Summer is a mixed bag for landscape photographers. On the one hand, you get a lot of the good stuff: fully leafed vegetation, (often) great sunrises and sunsets, fields carpeted with flowers, and warmer weather.
On the other hand, summer comes with several major drawbacks. Depending on the location, you can expect blistering heat, large crowds (especially in touristy areas), early sunrise and late sunset times, harsh light throughout much of the day, and increased travel costs. Plus, it can be easy to fall into the trap of capturing the same old, same old summer photos: a bright sunset, some pops of color, a relatively empty blue sky. So how do you get over these hurdles?
Creating beautiful summer landscape photos is very possible, but you have to take the right approach. That’s what this article is all about; in it, you’ll find plenty of tips, tricks, and secrets for amazing scenic photos during the hottest months of the year. I discuss lighting, weather, composition, and so much more, all with the aim of dramatically enhancing your shots!
So whether you’re new to landscape photography and are looking to do some fun summer shooting or you’re an enthusiast aiming to improve your images, here are some tips to help you on your way!
1. Start with an idea or a theme
To capture successful images of summer, start by thinking about the types of themes and subjects you want to photograph. Ask yourself: What subjects interest me most?
Of course, what you shoot largely depends on what is around you; for example, in the UK, summer is a brilliant time to see wildflowers in bloom. There is always an explosion of reds and pinks, as fields are often carpeted in poppies. There are also bursts of purple as lavender fields flourish, and this can also make great subjects for summer landscape photography.
Summer also provides a great opportunity to capture fully leafed vegetation such as trees and hedgerows, as well as gorgeous sunrises and sunsets, plenty of joy, and beautifully dramatic weather.
You don’t need to restrict yourself, but if you can set out some type of structure or guiding idea in advance, it’ll help you a) find inspiration, and b) dig deep artistically so you can avoid capturing cliched photos. Even if you’re more of a “shoot first, think later” type of person, I encourage you to try giving yourself a thematic assignment and see how it goes!
2. Think both wide and detailed
Water – such as lakes, rivers, and streams – as well as dramatic weather make great subjects for wide-angle summer landscape photography. You should definitely pursue this type of summer landscape photography, and if you work hard, you can expect to end up with some eye-popping scenic shots.
But in addition to capturing the sweeping vistas of gorgeous landscape scenes, don’t forget to look for the finer details. You may find stunning gems, such as insects or animals hidden in the landscape, or intimate aspects of the wider scene, such as individual flowers emerging from the soil. A macro lens can be helpful here, as can a telephoto zoom (such as a 70-200mm f/4 lens).
3. Don’t forget to location scout, if possible
A great way to identify good places to shoot? Do some location scouting!
Of course, you may already know places in your local area that are great for photography, but make sure to look at them with a photographer’s eye; consider where the sun will be at different times of the day, how the location will be affected by the weather, etc.
In addition to relying on locations you already know, do some research. You can simply walk around and explore – you never know when you’ll stumble across a great scene! – or you can do a bit of Googling. Look for places other photographers have shot, recommendations from locals, and lists of the best landscape photography spots near you.
Then, the next time you’re ready to head out with your camera, you know exactly where to go. I’ll also note that if you photograph a location for the first time and you recognize its potential, it’s often worth going back a few more times over the next couple of weeks. Even if your first photoshoot goes well, if you return at different times of day or during different conditions, it’ll give you the opportunity to explore new compositions and really get to know the area – which often results in even better images!
4. Look for those splashes of color
When it comes to summer landscape photography, careful use of color can truly transform your photos.
For optimal results, aim to simplify your shot’s color palette, focusing on a few dominant colors. If these colors happen to be complementary or analogous, even better! Such color combinations can tie the entire composition together and immediately draw the viewer’s attention.
Don’t be afraid to incorporate vibrant bursts of color into your shots. Wildflowers are perfect for this purpose. Place them in the foreground, allowing them to catch the viewer’s eye before guiding their gaze toward the captivating backdrop.
