The frustrations of landscape photography

[C Henry]

I shoot close ups on 6x6.
But wide landscape shots always at 4x5 or 6x12cm.

You are not able to show details in a 8x10 photo.[/QUOTE

In my opinion it has nothing to do with format.

I'm in Wiltshire. The majority of my photographic endeavours are within 10 miles from home... and still I see the best light while driving!

It is frustrating, but that's the battle, and the fun comes from capturing mother nature off guard

 

[Lol999]

Ted, I don't know about the types of tree but there are enough to shake a stick at in Clumber Park in North Notts, plus a nice lake and old church and you can get in there any time you like.

Cheers, Lol

 

[Martin Aislabie]

I have been shooting the same small bit of the North Yorkshire Dales for more than 25 years - and every time I am suprised.
I have stopped trying to pre-visualise my shots - it never works - there are just too many variables that are outside our control
I find the best thing to do is to relax when I get there, sit down, take in the mood of the place and then start to look at whats around you that day.
I have never yet come home without taking a shot - something is always available in this time/season/weather/light combination - but it is rarely what I thought it might be what I could shoot when I set off.
There are some days when the light is right and everything is photogenic.
Other days are a lot more challanging.
I have shot the same thing (a waterfall) from almost exeactly the same place at the same time of day, at the same time of year, in the same kind of weather - and never got anywhere near the same shot.
Part of it is me - what sort of mood am I in affects what and how I shoot.
But I never come back from a days photogrpahy without feeling a lot better than when I set off in the morning.
It is flustrating - I am still chasing one particular shot - and it never happens - one of the elements is not quite right - but what the heck - there is always tomorow or even next year
In the mean time, I look around and see what else is good to shoot today
Martin

 

[ted_smith]

Thanks everyone. Useful views and experiences there. Maybe I am trying too hard then

 

[Leon]

I cant really add much to what has been said, other than dont expect a certain condition and you wont be dissappointed when it's not as you were hoping - make the most of what is presented to you ... if the sky isnt right for sweeping vistas, pick out some detail shots that dont include it, if the contrast is too great inside the woods (as it often is during daylight) either go back when ti;s much flatter lighting or get out from under the trees - there is often some great shots to be had on the edge of the forest.

Willie - any format can be used with success in landscape work, it's about learning to work within the limits.