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I made a lot of mistakes on my recent trip to Saskatchewan and I missed some quality landscape photos. But I still came home with a stack of keepers and some lessons learned in the process. Here’s a quick rundown of what my first stab at landscapes has taught me:

Don’t Forget Your Tripod

Yeah, I know, I’m braindead. Thankfully I didn’t forget it in Vancouver, but I did forget it at my Aunt’s farm on my second day in Saskatchewan. That completely killed plans to get up early the next morning with my dad.

We planned to go out to a nearby hill for sunrise shots. The trip wasn’t a total loss, but I was pretty mad at myself for making such a stupid mistake and costing myself photo opportunities.

Bracket Like It’s Going Out Style

You’re dealing with a really wide tonal range and we all know how reliable in-camera metering systems can be. I recommend that you bracket all your shots. I had good luck going with + or -2/3 of a stop, but it’s best to experiment and find out where you’re most comfortable.

Bring Double the Memory You Think You Need

This is important; you don’t want to have to be sitting there in the field trying to decide which photos to delete to make room for more. You’re going to need a lot of storage, partially because you’ll be bracketing and partially because you’re just going to be overwhelmed with the number of subjects out there.

Dedicate Your Trip to Landscape Photography

Other than eating and sleeping, everything else is just going to get in your way. I didn’t have much of a choice, since the real reason for the trip was my cousin’s wedding. I did notice that it was often hard to find time for photos and get all the shots I want because I had other obligations. Ideally, you should plan for a trip with no distractions.

Set Aside a Week for Processing When You Return

I failed to do this one as well. I’ve been back for two weeks and I still haven’t begun processing images from the trip. It doesn’t have to be a week off work, but budget spare time throughout the week after your return. It’ll make a big difference in how many people see your images, because most people will be checking for them on your site in that first week.

For those who are curious about the images, I do apologize but I am getting to them. It’s just been hectic since I returned to the West Coast. I will keep you posted!

Related Articles:

• Saskatchewan Landscape Photography Update
• Preparing for Saskatchewan: My First Attempt at Landscape Photography

Blazing Clouds by Wendy

I am counting down the hours until I get on the plane to Saskatchewan. I’m a bit embarrassed, but I’m almost more excited about my first landscape photography outing than for my cousin’s wedding. Thankfully, she doesn’t read this site. My secret is safe with you…

I’ve gotten most of my photographic affairs in order, leaving me time to focus on minor details such as my suit, dress shoes, and packing. You know; all the little things. Before I set everything in stone, I’d love to get reader feedback on what I’ve decided to take with me!

Lenses for Landscape Photography

The two most popular lenses recommended to me from my previous post were the Sigma 10-20mm and the Canon 17-40mm. I tried out the Sigma on a one day rental a couple weeks ago and I had a lot of fun with it. It was a lot of fun to play with, particularly for my Celebration of Light fireworks photos.

In the end, I’ve settled on the Canon 17-40mm lens. It’s going to be doing double-duty for some wedding photos and the distortion on the Sigma is much harsher than on the Canon. I’m also worried about an inability to zoom in and keep certain elements out of the frame with the Sigma.

What’s in my Camera Bag

Here’s what I’ve decided I can cart around on my back without dying of heat exhaustion:

• Canon Digital Rebel XT
• Canon 17-40mm F/4L (rented)
• Canon 50mm F/1.8 w/polarizer
• Canon 18-55mm kit lens w/polarizer
• Velbon Tripod
• 3 CF cards, totaling 7GB or about 900 RAW photos
• 2 Bottles of water
• 3 Snacks
• Misc: Cell phone, Ball bungees, camera manual, lens caps, uv filters, sunscreen

So to all of my readers, beginner and pros alike, I pose the question: “What am I missing?“

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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