The Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape Photography, Third Edition

Learn how to convert “visual peak experiences”—moments of extraordinary natural beauty that evoke a sense of wonder and awe—into stunning photographs with Glenn Randall’s expert guidance.

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, let best-selling author and experienced wilderness photographer Glenn Randall be your guide, as he explains the art, science, and craft behind creating stunning landscape photographs.

This fully updated edition includes nearly all new imagery throughout the book, as well as a new chapter, "Refining Your Field Technique," that cover topics such as safety, how to best take advantage of the newest generation of mirrorless cameras in the field, why and how to use rear-button focus, dealing with cold weather, and how to work with a compass and maps. Additionally, this third edition takes into account how Randall's techniques have changed and evolved since the first two editions published—from photographic practices to how he uses smartphones and apps as important and powerful tools for landscape photography.

The book begins with a discussion of photographic essentials, then 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 include:

• 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: Digital Photography Fundamentals

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: Refining Your Field Technique

Chapter 9: Digital Capture and Processing of High-Contrast Scenes

Chapter 10: Talk a Walk on the Wide Side

Chapter 11: The Landscape at Night

Chapter 12: The Psychology of the Compelling Landscape

Index