Light is the basis of landscape photography. It decides whether a location will become a captivating motif or not. But what exactly does “good lighting” mean? The answer is complex and depends on the subject and the photographer’s creative vision.
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Technically speaking, camera sensors convert light into digital data. They reach their limit: the camera’s dynamic range is limited. In high-contrast scenes, bracketing may be necessary to capture all the details.
Different forms of light shape the effect of the image. Front lighting illuminates the subject from the front and ensures uniform illumination. Backlight creates dramatic contrasts, but places high demands on technology and photographers. Sidelight models shape and texture particularly well. Diffused lighting reduces contrasts and is suitable for detailed subjects.
The time of day also plays an important role: the “golden hour” just after sunrise or before sunset is popular among landscape photographers. The warm, soft light gives the scene a magical glow. The “blue hour” at dusk offers subtle colors and balanced contrasts.
Front, back or side light? Experienced landscape photographer Nicolas Alexander Otto explains which lighting conditions are suitable for which motifs.
White balance plays an equally important role. Experiment on site so you can capture the mood you want. However, using light effectively requires experience and patience. It often takes several attempts until conditions are right. But the effort is worthwhile: the right lighting transforms everyday scenes into extraordinary images.
Landscape photographers must study the properties of light even away from the camera. In this way, they develop a sense of promising situations. Over time you learn to “read” the light and use it specifically for your image ideas.
The search for the perfect light can be addictive and the satisfaction when vision and reality come together is unparalleled. Experiment with different lighting situations and learn how light can transform your landscape shots.
Portfolio: Claudia Strangehoner
Click Boom Flash: New podcast episode “From Cancer Diagnosis to South Sea Volcanoes”Other topics in the issue
AI Image Generators – Curse or Blessing?
Professional photographer and expert book author Tilo Gökel discusses the effects of AI image generators like MidJourney on photography. Since the launch of MidJourney in July 2022, the work of image makers has changed significantly. Gökel explains how AI images offer both opportunities and risks. Critics accuse AI of stealing images and demand ethical standards when dealing with artificial images.
In his article, the author shows examples of AI-generated images, such as an image of Pope Francis washing dishes, which is amusing but legally questionable. He explains that the quality of the AI images is made possible by LAION eV’s database, which contains billions of images.
AI opens up many possibilities for photographers. Tilo Gockel shows various applications in workshops, from flat backgrounds to mock-ups of advertising photos.
Leica SL3 in the test
Leica is finally upgrading the SL3 to a 60-megapixel BSI sensor, as already used in the manufacturer’s other full-frame models. It also now has the long-awaited movable display on board. The solid-looking body offers good handling, is built with high quality and is weather resistant. But Leica still has some room for improvement when it comes to autofocus.
The SL3 is a powerful professional workhorse that brings joy to photography. You can read how the camera performs in the lab and in practice in our test.
Taking photos with a long focal length
Taking photos with super telephoto lenses with focal lengths of 300 millimeters or more is challenging. Problems include high weight, high magnification, shallow depth of field, and risk of camera shake. Handling requires a lot of practice.
What is important is a stable tripod, appropriate shutter speed depending on the subject, and adequate lighting. Accurate focusing is essential for sharp images. Autofocus often reaches its limits with moving subjects.
So Petrowitz offers tips on stabilizing the camera and choosing the right shutter speed to avoid motion blur.
The author describes the challenges caused by air turbulence and heat haze, which occur more frequently at longer focal lengths. She emphasizes that it is important to understand these phenomena and explains the correct techniques for taking sharp and impressive shots.
tripod for travel
Whether it’s a travel tripod, monopod, mini or special tripod: A mobile camera support should not only be stable and shake-free, but also compact and lightweight for transport. The size and weight of the pack play an important role.
The tripods we tested on the go range from the ultra-compact Platypod floor tripod (0.4 cm) to the Rollei Easy Traveler with a height of 170 cm. Prices range between 45 euros and 440 euros. More expensive models often offer additional features such as better ball heads.
Which tripod is right for you depends on the intended use. Travel tripods and monopods are suitable for taking pictures at eye level; mini tripods are particularly compact. Our practical test provides an overview of usability and handling.
Contents of C’t Photography 4/2024
Have you received it The current issue of C’t Photography (4/2024) in the Heise Shop for 12.90 euros. There you will also see a complete overview of the content and information about the exclusive online extras that we offer through a clearly designed user interface as well as preview images and editorials. The ePaper and Amazon Kindle version costs 12.49 euros.
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