Tip of the Day: Moody Landscapes

Good landscape photos convey more than just the look of a place. To go beyond the postcard shot, a picture has to show the character and personality of the location. Here are a few ways to add some emotion to your landscapes.

•  If the place feels moody and brooding, try waiting for dark and dramatic clouds.

•  At the edge of a storm, you can get beautifully glowing beams of light set against a dark, cloud-filled background.

•  At the edge of a fog bank, look for interesting foreground subjects that stand apart from the misty, distraction-free background.

Adapted from The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Nature Photography by Jim Miotke
(AMPhoto Books, 2007; $25)