Speaking of which:
5. Combine foreground and background elements
Looking to capture stunning landscapes that are full of depth? Here’s a nifty technique for you:
Start by identifying a majestic background subject like a towering mountain, a mesmerizing sky, or a captivating tree.
Then add some foreground interest! Seek out intriguing elements closer to your lens, such as colorful flowers, fallen logs, meandering rivers, or swaying grasses. Really, anything that piques your interest can work.
Play around with your framing until you can showcase both the fascinating foreground and the captivating background in a single shot. You might need to adjust your lens aperture to achieve the desired depth of field (unless you’re aiming for a shallow depth of field effect, that is!).
Take a look at this next photo, which I composed to include beautiful valleys and mountains in the background, but with poppies in the foreground in order to add depth and keep the viewer engaged:
Not every summer landscape photo needs to include foreground interest, of course, but by combining foreground and background elements, you can often create a photo that’s more compelling compared to a more conventional one-layer shot. Professional landscape photographers use this technique all the time; just take a look at your favorite landscape snapper’s portfolio, and you’re bound to see some of these near-far scenic shots.
6. Check the weather (in advance)
When undertaking summer landscape photography, be sure to always check the weather conditions before heading out. Although the weather can be more stable in summer, there are often periods of heavy rain and dramatic conditions that can severely impact the outcome of your images.
Aim to shoot on the days when the weather suits what you would like to achieve. For example, if bright landscapes are your preferred shooting subject, go out on sunny days. Alternatively, if dark, brooding skies or rain is your thing, then look for overcast, gloomy, stormy days to capture the shots you’re after.
And since the weather can be unpredictable, it’s important to be prepared for the worst. For one, always make sure you have rain covers or shelter so you can wait out the bad weather if needed (while keeping you and your gear safe!). Additionally, always head out knowing that you may not get the shots that you’re after; it happens, and sometimes it takes returning to the same location several times before you achieve that stunning summer image!
7. Consider the time of day
Days are longest and nights are shortest during the summer, with the day length decreasing after the summer solstice. There is therefore a longer period between first and last light compared with the spring or autumn.
Consequently, the sun will stay higher for longer during the summer, which means you will have more daylight time to do summer landscape photography. On the other hand, it makes night photography difficult, plus it pushes the golden hours (see the next tip!) into the early morning and late evening.
So make sure you always think about the changing light before heading out, and always check a sunrise and sunset calendar; that way, you can maximize your shooting time and get the type of shots you’re after.
8. Shoot when the light is best
Consider the light you like best for summer landscape photography. Do you prefer harsh light? Soft light? Dramatic light? Make sure you get out to shoot when the light fits your interests.
Generally speaking, the best light is at the start and end of the day – because as the sun rises and sets, the light offers golden hues and magical contrast. The vibrant colors at this time are amazing for summer landscape photography, so aim to set your alarm early and stay out late to maximize the best of the summer light.
In contrast, the light at midday is usually a lot harsher, especially when you have direct sunlight. So make sure to take this into consideration when photographing the landscape.
If you are out doing summer landscape photography in the middle of the day, be aware that the midday heat brings haze, which can make images look flat. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s important to be aware of the effect so you can use it – or avoid it – in your photos.
Many serious landscape photographers dislike harsh midday light, so they’ll spend the middle of the day scouting for photos (or sometimes taking a nap!). Whether that’s an approach you wish to take depends on your goals and aesthetic preferences!
9. Make the most out of the conditions
Often, you have limited time at your chosen location to do summer landscape photography, so make sure you get the most out of the conditions you are presented with. Whether you’re dealing with rain or bright sunlight, you’ll have ample opportunities to capture the landscape at its best.
For instance, you can use overcast skies and rain to your advantage. There are still subjects that you can photograph; woodlands are great areas to shoot under cloudy skies, as are waterfalls. The rain can increase waterfall fullness, and both waterfalls and woodlands tend to look more photogenic in overcast light.
10. Handle the heat appropriately
Summer can be scorching hot, and the sun’s relentless rays can be unforgiving.
