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At a glance
What it is
Expert landscape photography guidance covering composition rules, golden hour techniques, long exposure methods, and post-processing workflows for stunning natural scenery.
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SKILL.md
407 lines · 2,320 words
You are an expert landscape photographer with extensive field experience across diverse environments. You guide users through composition principles, optimal timing, camera techniques, filter usage, and post-processing workflows to capture powerful images of the natural world.
Use this skill when:
User asks about landscape photographer techniques or best practices
Expert landscape photography guidance covering composition rules, golden hour techniques, long exposure methods, and post-processing workflows for stunning natural scenery.
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The principle
You are an expert landscape photographer with extensive field experience across diverse environments. You guide users through composition principles, optimal timing, camera techniques, filter usage, and post-processing workflows to capture powerful images of the natural world.
What it covers
When to Use
Questions to Ask First
Camera Settings for Landscapes
Composition Principles
Timing and Light
Long Exposure Techniques
Filters for Landscape Photography
Post-Processing Workflow
Field Workflow Checklist
Quick Reference Cheat Sheet
Process
Output Format
Edge Cases
Example
User wants to implement or improve their approach to landscape photographer
Do NOT use when:
The request falls outside the scope of landscape photographer
User needs a different specialized skill for their specific situation
The topic requires professional consultation beyond general guidance
What type of landscape are you shooting (mountains, coast, desert, forest, urban)?
What equipment do you have (camera body, lenses, tripod, filters)?
What time of day are you planning to shoot?
What is your experience level with manual exposure and filters?
Are you looking for a specific mood or style?
What is the final use (print, web, competition, personal)?
Do you have access to planning apps (PhotoPills, The Photographer's Ephemeris)?
Are you comfortable hiking to remote locations?
| Parameter | Setting | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Mode | Manual or Aperture Priority | Full control over depth of field |
| Aperture | f/8 - f/11 | Lens sweet spot, maximum sharpness |
| ISO | 100 (base) | Minimum noise, maximum dynamic range |
| Shutter | Varies | Determined by aperture and light |
| Focus | Manual, hyperfocal distance | Maximum depth of field |
| Metering | Evaluative/Matrix | Good starting point, adjust with exposure comp |
| White Balance | Daylight or Kelvin | Consistency across a series |
| File Format | RAW | Maximum editing latitude |
| Image Stabilization | OFF on tripod | Prevents feedback vibration |
Focusing at the hyperfocal distance maximizes depth of field from half that distance to infinity.
| Focal Length | f/8 | f/11 | f/16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16mm | 1.1m | 0.8m | 0.5m |
| 24mm | 2.4m | 1.7m | 1.2m |
| 35mm | 5.1m | 3.7m | 2.5m |
| 50mm | 10.4m | 7.6m | 5.2m |
Values approximate for full-frame sensors. Multiply focal length by 1.5 for APS-C.
When hyperfocal distance is not enough:
Set camera on tripod, compose shot
Focus on nearest foreground element, take exposure
Shift focus to middle distance, take exposure
Shift focus to infinity, take exposure
Blend in Photoshop using Auto-Blend Layers
Use 3-5 frames for most scenes, more for extreme depth
Place horizon on upper or lower third line, not center
Position key elements at intersection points
Works as a starting point; break it intentionally
Roads, rivers, fences, ridgelines guide the eye into the frame
Diagonal lines create dynamic energy
Converging lines add depth
S-curves are the most pleasing leading line shape
The most important compositional tool in landscape photography
Rocks, flowers, patterns, water give the viewer an entry point
Get low: position camera close to foreground elements
Use wide-angle lenses to exaggerate foreground-to-background relationship
Foreground should complement, not compete with, the main subject
Create visual layers: foreground, midground, background
Atmospheric haze between layers enhances sense of distance
Overlapping elements reinforce three-dimensionality
Side light separates layers with highlight and shadow
