Necessary Gear for Landscape Photography

Necessary Gear for Landscape Photography

By James Morris Successful landscapes result from planning, good light, the photographer's own creativity and tenacity, and the ability to use the camera they have. If you think that buying the latest camera kit will make you a better photographer, you are wrong. A good, expensive camera is no guarantee of taking great landscape photos. Just like having a great sports car does not make you a better driver.

In this article, I have compiled my list of the equipment that I use for landscape photography. Not all of these items are necessary, but each one will benefit you and potentially improve your landscape photography in one way or another. A decent camera will help, but the most useful things in this set will support your photography and maximize photo opportunities.

My List The best equipment for landscape photography is a set that you are ready to take with you at every step of your journey. Just as portrait photographers use light modifiers, landscape photographers at the very least have filters and tripods. This article covers some of the most important aspects of landscape photography and the equipment and accessories that can help you to capture that perfect landscape photograph.

The key to a successful journey into landscape photography is to know what kind of images you will feel comfortable with. Remember that in addition to your photographic equipment, you should also carry items for your comfort such as water, snacks, clothing and a first aid kit. The art of packaging is hard to master, but if you are like me, you want to have all your equipment with you just in case. Don't pull a ton of suitcase gear together, but rather, the bare necessities. Remember, you still have to carry the stuff.

1. Filters Neutral density filters reduce the amount of light entering the camera sensor. They are available in two different versions: solid filters with neutral density and graduated filters with neutral density. The latter block more light from one end to the other, while the gradient of the former affects the entire photo.

For landscape photographers, wearing several neutral density filters of different thicknesses reduces the amount of light the camera achieves, allowing longer exposure times and creating dramatic blurs.

This enables photographers to adjust their long exposures by varying their shutter speed. In recent years, a single variable version that allows photographers to rotate the filter to achieve the desired darkened effect has replaced the need to carry multiple filters.

2. Tripod A tripod is a must for landscape photographers, because you want something that provides a stable base for adjusting the camera, and you don't want it to be so heavy that you have to stop and break every five minutes when you walk. If you carry a tripod with you, you are blurring the water when you

capture sunrises and sunsets, and you risk the camera ruining your shots. If you want to shoot panoramas, consider buying a custom-made tripod head.

3. Remote Shutter Release It is not an essential component, but a great panorama can be captured with it. A remote shutter release prevents you from touching the camera, which can cause shaking, and if you don't have one, use a camera with built-in self-timer.

4. Backpack It is essential that you have somewhere to store your camera and equipment while you walk to your landscape locations. I suggest a backpack that is specifically built for camera equipment. Most eve come with a place where you can attach your tripod so you can avoid carrying it. I do not recommend shoulder bags for landscapes. Even though they provide quick and easy access to your kit, they do not disperse the weight of your equipment evenly. And, believe me, this could cause back and shoulder problem for you in the future.

5. L-mount The fifth indispensable tool for landscape photography, which is rarely thought of, is the L-mount. It is a device used by many professional landscape photographers, and there is a reason why it is what everyone is talking about. I can describe it as an L-shaped piece of metal attached to the camera. It uses a normal tripod plate, which works very similar. It allows you to move quickly from a portrait mode to a landscape mode without having to readjust your tripod.

6. Cleaning Materials The last indispensable tool for landscape photography I will mention I consider to be very important: cleaning materials. Let's face it, it's important to pay attention to camera equipment. We spend money to take high-quality pictures, and we do not want to ruin them by having dust or stains on them.

A simple dust blower can help keep your lenses and camera sensor clean. Some landscape photographers expose their equipment in the elements, and that means that your lenses inevitably get dusty and dirty. Using a dust blower is one of the safest ways to clean your sensor. With a premoistened lens cloth like the Zeiss, you can clean your lenses easily if necessary.

This list, by no means, is complete. As you continue your journey as a photographer, you will inevitably have your own list of gear that you will consider to be necessary for your outings. The important thing to remember—have fun and take some great pics.