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Preparing for Saskatchewan: My First Attempt at Landscape Photography
A Georgian in Saskatchewan by Space Ritual
This summer I’m taking a brief vacation to attend my cousin’s wedding in Saskatchewan. Of course family takes priority, but I’m hoping to use the wee hours of the mornings to make my first serious attempt at landscape photography.
While I’m excited, I’m also pretty nervous. After all, I’ve never done landscape photography before; it’s a completely new field of photography to me. To that end, I’m going to outline a few of my thoughts and concerns in this post. Then I’m going to throw myself on the mercy of my readers and hope it all turns out.
…No, you can’t have my camera after I die.
Landscape Photography Camera Equipment
I’ll be taking along my trusty Rebel XT body, a 50mm f/1.8 , the 18-55mm kit lens, and my Velbon tripod. I’m very strongly considering a lens rental for the week, but I’m worried about limiting my shooting options. Whatever lens I choose might wind up doing double duty for wedding photos.
I’m currently considering renting the Canon 24-105L f/4, the Canon 70-200L f/4 or the 17-40L f/4. Noticing a pattern yet? I love Canon ‘L’ glass and I ain’t ashamed to admit it.
Where in Saskatchewan is Carmen Sandiego?
I will almost entirely be shooting in the area between Swift Current and Stewart Valley in southern Saskatchewan. Here’s a virulently green Google Map of the area. I’m at my relatives’ mercy with regards to vehicles, so I expect to be walking around a lot. The nearby river to the north looks like it might have some interesting photo opportunities and it’s only about ten clicks, so it’s looking like my best bet.
Trip Planning
Obviously I’m going to need to keep an eye on the weather and plan for a situation where I’m stuck hoofing it the entire time. I’m determined to pack light in case I’m out hiking for hours, while still bringing the essentials. Small snacks, a bottle of water, my cell phone and a flashlight will all have a place in my bag.
Recommended Reading for Landscape Photography
I’ve read a few articles on landscape photography, but nothing beyond a ‘ten great tips for’ style of post. I have yet to read about the field in any sort of depth.
This is where you come in. What do you consider to be essential reading before I get on the plane? What else should I study or prepare for?
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Brian Auer Said,
July 23, 2007 @ 9:30 pm
I don’t know about the reading part, I haven’t really come across any dedicated landscape resources or books. When it comes to lenses, though, you might look into something WIDE. I have a blast with my 10-20 zoom, especially at the 10mm end.
Erin Said,
July 23, 2007 @ 10:56 pm
Heya! Long time no chat! When’s the wedding and how’re you getting there? If it’s in late September you could prolly catch a ride with Jer :)
Grums Said,
July 23, 2007 @ 11:37 pm
You use the same equipment as me, but I have been thinking about buying a Sigma 10-20mm F/4-5.6 EX DC HSM for landscape photography. Read review here: http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Sigma-10-20mm-f4-56-EX-DC
What do you think?
andrea Said,
July 24, 2007 @ 1:05 am
Hey, my sister just told me this when she was driving to manitoba with my dad a few weeks ago, that might be a neat thing to see/take shots of. Apparently fields of canola can create fog around dusk, because of the way that the plants hold the heat from the sun differently than other crops.
Brian Larter Said,
July 24, 2007 @ 5:14 am
If you are considering landscape then you need wide. But your 18-55 sort of covers that but it’s a very soft lens. I would suggest the 17-40mm. I own one and am currently using it for almost everything. Great studio lens for my small studio and perfect for landscapes. But if you want to go really wide take a look at the 10-22mm which I know leos rents as well. You have the 50mm for your wedding shots anyway, just not a lot of candids.
Denear Said,
July 24, 2007 @ 6:56 am
17-40mm f4L would be my first choice. My second choice would be 24-105mm f4L.
Have a great time, and bring lots of CF cards.
Andrew Ferguson Said,
July 30, 2007 @ 12:35 pm
Wow! It looks like the Sigma 10-20mm and Canon 17-40mm are by far the most popular lenses. I’m interested in both, but I’m a bit skeptical of the Sigma’s limited range. I’m worried that I won’t be able to crop out a power cable or something by zooming in.
@Brian Auer: Wide seems to be the consensus. I don’t know if I can handle sticking to as wide as 10-20 all the time, but I’ll see. I might rent that lens ahead of time to get a feel for it.
@Erin: It’s in August, I’m afraid, and I’ve already got my plane ticket. Thanks for the offer, though! :)
@Grums: Thanks for the review link. Ephoto’s not my first choice for lens review, but it’s good to get a second opinion. I like the range of the lens but the softness mid-range is a bit of a worry. Like I said to Brian, I might rent it before the trip to get a feel for it.
Andrew Ferguson Said,
July 30, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
@Andrea: That’s really cool! I’ll have to ask my relatives if there’s any canola fields near Swift Current. I’m totally unfamilair with the area, I haven’t
@Brian Larter: The 18-55 is ridiculously soft sometimes, it’s like being stuck in Soap-Opera-Vision ™. It’s true that I have the 50mm, I guess it comes down to opening up that extra 7mm with the 10-20 and sacrificing 20mm at the other end, or the other way around.
@Denear: Man people love that 17-40! Thanks, man. I’ll take the two I’ve got and *maybe* purchase a third while I’m there.