How To Take Landscape Photos

Step 1: Tourist Locations

Tourist locations are the easiest spots to take good photographs without too much effort, you just have to follow the signs. Paths are usually well maintained and guides are available from the local post office or tourist centre. If you visit the local town, check out the postcards sold in tourist shops as these give clues to the best spots. Look up the location on the Internet too before you go. You’ll find loads of info on the local council’s web site. Buy a magazine such as Country Walking and you’ll find some great easy to follow walks that, again, will be illustrated, so you can get a feel for the surrounding scenery. And, of course, there are loads of touristy maps provided for visitors who travel by car, cycle or on foot.

Step 2: Research

Research before you go and the pictures will be more rewarding. If you go to more remote places take a map, make sure you are well prepared (food, waterproof clothing, mobile phone) and don't stray off the footpaths, unless you know where you are going.

Step 3: Location Viewpoints

Once you get to your location you should start to look around for the best viewpoints. There will be the obvious ones where all the coach parties pull in, or a sign or icon on a tourist map saying photogenic spot. In many cases these may be the only good points to take a photo and it's down to you to get a better one than the typical point-and-shoot photographer. You'll find out how to do this later in the article.

Step 4: Scenic Vantage Points

Another option is to find your own scenic vantage points. Sometimes this is just a matter of walking up or down the road away from the tourist parking spot to find your own viewpoint. Often better pictures can be taken, but nothing beats going right off the beaten track and finding a higher viewpoint or one without trees or shrubs blocking half of it.