you with images that might be good enough but never extraordinary. If shooting a masterpiece is what you are after, then you need to put in that extra effort. On reaching the location, just spend time in scouting for the perfect angle and wait for that time of the day when the lighting is just perfect. Tip 9: Shoot in RAW Format Whenever you shoot landscape, do so in RAW format. This is because images captured in RAW format not only portray the minutest details of the landscape but also give you a wider scope for manipulating and enhancing the image with the help of image editing software such as Photoshop. Tip 10: Learn to Use Lines and Points of Interest To make a composition truly interesting and visually appealing, you need to add something that holds the viewer's interest and kind of leads him into the picture. To bring out this effect in your composition, all you need to do is add an object of interest which can be anything as varied as a strange-looking tree to a weird-shaped sand dune, or even a cottage in the distance. Another way to lead the viewer into the photograph is the use of 'leading lines' that end up at the point of interest or the focal point. You can use winding lanes, streams, railway lines, etc to direct the viewer's attention towards the focal point of the composition. Quick Tips for Landscape Photography In addition to the most important tips given above, there are a few more quick tips and tricks that might prove useful.

• Use the histogram feature on your camera to determine the perfect exposure required for the shot.
• Experiment with different locations and do not hesitate to explore unknown or uncharted territory.
• Try experimenting with the different features on your camera.
• Try shooting in black and white.
• Pay attention to the position of the sky and the horizon in your composition.
• Learn from the works of master photographers like Ansel Adams.

This was all about some effective landscape photography tips that will help you click that perfect shot you have always dreamed of. However, it's not necessary that you go by the rules every time. Put your own ideas to use and who knows, you might just end up with something truly appreciable and indeed unique. After all, as the most famous landscape photographer Ansel Adams said, "There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs."