Landscape – Capturing colorful scenery with focus on the angle
After you get your hands on your own EOS model, try out your skills on the field! Here, professional landscape photographer introduces tips on using the EOS 6D and techniques you can make use right away for landscape photography. (Author: Kentaro Fukuda)
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EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM/ FL: 135mm/ Aperture-priority AE (1/60 sec., f/4, +2.7EV)/ ISO 400/ WB: Shade
This is a multiple-exposure image which is formed from combining two shots. I took the first shot by focusing on the maple leaves, and merged it with a second shot which was purposely blurred to create a fantasy-like atmosphere.
Pay attention to the light and angle
The same natural scenery appears differently depending on the weather, time of the day, and also the surrounding light. There exist an infinite number of attractive themes, ranging from vastly expansive views to tiny objects of nature by our feet. To capture an impressive photo, you therefore need to choose the best angle and consider the conditions of the light.
The high resolving power of a fullframe sensor camera offers reassuring support for you to produce a precise depiction of an intricate landscape. Not only so, the EOS 6D also boasts a high level of basic performance, including its dust- and moisture-resistance, large and clear viewfinder image, and a Live View function that allows manual focusing by magnifying a part of the image. Coupled with the abundant lineup of EF lenses, you can enjoy diverse styles of photographic expression.
3 Tips on Landscape Photography
・Light conditions vary with weather and time
・Produce shots that make use of the lens characteristics
・Be constantly on the move to look for the best angle
EOS 6D Recommended Feature
Custom Controls
By assigning the AF start function to the AF-ON button, you can prevent inadvertent operation while shooting.
Technique1
Compensating exposure for high-key effects
Exposure Compensation:Nil
Exposure
Compensation:+1EV
EF70-200mm f/4L IS USM/FL: 121mm/ Aperture-priority AE (1/80 sec., f/4, +1EV)/ ISO 200/ WB:Cloudy
The impression of the photo changes drastically after increased exposure is applied. A vivid touch is added to the image to produce a delicate depiction of the brilliant light.
Use bold high-key effects to express lightness
A shot of maple leaves in the shade with a bright background. If you do not compensate the exposure for scenes with a large difference in brightness, such as this one, the maple leaves in the shade would turn out dark and not be able to stand out. In this case, instead of trying to reproduce an image that is close to what you see, it would be interesting to create a high-key effect by setting to an increased exposure to brighten the image boldly. Doing so adds a light touch to the landscape that is enveloped in brilliant light. Here, I paid attention to the amount of blowout in the background.
EOS 6D Recommended Feature
To determine whether blowout occurs in an image, it is convenient to make use of the histogram display. Check the distribution of brightness at the shooting location, and adjust it to the appropriate level.
Technique2
Reproducing the texture with a PL filter
PL Filter Used
PL Filter Not Used
EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM/ FL: 16mm/Aperture-priority AE (0.4 sec., f/16, -1.3EV)/ISO 200/ WB: Shade
Using a PL filter deepens the tone of the fallen leaves. The point here is to reduce the amount of reflection as much as possible light.
Check the effect through the viewfinder
The wet forest after the rain gives an impression that is different from what we see on a sunny day. Here, I moved close to the subject in the foreground with a wideangle lens to stress the perspective, thereby bringing out the expanse in the carpet of fallen leaves. Also, by using a PL filter to reduce the whitish reflections from the surface of the wet leaves, I was able to reproduce a subdued image with a damp feel and deep tone.
EOS 6D Recommended Feature
Generally, PL filters can be fitted onto the thread at the front of the lens. After attaching, check the effect through the viewfinder.
Technique3
Capturing running water at ISO 50
EF16-35mm f/2.8L II USM/ FL: 20mm/ Aperture-priority AE (5 sec., f/11, -1.3EV)/ ISO 50 (L)/ WB: Daylight
Slowing down the shutter speed produces a soft depiction of the running water, which, coupled with the bluish tone of the dim surroundings, creates a unique ambience.
Slow down shutter speed with a low ISO speed
By setting to a low ISO speed, you can choose a slow shutter speed. One of the charms of the EOS 6D is that you can make use of the "L (Low)" setting (equivalent to ISO 50) in landscape shots to blur the motion of the subject, such as running water. In this example, I used a tripod and a slow shutter speed to capture the stream in dim light. I added a dynamic touch by purposely tilting the camera to place the flowing water on the diagonal line.
EOS 6D Recommended Feature
Electronic level during Live View
Although the electronic level is originally intended for checking the horizontality of the camera, I used it here to determine the extent of inclination instead.
Born in 1973, Fukuda had a longing for nature since young, and began aspiring to be a photographer at the age of 18. After graduating from the Nippon Photography Institute and a stint as an assistant to professional photographer, Toshinobu Takeuchi, he became a freelance photographer. A member of the Japan Professional Photographers Society, Fukuda is touring energetically mainly within Japan to gather photographic materials.