The Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape Photography

by Glenn Randall

The Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape Photography, 2nd Edition teaches photographers how to convert their visual peak experiences—moments of extraordinary natural beauty that evoke a sense of wonder and awe—into stunning images that elicit the same awestruck emotion in their viewers. Author Glenn Randall is an experienced wilderness photographer, and whether you want to venture into the mountains for once-in-a-lifetime shots of raw nature, or simply hone your landscape photography skills from the safety of your back deck, Randall explains the art, science and craft behind creating stunning landscape photographs. This fully updated edition of the best-selling first edition includes nearly all new imagery throughout the book, as well as a new first chapter, "Photographic Essentials," to help beginners to landscape photography get up to speed quickly. Additionally, this second edition takes into account how Randall's techniques have changed and evolved since the first edition published—from photographic practices to how he uses smart phones and apps as important and powerful tools for landscape photography. After discussing photographic essentials, Randall focuses on the art of landscape photography. He describes his three-step process for composing a photograph and shows how good composition is an organic process that begins with rules but ultimately transcends them. Randall then explores the science behind successful landscape photographs, which requires understanding key concepts from geography, optics, vision, and psychology. These concepts • How the position of the sun at sunrise and sunset varies throughout the year. This will help you plan when and where to shoot. • Using optics to predict where rainbows will appear, how polarizers will interact with reflections, and where to find spectacular light. • How to use topographic maps and computerized mapping tools to help you find promising shooting locations in the wilderness. • Calculating exposures, achieving correct exposure in high-contrast lighting situations, and the best digital darkroom techniques. With some practice and by applying the techniques that Randall teaches you, you will soon be ready to master the finer nuances of creating magnificent landscape photographs. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction
Chapter 1: Photographic Essentials
Chapter 2: Landscape Photography Looks So Easy
Chapter 3: In Search of Extraordinary Landscapes
Chapter 4: Visualization
Chapter 5: The Art and Science of Light
Chapter 6: The Art and Science of Composing Compelling Images
Chapter 7: The Perfect Exposure
Chapter 8: Digital Capture and Processing of High-Contrast Scenes
Chapter 9: Take a Walk on the Wide Side
Chapter 10: The Landscape at Night
Chapter 11: The Psychology of the Compelling Landscape
Index

Genres: Photography, Nonfiction, Reference, Art

272 pages, Paperback

First published March 16, 2015

Reviews

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read many photography books over the years and generally they are either too simple for me containing little I don't already know or are dry, technical reads (that still don't offer much that is new to me) that aren't very useful.

Randall's book delightfully delivers on its title's promise. It is a book written for photographers who already know the basics. He covers how to predict where rainbows may appear, nighttime and aurora photography, calculating where the moon or Milky Way will appear in relation to your foreground to name a few.

He gives practical examples using his own experiences and mishaps shooting and processing images.

Enjoyable text that does get into science and geometry coupled with a lovely selection of his landscape images. Makes me want to spend more time in Colorado.

[S.Spanier · Rating 3 out of 5]

psychoimagery at its finest

I’m not one to dig into the psychology of taking photographs and I could have done without all of that in this book. As a result, I found myself quickly scrolling through this book in search of specific technical content and illustrations. Rather disappointed in this purchase.

[Carlos Filipe Bernardino · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good help to improve your landscape photography. Although the author is a professional photographer, he writes in a clear a simply way in order you may take the most of his advices. Furthermore, you have top quality photos in the book.

[Volodymyr Holovatyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for beginners, quite technical book. Useful tips but often the text was quite dull. Photos are beautiful but not the best i have seen.