15 TECHNIQUES FOR GREAT SUMMER LANDSCAPES

With long days and stunning light at sunrise and sunset summer is a fantastic season for photography – follow our top tips to learn how to take your Canon skills up a level

1 DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Make use of popular apps as well as traditional maps to make your pre-shoot preparation count

FORWARD PLANNING is key for landscape photography, as you’re reliant on the weather and light direction being just right. By researching locations thoroughly at home, you’re more likely to be rewarded with favourable conditions when you arrive with your camera. The Photographer’s Ephemeris (TPE) and The Photographer’s Transit (TPT) are two apps that are ideal planning companions. TPE displays

how the light will fall on the land at any time of day in any location, so use it to work out the time and direction of sunrise and sunset. TPT also provides a great way to check if your planned focal length will capture your scene effectively. Also Google maps on your smartphone, or actual OS maps, although not as pocketable, can be spread out to help you visualize a landscape in more detail, and spot potential photo ops.

2 THE RIGHT KIT

For the best chance of success you need to look, feel and dress the part

IT DOES pay to invest in some practical outdoor clothing, helping you feel comfortable and allowing you to concentrate on taking photos. The right clothing will protect you against the elements and enable you to shoot for longer in comfort. Summer isn’t always sunny, so think about dressing for wet and stormy weather, as well as heat and humidity. Whatever your budget, opt for versatile, water-resistant and lightweight clothes. Look at how well ventilated they are and whether they can be packed away in a camera bag. Pockets are a great asset too, providing easy access to filters, cards and smaller lenses.

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