Essential Landscape Photography Skills | Finding Locations

One of landscape photography's most challenging yet rewarding aspects is finding the perfect location. The right location can elevate your photo from ordinary to extraordinary. However, choosing where to shoot can be a time-consuming process, filled with challenges such as overcrowded tourist spots, difficult terrain, or simply not knowing where to go. This article explores the difficulties photographers face when finding the perfect location and provides strategies to help overcome them.

The Overcrowding Problem

One of the biggest challenges in popular photography spots is overcrowding. Iconic locations like Iceland’s Skógafoss waterfall, the Grand Canyon, or even Ireland’s Cliffs of Moher attract thousands of tourists each day. For a landscape photographer, this poses a problem—how do you capture the beauty of a place when it's filled with people?

One solution is to visit these locations during off-peak times, either early in the morning or late in the evening. Sunrise shoots often offer the best opportunity to avoid crowds while capturing incredible light. Many tourist-heavy locations see a significant drop in visitors early in the morning or later in the day, leaving you with more freedom to compose your shots.

Another approach is to avoid the most iconic locations altogether and explore nearby lesser-known areas. For example, rather than focusing solely on the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland, you might explore nearby coastal areas that offer similar geological formations but attract fewer people.

Doing Your Research

Finding unique or under-the-radar locations requires research. Many photographers rely on social media platforms like Instagram, which is both a blessing and a curse. While platforms like Instagram and 500px can inspire you with new locations, they often lead to oversaturation as thousands of others are directed to the same spots.

For a more personalised approach, try looking for information beyond social media. Google Earth is a great tool for exploring potential locations remotely. You can scout out interesting landscapes, get an understanding of the terrain, and identify potential shooting angles before you even arrive.

Local photography groups, forums, and blogs can also provide insight into lesser-known spots that aren’t overrun by tourists. These sources offer practical advice, including the best times to visit or specific challenges you might encounter at a given location. If possible, visit these places ahead of time to scout for compositions and evaluate conditions without the pressure of a photoshoot.

Scouting: A Photographer’s Best Friend

Even with careful research, there’s no substitute for physically scouting a location in advance. Many successful landscape photographers spend hours, if not days, scouting potential shooting locations before they ever pull out their cameras. This allows them to get a feel for the environment, figure out the best vantage points, and understand how the light interacts with the landscape at different times of day.

When scouting, keep an eye out for elements that will enhance your composition. Look for natural lines, interesting foregrounds, and unique features that could make your shot stand out. You should also pay attention to how the weather will affect your scene, as certain locations might look entirely different depending on the conditions.

Understanding Seasonal and Lighting Variations

The same location can look completely different depending on the time of year and the angle of the sun. For example, a location that works well for sunset in the summer might be less compelling in the winter when the sun sets at a different angle. Similarly, seasonal changes can dramatically affect the appearance of a landscape. What might be a lush, green scene in spring could be barren and brown in the winter.

A key skill in landscape photography is understanding how seasonal and lighting variations will impact your shot. Planning tools like The Photographer’s Ephemeris and Sun Surveyor are invaluable for predicting sunrise, sunset, and the angle of light at different times of the year. These apps allow you to plan shoots more effectively by showing you exactly where the sun or moon will be at any given time.

Additionally, learning how to work with different types of light is crucial. The golden hour, where the light is soft and warm, is often preferred by photographers, but sometimes harsh midday sunlight can work in your favour. Understanding how light shapes the landscape will help you choose the right location for your shoot.

Accessibility and Safety

Finding the perfect location often involves venturing into remote or rugged areas, but accessibility is always a concern. Some of the best landscape photography spots are difficult to reach, requiring long hikes, off-road vehicles, or even climbing. While this sense of adventure is part of the appeal for many photographers, it also comes with risks.

Before embarking on a trip to a remote location, make sure you’re well-prepared. Bring the appropriate gear for the environment, including sturdy footwear, a map or GPS, and enough supplies to sustain you in case you’re out longer than expected. Research the terrain and conditions ahead of time, and never underestimate the weather, which can change quickly and make a previously accessible spot dangerous.

Safety should always come first. If a location is too difficult or risky to reach, consider whether it’s worth the shot. Sometimes, it’s better to settle for a slightly less dramatic view if it means avoiding injury or getting stuck.

Making the Ordinary Extraordinary

Not every landscape photography opportunity involves a famous location. Some of the most compelling landscape images come from ordinary or overlooked areas. A field, a forest, or even a city park can become extraordinary when framed with the right perspective and in the right light.

As a landscape photographer, part of your skillset involves seeing the potential in everyday scenes. Consider how light, colour and composition can transform an otherwise ordinary scene into something visually captivating. By focusing on the elements of a good composition, such as leading lines, symmetry, or interesting textures, you can create beautiful images even in the most unexpected places.

Getting Local Insights

One of the best ways to find unique locations is by connecting with locals. Whether it’s a fellow photographer, a guide, or even a resident, locals often know about hidden gems that don’t appear in guidebooks or on social media. They can provide insights into the best times to shoot, offer access to private property, or point you toward lesser-known spots that are off the beaten path.

When travelling to a new location, don’t hesitate to ask around or engage with local photographers on forums or social media groups. You’ll often find that they’re happy to share their knowledge and help you discover new spots that most tourists miss.

Conclusion: Patience and Perseverance Pay Off

Finding the perfect location is often a mix of patience, research, and luck. It can take time to discover those special spots, and sometimes, the conditions won’t be perfect on your first visit. However, by being persistent and adapting to what you find, you can turn almost any location into a compelling landscape photograph.

Remember, photography is as much about the journey as it is about the final image. The more you explore, the more you’ll develop your eye for unique locations, and the more rewarding your photography will become.