Rolling landscapes
published: Sunday | October 12, 2003
- Howard Moo Young The use of the polarising filter emphasises the clouds against the blue skies. The placement of the island on the right side and horizon line above the centre contributes to a pleasing composition.
Howard Moo Young, Contributor
JAMAICA OFFERS a variety of unique landscapes. From the majestic Blue Mountains, through the island's green valleys, down to the golden beaches, our stunning landscapes create panoramic images of rare beauty, begging to be photographed. Our many rivers, waterfalls and mineral springs flow from natural sources that could probably fill a dozen more dams. It's no wonder our native Arawaks named our island The Land of Wood and Water.
Before you pack your camera bag with lots of film and head to the mountains or to your favourite falls, beach or beauty spot, here are a few suggestions that can probably help you get better pictures.
Every landscape should have a focal point. This is the centre of interest, the part of the picture your eye is drawn to. It can be a distant mountain, the bend in a river, or a clump of trees. Without a focal point, your landscape will likely fall flat.
One consideration frequently overlooked is where to place the horizon line. Where it falls in the picture frame strongly determines the emotional impact of many scenes. The classic positions are fairly central, but placing it very high or very low can be more exciting.
Make sure the subject is big enough. If you use a wide-angle lens, a distant focal point such as a mountain may be too small or the sea may seem to trail off into nothing but water. Your eye seeks a centre of interest. If there is none, it will simply wander off to infinity because there is nothing in the picture to hold your attention.
A small main subject can express the vastness and grandeur of a scene, but if this isn't your aim, move closer to the main subject and reframe the shot. If the main subject is still too far away or you can't get closer, use a longer lens.
Let the subject guide your approach. If the main subject area contains people, experiment with placing them nearer or farther from the camera to achieve different-sized images. Some images can be more effective if they look large and overpowering. Small figures emphasise the vastness of a woodland area.
Pay attention to subject placement. Impressive or dynamic subjects can often be centrally placed. Medium-sized landscaped images are usually more effective when placed off-centre.
Consider framing your subject. Dramatic central subjects generally don't require framing, but other landscape subjects are usually improved by framing. Without some framing, the main subject at a distance appears lost in the enlarged print. The foremost framing device is foliage. An arch, doorway, or natural rock formation can also serve as a useful frame to lead the viewer's eye.
Keep the frame in focus. In landscape photography, it's important that both the frame and the subject be sharp. Visually, an out-of-focus frame is usually disturbing and draws attention away from the main subject. If depth of field is insufficient, shift the focus point.
Create the illusion of depth. Giving the feeling of three-dimensional space enhances landscapes. Placing different subjects or framing elements at different planes helps the picture hold the viewer.
Use contrasting colours. A subject wearing a bright red, blue, or yellow shirt that's carefully placed within a landscape can perk up a dullish scene. Usually, such subjects should be kept at a sufficient distance within the picture frame or they will tend to take over and dominate the entire picture.
Keep your camera level by using a tripod. Almost all good landscapes are made with the camera as level as possible. Don't be tempted to point your lens up to far. If you do, you will create apparent perspective distortion, and objects will appear to be falling over backwards.
NOTE: This column recognises the recent loss of Jamaica's best-known aerial photographer, Jack Tyndale-Biscoe. He has left us a legacy of beautiful and outstanding aerial landscape photographs of our island.
Jack was a true professional who was always willing to impart his knowledge to others.
As one who has used his services many times over the years, and as president of the Photography Club of Jamaica, which has benefited from his workshops, I extend condolences to his family at this time.
Howard Moo Young is a graphic design/photography consultant. Please send your comments and requests to mooimages@yahoo.com
