Mastering Landscape Photography by David Taylor

Landscape photography can be a solitary experience; but award-winning landscape photographer David Taylor believes creativity requires a certain amount of peaceful contemplation to flourish. What skills or requirements; therefore; does a successful landscape photographer need? An ability not to mind getting cold or wet is one that springs to immediately to mind; but a landscape photographer also has to understand how the weather and the seasons affect the landscape. Navigational skills are useful to find potential subjects. Above all; empathy for the natural world is a prerequisite. Beginning with a comprehensive guide to the choice of cameras; lenses and other equipment and accessories; Taylor goes on to discuss the fundamentals of exposure (aperture; shutter speed; ISO; dynamic range) and an appreciation of the effects of light on the landscape; at various times of the day and in all types of weather. Practical advice on planning for an outdoor shoot covers the basics of assembling a travel kit; using maps and choosing a location; consulting sunrise and sunset times; weather forecasts and predicting tides. The author's own stunning photography transports the reader from coastal regions to hills and mountains; through woodland and moorland; in all seasons and weather; in the light of day and the dark of night. Authoritative text explains the theories and 'rules' of composition: the importance of balance; harmony and symmetry; the power of leading lines; visual weight; and the ability to create depth in an image. Completing this definitive guide to capturing beautiful and compelling images; a final instructive chapter details the practical techniques of post production workflow; from the processing of images to proofing; to displaying or printing the final results.