Heading off to the cottage has to be one of the most fun yet relaxing ways to spend the summer. It offers a fresh, alternative location for taking beautiful photos- how can you not get inspired by all the fresh air, water and greenery? As cottage season quickly approaches here are some easy tips for photographing amazing lakeside landscapes.
– Pick a great time of day: our shooting advice often suggests shooting just after sunrise or before sunset. The reason this rule always pops up is because light can be THE MOST IMPORTANT thing to make a great looking image and photographer’s consider these times of day as the “Golden Hour”– light is dramatic and the colours in the sky will look their best. Also try setting up your tripod and doing some great night landscapes. Only at the cottage can you see all those amazing stars!
Photo from Getty Images, http://bingwalls.blogspot.ca/2010/10/march-10-2010.html
– Capture reflections: The interesting thing about water is that it captures reflections. Instead of just looking at what surrounds the big beautiful lake, look right into it too! Whether it’s mirroring the moody clouds above or framing someone looking into it, reflections can be a unique way to add a creative touch to a landscape.
Photo by Ben Canales, https://www.flickr.com/photos/bencanales/6086168957/in/pool-starrynight|bencanales
– Break the ice…or water: If you’re shooting on an extremely calm day and want to add a little texture to the water, why not throw something into it to disrupt the surface? Skip a rock to create ripples and make it look like you’re really capturing a fleeting moment. On the other hand, if you want a glass like smoothness in your water, use slow shutter speeds to blur out any motion.
Photo by Andrew E. Larsen, http://www.photographyblogger.net/22-beautiful-pictures-of-ripples-in-water/
– Find a subject: The best looking landscapes could always use a subject or focus point for the eye to rest. Try adding a boat, dock, building or animal to create a centre of attention. This will also help to create more depth and visual interest.
Source: http://static.topandroidwallpapers.com/beautiful-lake-landscape-hd/
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