For those who think they have captured all their motherland has to offer, there are various international destinations that offer breathtaking landscape photography opportunities.
Let’s take a look at some of the hidden gems of the natural world.
Iceland is a great destination for landscape photography. The local has many perks. First, the temperatures are surprisingly mild—meaning you won’t freeze trying to capture the perfect shot.
Next, nearly all the landscape is untouched. Thanks to the relatively small population living in the country, there won’t be anyone to interfere with your beautiful scenery.
Lastly, this one location has everything a nature lover could want—waterfalls, mountains, rivers, and more.
If you are going to make a trip to Argentina, visit the Patagonia region (shared with neighboring Chili). This one region has mountains, valleys, coastlines, rugged terrain, and lakes.
Just be sure to check the local weather carefully; since it is in the southern hemisphere, the Argentinian seasons are opposite of what US visitors would expect.
Those who visit New Zealand usually head for the smaller, more touristy island. That makes the larger island the perfect spot for landscape photography.
There, you’ll find nearly 20 mountain peaks, a handful of protected forest areas and several national parks—a photographer’s dream!
Because of the excess of mountain ranges, Norway is one of the least populated European countries. That means there are vast, untouched landscapes to explore.
This country boasts some of the most beautiful mountains, coastlines, and fjords on the continent.
Heading north is always an option too. Canada is a vast, unexplored country—perfect for a landscape photographer.
In the natural territory, you can expect to see glaciers, canyons, wildlife and the famed Northern Lights. What more could you ask for?!
We can’t limit ourselves to a single country, rather an entire continent! The Sahara is one of the most captivating natural wonders of the world. A trip to Chad, Egypt, Libya, Niger, or Sudan will provide breathtaking desert landscapes. Check out the sand dunes—they can reach nearly 600 feet!
If you are looking to travel and capture some of the world’s most beautiful spots, consider one of these destinations. If you’ve found another hidden gem we left off the list, let us know!
Learn MoreWhile many photographers enjoy the creativity of their art, they are often stumped by the more formal, demanding niches. For example, fashion photography isn’t for everyone.
But those who enjoy the high end world of fashion, the craft can be quite enjoyable and rewarding. Here are four tips to make the process more successful.
A fashion photographer must be able to direct and guide the models. That requires a fair amount of self-confidence. Even if you don’t genuinely feel assured of what you are doing, you must portray the image of confidence.
Any sign of anxiety or stress will translate into a lack of authority. The uncertainty will be reflected in the model’s performance.
Fashion photography is undoubtedly about the clothes. However, it is also about the accessories, hairstyles and makeup. Everything combines to create an overall image of beauty.
Be sure to attend to the details—they can make or break a shoot. It would be difficult to portray a girl-next-door image if the model has voluminous, sexy hair and come-hither makeup.
Generally speaking, a studio shoot is preferred. That way, the photographer has total control of the lighting and overall environment. Conditions aren’t as easily manipulated outside or onsite.
Few garments look good from a straight-on view. The details and fluidity is lost if a model isn’t captured on the move.
Consider different angels. What is the best viewpoint for the clothing? What is the most natural movement for the overall theme of the shoot?
Maybe the model needs to walk up a flight of stairs. Perhaps she hunches over a table. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try different things.
Fortunately, there is an abundance of fashion photographers in the world. Each has his or her own, unique style. Carefully study the masters. What can you learn from them? Check was does and doesn’t work. Make note of ways the industry has evolved.
Fashion photography is an acquired taste, but with the right guidance, anyone can master it!
Learn MoreGetting into photography, whether it be professionally or as a hobby, is a very challenging and rewarding path. As in most areas of life, we can get great benefit by taking the advice of people that have succeeded on the road we wish to take. For that reason, we turned to the magazine experts at Priority One Clearing Services. They’ve provided us with a list of magazines that will inspire, educate, and entertain any photographer–no matter the niche.
Learn MoreIf you were to travel the entire globe, you will no doubt find some great landscape photography spots. However, international travel isn’t always required for a budget-conscious photographer. There are plenty of great opportunities right here in the US.
If you are looking for someone new to explore, consider these fine options.
Monte Sano State Park, Alabama—The entire park is like a magical wonderland. Moss and vine draped trees, a cool mist, and red-rock walking paths create a colorful background.
The Colorado River, Arizona—Check out the horseshoe; the green river banks juxtapose nicely with the earth-toned rocks and mix with the clear blue water.
The Young’s Pond, Connecticut—Few things are more beautiful than a colorful fall in an old, established New England state. Add in some water and the animals that call it home and you’ve got the ideal landscape photography hideaway.
The Wormsloe Historic Site, Georgia—Man-made architecture complements the natural beauty of this space. Capturing the sunlight as it drifts through the ancient, moss-covered trees is more visually stimulating than you can imagine!
Waipio valley, Hawaii—Hawaii is an entire state of landscape goodness, but this spot in particular offers an amazing view of earth, sky, and sea.
Minnehaha Falls, Minnesota—Skip all those famous falls that have been shot a thousand times. Opt for a hidden gem in Minnesota.
Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada—Not all landscape photography shots need to include blazing orange trees or luscious green country sides. Exposed rock jutting into a periwinkle blue sky can be just as captivating.
Stowe, Vermont—For a truly inspired shot, visit Stowe (a small ski town) in the winter. The snow covered mountains act as a backdrop for the charming, colonial village. Or, visit in the fall and head out to the lake. The golden hills are beautiful.
These are just a sampling of what the nation has to offer. There are tons of other hidden gems that would make great landscape photography destinations. If you are short on cash, don’t worry about traveling the globe for the ideal snap. Just take a look at what is available in your own backyard.
Learn MoreWedding photography is one of the toughest, most stressful situations you’ll encounter as a photographer. There is a lot riding on the outcome of your snaps and there are plenty of things to make the day challenging.
That being said, wedding photography is one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have in your career.
Before grabbing your camera and heading off to the festivities, consider these often made mistakes.
That white dress is the centerpiece of the day. However, for a photographer trying to find the proper exposure, it can be a nightmare.
If you overexpose it, it will become an unflattering, indistinguishable mass of white. The details of the dress will melt away.
But underexposure will make that beautiful dress look dirty and grey.
Neither situation is ideal.
If you can’t find the just-right situation, try for a bit of underexposure. You can make things right during the editing process. Just make sure the underexposure doesn’t mask the details of the groom’s dark outfit.
Nothing is worse than looking at the final images and noticing there is something inappropriate in the background–whether that is an empty water bottle or the church’s piano covered in sheet music.
Carefully inventory what is in the background for each photo you take. Ideally, you can check out the venue before the big day and identify the best places to arrange a group.
Remember, the background doesn’t need to be a plain, boring wall. Tidy and distraction-free doesn’t mean uninteresting.
When you visit the venue to check for ideal posing spots, visit at the same hour as the ceremony. Take a look at the best places for outdoor shots in relation to the sun’s position.
This means making sure you find an eye-catching background that doesn’t require the couple to look into the sun. Squinty eyes are terrible!
If you can’t find natural shade, get someone to hold a diffuser.
Wouldn’t it be terrible if the bride didn’t have any pictures of her putting on her dress? That is one of the most magical moments for a bride. If you fail to capture that moment, she can’t get it back again.
Talk to the couple beforehand. Find out exactly what and who they want you to shoot. Don’t forget the desired picture of the bride and her great grandma or the straight razor shave the groom got.
Make a checklist and systematically work through it.
Wedding photography is challenging—but also rewarding. Do you know of any other common rookie mistakes? Let us know!
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