Spring is gone, summer is here. Although you can always use the ideas for spring landscape photography, there are some specific things you can do for your summer landscape photography. When you relate to the season and the scenery around you, your photographs have more meaning and emotion. Technically perfect shots are great. Storytelling shots are better. So here are five tips for summer landscape photography to diversify your portfolio and pour your heart into your photographs.
Go for Sunrise and Sunset Photo Sessions
The harsh summer sunlight reduces contrast and creates flat-looking landscapes. If you want to add a sense of depth to your photographs and create well-balanced highlights and shadows, take advantage of the golden and blue hours. And if getting up before sunrise is too much for you, the long summer evenings are perfect for capturing the sunset.
Photo by Pat Whelen on Unsplash
Don’t Avoid the Midday Sun Altogether
Most photographers avoid the midday sun because the direction and intensity of the sunlight ruin their photographs. However, if your purpose is to achieve the flatness, shadowless, and artificial effect created by the midday light, you won’t consider your photos ruined. For example, photographing vast lakes or fields, seaside landscapes, or flat surfaces may benefit from the midday sunlight.
Try a Minimalist Approach
Summer is sometimes less generous in terms of colors and contrast. The hot sun makes everything look bright and featureless. Therefore, summer is the perfect time to use fewer features and create minimalist compositions. For example, you can renounce color completely and try black and white landscape photography. Or you may work with empty spaces and frame just one or two elements. Experimentation is key.
Photo by Joe Cooke on Unsplash
Spend the Night Outside
It’s summer. It’s warm and dry. You can easily spend a night in a tent in the middle of nature. Camping allows you to photograph the same scenery in the evening and in the morning. You can even try astrophotography. Furthermore, it connects you with the environment at all levels. Your photos will incorporate your experiences and become rich and meaningful.
Wander
Find the best locations for summer landscape photography by walking, hiking, and biking more than you usually do. You don’t have to go to exotic locations to find amazing landscapes to photograph. You just have to see beauty everywhere you go. So wander without a time schedule or plan. Take time to explore the surroundings, engage in dialog with nature, and make notes of the best locations. Then, revisit them armed with your photo gear and patience.
Photo by Holly Mandarich on Unsplash
Summer offers more freedom in terms of exploring and adventure. The weather is usually good, the days are long, and the locations are easier to reach. Take advantage of these optimal conditions and experiment with different subject matters, compositions, and techniques. Take your camera anywhere you go and have an eye for everything that happens. The more time you spend outdoors, the more chances you have to capture amazing moments.
Cover photo by Ales Krivec on Unsplash