larryepage Loc: North Texas area

I'd argue that we're way not at the point of worrying about a bunch of technical trivialities yet. You mention wanting to learn landscape photography. It sounds more like a challenge than like a passion. I think your first step should be getting a firm idea of just what a landscape photograph should be. I've come to be directed by the statement that a good landscape (or really any) photograph is "a compelling subject in an interesting setting." Clever composition can sometimes render mundane subjects interesting, but it's the exception, not the rule.

Indeed, I suggest that you put your camera down, visit a good art museum, and look for paintings (or photographs) that strike you as "good" landscapes. Ask yourself why they are attractive to you, and start letting that sort of thinking guide you as you look for subjects to photograph. If it's not interesting to look at, it's probably not going to make a very interesting photograph.

You can certainly take some classes, and you can partner up with a buddy, but it's your brain that will need to learn what to do.

Good luck on your journey. Make it fun.

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

Try going someplace where the landscape is beautiful, and wait for good lighting.

BebuLamar

The landscape is beautiful because you see it in 3 dimensions. You can see clearly objects far way as well as close up. (your eyes automatically focus on what you want to se and although the eyes have quite shallow DOF it gives you the impression of imense DOF). Your eye balls rotate and you can see 180 degrees view (even though without turning your eye balls your view is something like 45 degrees). You really can't capture that. You need to figure out what the camera really capture and then select what the camera can capture that is of interest.
When I started out I was naive to think I can capture what I saw. I soon learned that it's impossible. I learned that it's best to figure out what the camera can capture and the choose among those.

User ID

AMEN AMEN AMEN.

If Larry and I hugely concur ? With no quibbling differences ? Thaz a huuuuge notice to LIZZEN UP ! Read it twice ;-)

JohnSwanda Loc: San Francisco

Try going someplace where the landscape is beautiful, and wait for good lighting.

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

Ok, what caught your interest in this scene? Is there anything you can do photographically to convey that to your viewer?

Sadly i dont see anything of great interest in this scene. However you did document what it was like.

13 Loc: I am only responsible to what I say..not what

Try him for knowledge. He will help you achieve your goals. https://www.youtube.com/c/AttilioRuffo/videos

jaredjacobson

Not sure why you’re replying to me, but I agree with your assessment.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Only reason I replied to you was to put your comments next to mine. Kind of to emphasize your comments.

jaredjacobson

Ah. That makes sense.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

If you want to improve your landscape photography don't worry about all the technobabble and equipment issues- Start off SIMPLY with a few TRADITIONAL basics and go on from there. Thereis nothing in the EXIF data of that image that will address your issues- it's a matter of aesthetics!

Learning a few basic rules does not hurt or stunt your creativity.

You say thathte the scene looks good but is not replicated in your images. We come upon a scene and use all of our senses- it's out-of-doors, fresh air smells nice, it's quiet, the breeze sounds nice, we are envigorated, etc, so you have to ignore all our other senses and concentrate on the visual.

If you want to study composition, start off with the rule of thirds and avoid split horizons. Many of the rules are not carved-in-stone or specific instructions- just handy starting points.

In one of Ansil Adam's basic books (The Camera), he wrote that if you want to record a scene as your eye sees it use a focal length just slightly longer than normal. Again, this is ot an inflexible law but oftentimes we want to take in too much and start off with a wide-angle lens or zoom settg, and the perspective changes from what we originally perceived. Forcing or exaggerating perspective can be a creative tool but at first, store of traditional and simple.

Employ foreground framing, that is frame the scene in foliage, trees, archways, etc. This helps lead the viewer's eye to the motif of your image. A darker foreground and a bright middle area and background may work as well.

Whenever I advise folks along these lines many will argue that I am teaching people to create mundane "picture postcards" instead of REAL creative stuff. Many prefer to run before they can walk and produce all kidsof abstractions, differet viewpoints, cool effects, etc. And they end up with a jumbled mess!

Think of it this way, some of the best improvisational jazz musicians came from classical backgrounds. Many of the foremost modern and abstract artist star of traditional schools of thought.

Once you get the basics down pat, look for interesting graphic and geometric lines and shapes. Explore various camer angles and heights. Look for textures in rocks, old wood, fences, grass, bark, and foliage.

Watch the light- the way it skims textures, transilluminates foilage, and changes color at various times of the day.

Look for interesting skyscapes in your landscapes.

Obviously, this is not a comprehensive tutorial on landscape photography but I would rather offer a few practical tips than JUST send you at the library, bookstore, or the Internet. Of course, you should read up, study, and view online educational material and visit a museum,s and study landscape paintings. Getting outt here with your camera and trying out a few simple tips can be very beneficial- invaluable!

I hope this helps!

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Avoid video like the plague that they are.

13 Loc: I am only responsible to what I say..not what

Thought it would help with the basics. Best learn from the experts than the rubbish I see here.

jjanovy Loc: Lincoln, Nebraska

I agree with those who say focus on what you personally want to capture instead of camera settings. Think about the narrative aspects, any lines that suggest a journey, or shapes that make you re-think relationships. Think of yourself as a writer or artist instead of just a photographer. Actually, I saw some interesting things in that one you posted.

usnret Loc: Woodhull Il

How many times did you drive by on different days and at different times of the day to nail the shot when everything was right? Rising or setting sun, blue skys with a few clouds, late in the day when you need to use a very slow shutter speeds (on a tripod) to make the water in the forground all misty looking. I really don't see much intrinsic potential in this scene no matter how much effort you put into making it a wall hanger. To that end, please don't be discouraged. Start by studying the works of the masters. Ansel Adams etc. To add a little brevity to it all, my mother made one whole dollar at a yard sale from selling a crayon picture I drew of my dog chasing the wicked rooster on our farm.