Outdoor Photography How To

Sunset scenes are a favorite of most photographers, and they are wildly popular among “civilians” who appreciate beautiful imagery. Photos captured at this time typically have warm vibrant tones, provide a feeling of serenity, and may even affect a viewer’s mood.

We’ve all inadvertently shot cockeyed photos, and it’s usually because we weren’t paying attention. The most common example is a horizontal landscape image with a tilted horizon, but this problem can also occur with vertical lines when shooting in portrait orientation.

Most of my columns for this website concern the ideas and purposes behind the photographs I take. I always include information about the technology used to achieve the photos, which could be as basic as the f/stop chosen to direct your attention, or the use of a ND filter to make a long exposure possible. That approach is not incidental or coincidental; the stories are planned along those lines because my ideas come first, and technology’s purpose is to support those ideas.

Let’s face it: Most of us are passionate about gear, and we regularly update our equipment. The medical term for this affliction is Gear Acquisition Syndrome—commonly known as G.A.S.

Given a choice, most outdoor photographers prefer to shoot at the beginning or end of the day. At Blue Hour, just before sunrise, the landscape is bathed in soft, cool tones, while at Golden Hour, just after sunset, beautiful warm tones prevail.

If you’re a regular visitor to our website you know we frequently post shooting and editing tutorials from German landscape photographer Christian Mohrle. In the quick-and-easy episode below you’ll see how Lightroom’s Masking tools play a big part in his beautiful imagery.

Independence day is right around the corner, and with it comes a great opportunity to capture spectacular images of fireworks—whether you’re shooting in a stadium, astride a lake or river, or in the comfort of your own backyard.