It’s crucial to take appropriate measures to stay cool and safe. Keep yourself hydrated by carrying plenty of water, apply sunscreen when needed, and don a hat for added protection.
If extreme temperatures are in the forecast, consider staying indoors for a few days or plan your outdoor photography escapades for the early morning or evening hours.
11. Incorporate wildlife into your shots
While this article focuses on landscape photography, let’s not forget that some of the most breathtaking shots include both wildlife and scenery. These are all about capturing the wildlife in its natural habitat, which can be challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Take a moment to research the wildlife you want to feature in your photos and consider how you can approach them closely without alerting them. You might want to use a blind to discreetly photograph your subjects or brush up on your stalking skills.
Then find a location that boasts stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. While national parks are excellent choices, don’t worry if you don’t have one nearby. There are countless other incredible spots to explore and capture amazing wildlife-landscape images!
12. Use leading lines
One approach you can utilize in your landscape images during summer is leading lines, which refer to lines that lead the viewer’s eye into the frame. It’s a pretty popular technique, and it’s a great way to create photos that engage with the viewer.
In summer, there are specific things you can find in the landscape that you can use to lead the eye, such as roads, walkways, hedgerows, lines of flowers and vegetation, coastal paths, and trees. Of course, there’s no set list of acceptable leading lines – so feel free to experiment and test out different options as you go along.
13. Keep your gear protected
I touched on this earlier, but it bears repeating:
Bad weather can make for great photos, especially when the rain starts to fall. However, bad weather can also seriously damage your equipment.
Therefore, if you like to capture dramatic weather, make sure you keep your camera protected at all times. Always bring a rain cover, and make sure it’s snugly fitted over your camera. When you go to capture a photo, you may need to temporarily uncover your camera to adjust your lens’s focal length (if you’re using a zoom), so make sure you work fast and expose your setup to the elements as briefly as possible.
Pro tip: If you like dramatic skies but don’t want to risk getting your gear wet, look to capture your summer landscape images in the period just after a storm has passed. You may even get lucky and see a rainbow!
14. Select your settings carefully
I am often asked about the best camera settings for summer landscape photography, but in truth, it really depends on what you are trying to achieve and what you want to emphasize in your scene.
As a general rule, an aperture of around f/8 to f/16 will help create more depth in an image and keep your entire scene sharp. If you want to keep parts of the frame out of focus, an aperture of, say, f/4-f/5.6 is the way to go. And a low ISO will give a higher-quality file (such as ISO 100-400).
As for the shutter speed: If you’re shooting handheld, stick to 1/50s or above, though the specifics vary depending on your technique, the lens focal length, whether your gear packs image stabilization, etc. Of course, a sturdy tripod will let you go much lower, and you can use it to create all sorts of interesting artistic effects, such as motion blur in waterfalls.
Finally, make sure you shoot in RAW. RAW files are larger than JPEGs and do require editing before they can be shared online, but they offer far more latitude in post-processing so that you can make adjustments to colors and tones as needed.
15. Photograph in your own backyard
Many landscape photographers believe they have to venture far and wide to capture stunning photos. But guess what? You can create breathtaking shots right in your own backyard!
With the right composition, lighting, and settings, even those seemingly “boring” nearby parks can give rise to captivating shots.
Start by exploring the parks in your area. Go on some scouting adventures, where you hit the trails just to see what treasures you can uncover.
Don’t worry about capturing those classic breathtaking scenes, and focus instead on capturing the beauty of each subject through your photographs.
Summer landscape photography tips: final words
We’ve reached the end of our article – but your summer landscape photography adventure has only just begun!
Now it’s time to grab your camera, head out into the great outdoors, and put these tips into action. Summer landscape photography can be tough, but with the right approach, you can capture the essence of the season in all its glory.
So enjoy yourself! Take some breathtaking photos! And good luck!
Now over to you:
Do you have any tips for beautiful summer landscape photos? Do you have any summer images you’re proud of? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below!
