Shooting Landscapes with Longer Focal Lengths
One of the simpler tips that I would suggest for those wanting to add a little variety to their landscape photography is to shoot with longer focal lengths.
While the majority of landscape photography is done with wide angle lenses (and rightly so - it’s a great way to capture to dramatic wide vistas) it can be very effective to take a lens with a longer focal length with you next time you set out to capture a scene.
Longer focal lengths can be particularly effective in those over-photographed locations where images can end up looking a little cliched. They’re also great for capturing patterns and layers on the horizon that often go unnoticed in landscapes shot with a wide lens.
A quick tip for those shooting landscapes with longer focal lengths - make sure you use a tripod. With longer focal lengths, any camera shake or movement will be amplified. The longer the lens the more noticeable it will become. So secure your camera and consider using a remote shutter release of some kind.
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September 28th, 2007 at 12:51 am
Image #2 is beautiful. Will give this a try on the weekend!
September 28th, 2007 at 12:53 am
I think in certain situations, using a longer focal length can look great for landscape shots. I particularly like the second image you’ve posted - the way the hills are ‘flattened’ into a more abstract composition really gives it a unique view, and one that is a bit more different from the usual landscape shot.
September 28th, 2007 at 1:13 am
Suggestions are good. I shall try it in my next outing. I think also that it will give some other sensational effects in the landscape. But use of tripod is a bit troublesome, although I feel that the advice is perfect and should have to maintain.Thanks for the advice, expectimg some more in future.
September 28th, 2007 at 2:27 am
Pretty interesting, should give it a try sometime :).
September 28th, 2007 at 4:21 am
Also to note, longer focal lengths compress the perspective, so things end up looking bunched up together - ideal if things are too spread out (e.g. field of flowers)
September 28th, 2007 at 5:25 am
Excelent tip!
September 28th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
I too often use longer focal lengths, in the range of 70mm to 250mm. I find that the longer lengths give a unique perspective to photographing sunsets.
September 28th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
Generally, I observe at various focal lengths of the same shot and which one is appealing to me, I will go for it. Yes you are right, we may get better shots at longer focal lengths.
September 29th, 2007 at 11:06 pm
Thanks for the info. Love the mountains shot.
October 1st, 2007 at 11:42 pm
Great tip. I’ll try it as soon as possible, tomorrow perhaps. The mountains are very beautiful indeed.
October 2nd, 2007 at 12:11 pm
I’ll have to be the lone decenter: I like the first (trees & flowers) picture better. But good tip nonetheless.