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Challenging landscape locations

Techniques

21 August 2008 09:47

There are many ways of shooting a sensational landscape shot. Ideally it should be taken in the richest light – usually early morning or late evening and it’s made all the better if you can find a stunning location. If you’re struggling to find one of these you can find plenty on the locations page.

Difficult-to-access locations can put many photographers off and many tend to opt for the more conventional shots from straightforward angles. The only problem with this is the shots will look similar to those that have been taken before, so it’s always worth seeking out new and exciting angles to shoot from. Some of the more challenging locations are not for the faint-hearted; you need to be highly committed and have the correct attitude, so we’ve provided a few pointers to help you on your way.

Start off by checking you have all the appropriate gear in your camera backpack for the expedition. If you’re looking to purchase a new one, check out our backpack reviews in our gear section. Double-check your equipment is well protected throughout and if you end up struggling for space it might be worth leaving a telephoto zoom behind so you can concentrate solely on your wide-angle work.

Pack a few high-energy snacks and liquids with you as it’s likely you’ll be out for the majority of the day. Chocolate, fruit and plenty of water are good for maintaining high energy levels. The last thing you want is to be de-hydrated or craving for a bite to eat.

An item that’s not often packed is a long rope, which can prove invaluable in certain locations. You can use it in various ways – just like we did when we photographed these rock pools on the Isle of Skye. It’s handy if you need to lower you camera bags and tripods down a steep-sided hill, leaving you will two free hands for scrambling down afterwards. Remember to secure it tightly at the top around a suitable tree or rock before you make your descent and then you can use it to help you get back up after you’ve got the intended shot.

The most valuable device of all in an isolated landscape is a mobile phone. Most of us have one nowadays and it will provide the best means of communication should there be an emergency.

Landscape photography expeditions require excellent clothing too. Even if it’s not raining when you set off, pack a full set of waterproofs in your backpack. We found them particularly useful for protection against waterfall spray and managed to stay dry throughout the shoot. Appropriate footwear is essential too, especially if you’re going to be walking many miles over un-even ground. Without our hiking boots we would have never been able to climb back up the steep-sided rocks and valleys on the Isle of Skye, so make sure you purchase a strong, waterproof pair well in advance and wear them in beforehand so that you’re comfortable.

Always make sure that you’re accompanied on any expedition and if you do venture out on your own, give your hostel or B&B information on your route for the day. Make sure you assess the risk of any new landscape location and never try to be too ambitious with your climbing or scrambling. If a location or particular shooting position looks extremely difficult to get to, don’t risk it. The last thing you want is to be making an emergency call to mountain rescue or the coastguard.

The rock pool location we managed to find on the Isle of Skye wouldn’t have been possible to get to without the appropriate gear and attitude towards safety. There are some fascinating landscape locations out there and if you’re willing to take the correct kit, walk a few miles and explore you’ll be surprised what you can find.

Don’t miss the perfect landscape guide in the September issue of Digital Photo – it will help boost the impact of your landscapes.