9 - LANDSCAPES

The secret to stunning landscape shots can be summed up in one word: light. This means you have to be on location at the right time.

The ability of light to transform a subject or scene from the ordinary to the extraordinary is one of the most powerful tools for photographers and videographers. The good news is that warm daylight is available to everyone, free of charge. The bad news is you might need to set your alarm clock to catch it…

The best light is created by the low angle of the sun in the one or two hours after sunrise and before sunset. At these times shadows are long and textures and shapes are accentuated. Shooting in this light you’ll find you can capture a sense of the full magnitude of the scene in front of you. In the right light, landscape shots can look warm, dreamy and ethereal.

Success in capturing these moments hinges on scouting the area you want to shoot before filming it. When you do, ask yourself practical questions. What do I need to capture this moment? Where will I set up my camera? Do I need a tripod? Take time to focus on what is most video-worthy about the landscape – whether it’s the sky, mountain or other natural features. With such a limited window of time to film in perfect light conditions, good planning is key.