Pierre Steenberg

Human elements in landscape images

January 29, 2017 • Leave a Comment

Many purists who shoot landscape images believe that genuine landscape photography is not to include any man-made elements. I was taught this way, but I no longer subscribe to that view. Human impact is part of the landscape. There are fences and roads and all sorts of things. Should we not shoot what we see as long as the human element aids the co...

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Framing an image

January 22, 2017 • Leave a Comment

Adding compositional objects on the edges of an image can help create a frame to keep the viewer's attention inside your image. Trees work well for this purpose. Fences, fence posts and other objects work as well. Here is an example: The trees on either side of the snow capped mountain help to create a frame. The viewer's eyes will want to go thro...

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Dodge and Burn

January 15, 2017 • Leave a Comment

Yes, even in the digital age dodging and burning is still necessary. In fact, dodging and burning can make an image. The scene below was taken in less than ideal lighting conditions. Even the location itself is not that great. So what helps to at least make something of this image? I attempted to create a bit of depth and add some interest by dodg...

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Composing for harmony

January 08, 2017 • Leave a Comment

Let's take a look at the image below: This location offers a bit of moving room (if it is not lined with other photographers). I have seen and taken images of this scene from a few different angles. Of all of the images I have of this location, I like this composition the best because it is harmonious. The trees on each side of the frame are the t...

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Rain and drama

January 01, 2017 • Leave a Comment

Most people head for shelter when the rain comes. Pro's drive in as the others leave. We are always seeking drama. We seek something different; something that others cannot or are not willing to shoot. We are out in rain, snow, hail, you name it. Here is an image taken of rain: So how do we maximize our chances of getting a great image when storms...

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What iconic image?

December 25, 2016 • Leave a Comment

Last week I spoke about the T.A. Moulton barn on Mormon row in the Grand Tetons National Park. What would you do if you went to a famous place where an iconic image is but you cannot photograph the main feature of the iconic image? Here I was at THE barn; the most photographed barn in the USA - if not the world. I challenged myself to get an image...

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Get something a bit different

December 18, 2016 • Leave a Comment

Iconic images are iconic for a reason; they are just great compositions at great places. Getting that trophy image may be on your wishlist. So you go to the right place at the right time and you get the right image. Now what? Can you get more than one image there? How about challenging yourself to get something a bit different? How about going to t...

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Reflections and composition

December 11, 2016 • Leave a Comment

Landscape photography is not always about great big open spaces. Telephoto lenses can also produce nice landscape images. We do not always need large open areas to get decent images. Interest can be generated by reflections and composition. Here is an image with reflections. The light is nice and so too is the color. The colorful tree on the left...

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Wait for the break in the storm

December 04, 2016 • Leave a Comment

Some storms are dramatic with clouds and lightning. Many storms where I live are boring during the storm because the entire sky is just drab and gray. These storm can last for a day or more. Mostly, there is really nothing to shoot is such conditions (unless you go small; flowers, etc.). However, I still get excited when storms come. When storms co...

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The show is not over till it is over

November 27, 2016 • Leave a Comment

Many photographers get the image they want and then they leave. At other times, when it does not seem as if the elements are going to cooperate, many photographers simply leave early. I do not leave when I have the image I want, nor do I leave when the weather seems to deliberately sabotage photographers (unless there is really, REALLY no hope). Co...

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