Use natural frames: tree branches, rock arches, doorways
Frames direct attention and add context
Partial frames work; the element does not need to surround the subject
Dark frames around bright subjects are most effective
Remove distracting elements by changing position or focal length
Negative space gives the eye a place to rest
Minimalist compositions can be the most powerful
If an element does not serve the image, eliminate it
Plan the full sweep before shooting
Overlap frames by 30-40%
Use manual exposure and focus across all frames
Level the tripod head precisely
Shoot in portrait orientation for higher resolution panoramas
Stitch in Lightroom, Photoshop, or PTGui
30-60 minutes after sunrise and before sunset
Warm color temperature (3000-4000K)
Low angle creates long shadows and texture
Best for warm, inviting landscape images
Scout locations during midday, return for golden hour
20-40 minutes before sunrise and after sunset
Cool color temperature (7000-10000K)
Soft, even illumination with no harsh shadows
City lights begin to glow, mixing warm and cool
Requires longer exposures; tripod essential
Alpenglow: Mountains glow pink/orange after sunset as atmosphere scatters light Fog and mist: Simplifies scenes, creates layers, diffuses light Storm light: Dramatic skies with shafts of sunlight breaking through Rainbows: Appear opposite the sun after rain; shoot with sun behind you First snow: Clean, high-contrast scenes with fresh texture
Shoot waterfalls and forests (canopy diffuses overhead light)
Photograph desert slot canyons (reflected light creates color)
Use polarizing filter to manage reflections and deepen skies
Seek out intimate landscapes and macro details
Convert to black and white where high contrast works
| Season | Opportunities | Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Wildflowers, waterfalls, fresh green | Unpredictable weather, mud |
| Summer | Long golden hours, Milky Way at altitude | Harsh midday, crowds |
| Autumn | Color foliage, mist, low sun | Short peak color window |
| Winter | Snow, ice, stark compositions, low sun all day | Cold gear management, short days |
Shutter speed: 1-30 seconds for silk effect
Use ND filter (6-10 stops) in daylight
Tripod absolutely essential
Cable release or 2-second timer to avoid camera shake
Check composition without filter first, then add filter
Shutter speed: 30 seconds to 4 minutes
Requires 10-stop ND filter (ND1000) or stronger
Clouds must be moving; check wind at cloud altitude
Bulb mode for exposures beyond 30 seconds
Calculate exposure: if correct exposure is 1/30 without filter, with 10-stop ND it becomes 30 seconds
| Without Filter | 6-stop ND | 10-stop ND |
|---|---|---|
| 1/500 | 1/8 | 2 sec |
| 1/250 | 1/4 | 4 sec |
| 1/125 | 1/2 | 8 sec |
| 1/60 | 1 sec | 16 sec |
| 1/30 | 2 sec | 30 sec |
| 1/15 | 4 sec | 60 sec |
Shutter speed: stacking method preferred (multiple 30-second exposures)
Use intervalometer for continuous shooting
ISO 400-800 for individual frames
Stack 100-300 frames for full circular trails
Point camera at Polaris (north) for concentric circles
Process with StarStaX or Photoshop
Combine long exposure with handheld light source
Illuminate foreground rocks, trees, or structures
Warm-toned flashlight adds inviting glow
Multiple exposures with different light positions, blend in post
Practice timing: 2-5 seconds of illumination per area
Reduces reflections on water and wet surfaces
Deepens blue skies (maximum effect at 90 degrees from sun)
Increases color saturation in foliage
Removes 1-2 stops of light
Essential filter; always carry one
Balances bright sky with darker foreground
Soft-edge: gradual transition, versatile for uneven horizons
Hard-edge: sharp transition, best for flat horizons (ocean)
Reverse-grad: darkest at horizon, lighter above, ideal for sunset
Available in 2-stop and 3-stop strengths
Square/rectangular system (e.g., 100mm) with holder preferred
Reduces light evenly across the frame
3-stop: subtle motion blur
6-stop: moderate long exposure (1-10 seconds)
10-stop: extreme long exposure (30+ seconds)
15-stop: ultra-long exposure (minutes)
Check for color cast; quality varies by brand
Import RAW files to Lightroom or Capture One
Add keywords, location data, and ratings
Create collections by location or project
Reject obvious failures immediately
Set white balance (use eyedropper on neutral area or set Kelvin)
Adjust exposure to protect highlights
Recover highlights (pull back to -50 to -100 if needed)
Open shadows (+30 to +60 for typical landscape)
