Top Ten Landscape Photography Essentials

We need landscape photography essentials, though as landscape photographers we are quite fortunate, a camera, a few lenses, filters and tripod and we are pretty much all set to go. I know, from experience, that there is often a temptation to buy additional equipment in the belief that it will produce better photos or make you a better photographer.

To a degree this is true but I would only consider adding to the list of landscape photography essentials when necessary. Only buy the very best equipment that your budget will allow, this is particularly true of lenses.

We will probably have to carry our photo gear to our preferred location and being weighed down with an abundance of photo gear could make the journey tiring and uncomfortable. So my advice, bearing in mind we need to carry our landscape photography essentials is to travel as light as possible. Think carefully about what is required for a particular landscape photography shoot.

List of my Top Ten Landscape Photography Essentials

Personally I have always used Canon but of course this is very much an individual choice. Whilst the latest SLR camera and lenses have many features there are some that I consider to be landscape photography essentials.

1. Control of exposure

We do not want to have to rely on the cameras Auto Mode and need to be able to choose a Manual or Aperture Priority setting as required depending on the circumstances.

2. Depth of field preview

For landscape photography work this is a must. It enables the lens to be closed down to your selected aperture to see a preview of the depth of field. It takes a little time to get used to using the preview because at f16 for example it will appear very dark at first. However, be patient, let your eyes adjust to the low light level and the preview will appear brighter making it easier to see and assess the depth of field.

3. Camera Spot Meter (or Hand Held Meter)

I prefer to use the spot meter exposure setting for most of my photography as it offers a greater degree of exposure control, it does take practice and time to become confident in its use but it is well worth the effort.

4. Electronic Remote or Cable Release

This is extremely useful as it will prevent camera movement when the shutter release is pressed.

5. Mirror Lockup

Extremely beneficial as it enables the mirror to be raised early ensuring vibrations dissipate before the shutter opens. Best used in conjunction with the cable release and can also be combined with the use of the Self Timer.

6. Lenses

For me landscape photography covers everything from grand sweeping views to smaller details so a camera system that offers a range of quality lenses is important.

7. Tripod

A sturdy tripod and head with a range of movements from high to low level. Essential to hold the camera rock solid.

8. Polarising Filters

Used for saturating colours, improving skies and cutting through reflections on water, damp leaves and rock.

9. Neutral Density Graduated Filters

A set of three in 1, 2 and 3 stop strengths. Essential for controlling the dynamic range (contrast) of the scene. It is possible to do this by using the High Dynamic Range (HDR) technique but for most of my landscape work I still prefer using filters.

10. Neutral Density Filters

Available in various strengths, I normally carry ND filters with a 2 and 5 stop strength. Perfect for reducing the amount of light reaching the sensor and thereby slowing the shutter speed, can be used for creating movement in a scene, for example blurred water.

So there are my Top Ten Landscape Photography Essentials, all we need now is to combine the above with a strong camera bag or rucsac to protect our valuable equipment and we are ready to head out into the great outdoors for an enjoyable and rewarding day of landscape photography.

Why not add a comment listing your Top Ten Landscape Photography Essentials.