What is landscape photography?
- Jan 30
- 3 min read
Landscape photography is the practice of capturing natural scenes in a way that reflects not just how a place looks, but how it feels to be there. It goes beyond photographing beautiful places and focuses on light, mood, and atmosphere to tell a story about a moment in time. For me, New England landscape photography has a way of slowing me down and reminding me to really see the world around me. These landscapes have taught me patience, how to find the story in the light, and the importance of staying open to a sense of wonder.
1. What is landscape photography?
Landscape photography is the art of photographing natural environments, including mountains, forests, coastlines, rivers, and other scenic locations, to capture their beauty, mood, and atmosphere. From sweeping coastlines and quiet forest clearings to rolling hills and mountain views, landscape photography is my way of creating images that invite you to step back into the scene.
Whether I’m standing beside a lighthouse in Maine or resting on a quiet New England beach as the sun peeks over the horizon, I’m always trying to capture that fleeting moment when weather and light come together to create the perfect shot. It’s this mix of technical observation and emotional connection that makes landscape photography so endlessly fascinating and fulfilling.
2. Why I’m drawn to landscape photography
Landscape photography has a way of slowing life down and inviting me to notice the small, often overlooked details of the natural world. It’s about connecting with the light, the atmosphere, and the feeling of being fully present in a moment. That connection is what keeps me returning to my camera again and again.
New England landscape photography holds a special place in my heart because this region is rich with ever-changing light, dramatic coastlines, and quiet inland forests that shift color with the seasons. It’s a place where every sunrise feels unique, every shoreline has its own story, and every trail leads to a moment worth capturing.
3. New England landscape photography: Capturing mood, light, and place
One of the simplest ways to improve your New England landscape photography is to pay attention to light. Early mornings and late afternoons, the golden hours, often create the most magical mood, whether you’re seeking warm sunlight spilling across a field or soft mist drifting over a lake.
Another tip is to look for layers and depth in a scene: foreground elements like rocks, wildflowers, or trees can give your image a sense of scale and draw the viewer into the landscape. And don’t forget to move around; sometimes the best shot isn’t straight ahead but slightly off to the side, or from a higher or lower perspective.
And finally, be prepared to embrace New England’s unpredictable weather! Mist, snow, rain, or clouds can add atmosphere and drama that a sunny day never could. By observing how the light interacts with these elements and being patient enough to wait for the right moment, you can translate the emotion of the scene into your photographs.
Hi, I’m Erica Joy, and photography has been a way for me to foster connections, find my calm, and spark my creativity. Every time I set up my camera, whether I’m capturing a quintessential New England scene or wonders around the world, my goal is to preserve not only the beauty in front of me but also the emotions it stirs within me. Whether you’re interested in landscape photography, browsing my art prints, joining me for workshops or community events, or commissioning a custom print, I’d love to help you connect with the beauty of the world.
If you enjoyed this article, you might also like “What is composition in photography?”.
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