Must-haves for landscape photography

Fresh air, sweeping views and a stunning sunset. Nature is full of beautiful scenes you’ll want to capture. To photograph landscapes you’ll obviously need a camera and a lens, but more specific items such as a tripod, remote release or filter are also handy to have when you head out. In this article we highlight the must-haves for landscape photography.

The camera

Which camera you use isn’t all that important for landscape photography. Especially when you’re starting out, the mirrorless or DSLR camera you may already own will do just fine. Still, there are a few features worth considering when choosing your camera.

Live View, for example. Live View lets you check the composition properly so you know exactly what will end up in the shot. It’s also useful if your camera can shoot RAW, which gives you far more room for editing your photos afterwards.

The lens

The camera and lens are your basic gear for photography. In landscape photography, you’ll soon find yourself reaching for a wide-angle lens, as it lets you fit as much of the scenery as possible into a single frame – think of a beautiful nature reserve, beach or park.

In this category you can choose between zoom and prime lenses. A zoom lens gives you the flexibility to change the focal length without swapping lenses. A prime lens has a fixed focal length, but generally delivers sharper images and is often faster – which can be a big advantage in low-light landscape photography. Which will you choose?

Tripod

A tripod is an essential tool for landscape photography. It lets you use longer shutter speeds, for example, without introducing motion blur. And if your tripod has a built-in spirit level, you can easily get a straight horizon.

Do you spend a lot of time out in nature? Then go for a lightweight carbon tripod that’s easy to take on hikes. Also check the maximum load and the minimum and maximum working height, so the tripod suits the way you shoot – whether you want to capture unusual perspectives from a low angle or prefer to work comfortably standing up.

Remote control

A remote control is very important in landscape photography. With a remote, you don’t have to physically press the shutter button, which can cause blur in your photo. So set up your composition the way you want it, focus on the right spot, and all that’s left is to press the button on your remote.

ND filters and kits

Many landscape photographers never leave home without a set of filters. Take an ND filter, for example: with this type of filter you can give water a silky-smooth look. Another common filter is the graduated ND filter, which reduces the difference in brightness between the sky and the landscape. And finally there’s the polarising filter, which intensifies colours and cuts down reflections.

Lensball

A glass sphere is a really fun extra accessory to take with you into nature. Also known as a lensball, it’s the ultimate photography tool and offers a unique way to capture the world around you. The ball flips your subject upside down, brings it into sharp focus and shows you much more than a normal photo would.

Protection

Every landscape photographer depends on the weather. You might get caught in a sudden downpour or end up hiking through muddy terrain. To make sure you can keep shooting, we’ve selected a few items to protect your gear.

Also handy

Here are a few tips to help you on your way in the world of landscape photography. Besides our list of recommended products, we’ve also gathered a number of inspiration pages that can help you develop your skills and find new ideas.

4 tips for a creative landscape photo

In this article, you’ll challenge yourself to capture landscapes in surprising and creative ways, from an unusual angle to black-and-white photography.

The ideal locations for autumn photography

In the Netherlands we’re blessed with lots of beautiful nature areas. The Veluwe, the Utrechtse Heuvelrug, the Biesbosch, the Hoeksche Waard and the Groene Hart are just a few of the many nature areas the country has to offer.

10 handy tips for landscape photography

Photographing a landscape may seem easy, but the difference between a nice, a good and an outstanding landscape photo is huge. In this article you’ll find ten handy tips on preparation, composition, conditions and gear, among other things.

Inspiration

Looking for more inspiration for landscape photography? Then check out these articles too. There’s always more to learn and discover.