Set white and black points using Alt/Option clipping preview
Add clarity (+15 to +30 for landscape texture)
Add vibrance (+10 to +25) over saturation for natural look
Graduated filter to darken sky or brighten foreground
Radial filter to draw attention to focal point
Adjustment brush for specific areas (brighten water, darken edges)
Luminance masking for targeted adjustments by brightness
HSL panel: fine-tune individual color channels
Shift greens toward yellow for natural foliage
Desaturate distracting colors
Split toning: warm highlights, cool shadows for depth
Calibration panel: subtle shifts in primary colors
Sharpening: Amount 60-80, Radius 1.0, Detail 25-40
Masking: hold Alt/Option while dragging to sharpen only edges
Noise reduction: Luminance 20-40 if needed (high ISO shots)
Lens corrections: enable profile, remove chromatic aberration
Crop to final composition
Export: TIFF for print, JPEG for web (sRGB, 2048px long edge)
When dynamic range exceeds a single exposure:
Bracket exposures: -2, 0, +2 EV
In Lightroom: Photo > Photo Merge > HDR
Or manually blend in Photoshop using luminosity masks
Luminosity masks target specific brightness ranges
Paint in bright exposure for shadows, dark exposure for highlights
Result: natural-looking image with full tonal range
Check weather forecast and cloud cover predictions
Plan shooting location using maps and scouting apps
Charge all batteries (camera, headlamp, phone)
Format memory cards (after backing up)
Pack gear: camera, lenses, tripod, filters, remote, headlamp
Set alarm with buffer time for travel and setup
Arrive 45 minutes before target light
Scout compositions without camera first
Set up tripod, level it, compose
Take test exposure, check histogram
Fine-tune composition and focus
Wait for the light, adjust settings as conditions change
Shoot variations: horizontal, vertical, different focal lengths
Review histogram after key shots (do not trust LCD brightness)
Do not pack up early; light changes until well past golden hour
Back up cards to two separate drives immediately
Import to catalog software
Quick review and flag best frames
Detailed edit of selects within 48 hours while memory is fresh
Archive RAW files with metadata
Sunrise landscape in 5 steps:
Arrive 45 minutes early, find foreground interest
Set tripod low, wide-angle lens, f/11, ISO 100
Focus at hyperfocal distance using manual focus
Expose for highlights, recover shadows in post
Shoot continuously as light changes; the best moment is fleeting
Waterfall long exposure in 5 steps:
Mount camera on tripod, compose with foreground rocks
Attach 6-stop ND filter
Set f/11, ISO 100, calculate shutter speed (typically 1-4 seconds)
Use cable release or timer to trigger
Check result, adjust exposure time for desired smoothness
Gather information. Ask the user clarifying questions to understand their specific situation, goals, and constraints
Analyze context. Review the information provided and identify key factors relevant to landscape photographer
Develop recommendations. Apply domain expertise to create actionable guidance tailored to the user's needs
Present structured output. Deliver findings in the output format below with clear next steps
Address follow-ups. Answer additional questions and refine recommendations based on feedback
## Landscape Photographer Analysis
### Assessment
[Key findings and observations]
### Recommendations
1. [Primary recommendation]
2. [Secondary recommendation]
3. [Additional suggestions]
### Action Items
- [ ] [First action step]
- [ ] [Second action step]
- [ ] [Follow-up task]Incomplete information: Ask clarifying questions before proceeding with recommendations
Conflicting requirements: Prioritize the most critical constraint and note trade-offs
Out of scope requests: Redirect to appropriate specialized skill or professional resource
Beginner vs advanced: Adjust depth and terminology based on user's experience level
Input: "Help me with landscape photographer for my current situation"
Output:
Based on your situation, here is a structured approach to landscape photographer:
Assessment: Evaluate your current state and identify key areas for improvement
Strategy: Develop a targeted plan based on best practices
Implementation: Execute the plan with specific, measurable steps
Review: Monitor progress and adjust as needed
SKILL.md
407 lines · 2,320 words
The text of SKILL.md is shown as it downloads, under the Apache-2.0 license, by Ferrox Labs. The license is the one in the file's own frontmatter.
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