Lesson 3 - Photography course for kids

LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

The landscape setting on your camera will likely be a hill type picture on the camera setting dial or  screen menu.  This is the setting we are using today.  If your camera does not have this setting, then use the auto mode.
The landscape setting on your camera keeps everything in focus, from near to far.  It also makes greens and blues more vivid and sharp.

TIPS FOR LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY

• Even if a landscape is covering a large area, still have a point of interest.  Think about the details, interesting features or perspectives (the height you may take the picture), think about colours, the atmosphere or mood of the photo.
• When using a zoom lens, use the wide angle end, the end that allows you to see the most.  This keeps objects near and far in focus better than the telephoto or close up end.
• Consider whether to take your photo in landscape to get more of the scene or in portrait to get a narrow scene.  What does this mean?  

Taking a photo in landscape means you are viewing the photo with a wide rectangle.  You can also take a photo in portrait, which means you are viewing the photo in a tall narrow rectangle.

EXAMPLES:
​

A photo taken in landscape. Wide rectangle.

A photo taken in portrait. Narrow rectangle.

• Check your horizons are doing what you want them to do.  

Horizons:  In this course I don't want to set many photography rules, as I want you to play and experiment and sometimes the best photos are when you break the rules.  In landscape photography however horizons are something to consider.  If you have water in the horizon and it is crooked, does it make you think the water should be tipping out?   Does the horizon make you tilt your head when you view the photo?  A crooked horizon may be a distraction from what you want the viewer to see.  I'm not saying you can't have crooked horizons, and sometimes you don't even see the horizon. It is your choice as the photographer whether it is a factor in your landscape photo.

EXAMPLES: 

Does this crooked horizon distract you?

A straight horizon. Would this scene work if it was crooked?

Landscape photography challenge

Choose a scene or place and take 5 different photos that show interesting features of your location.  Maybe its the same location and scene but at different times or in different weather.  

Send me your favourite!!