TECHNIQUE ASSESSMENT

SHOOT AT f/8!

Tom M says… Tom was using Manual exposure mode, but for landscape photography shutter speeds are incidental as you’re using a tripod, so I prefer Aperture Priority mode. It gives you one less thing to worry about. My go-to aperture is f/8, as this gives the optimum sharpness on most lenses.

CHECK THE HISTOGRAM

Tom M says… After each and every shot I encouraged Tom to check the histogram on the back of the camera display to ensure we weren’t blowing the highlights in the clouds or on the horizon. It’s very quick to then dial in a little exposure compensation to bring the exposure back within the limits.

AUTO/MANUAL FOCUS

Tom M says… Tom was focusing manually, but my eyes aren’t that good! I first of all use autofocus to lock onto the subject I want, then flick the switch on the camera to manual focus so that I can recompose before taking the shot. I generally focus on the subject itself, as an f/8 aperture and wide angle will give you a decent depth of field.