When you first get into landscape photography, it seems like the only lens you want to use is a wide angle lens.
Wide angle lenses are great and they provide unique compositions of the outdoor scene. However, long lenses give photographers the most versatility and creativity for landscape photography because of their reach and how they can compress distances. The ability to compress space allows photographers to photograph jaw-dropping vistas as well as intimate small scenes.
In this video class, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to use a long lens for landscape photography so you can expand your creative vision beyond the wide angle lens.
We’ll take you into the field to dissect the different kinds of long lens landscapes, composition techniques you can use to improve your long lens photography, and how to use compression to your advantage. We will also address how to create abstract photos and detail shots with a long lens.
In addition to the detailed video instruction you will receive, this class will provide you with some free downloadable PDF resources including a Class Guide that you can use to follow along and better visualize the long lens principles we will be discussing. You’ll also receive a resource to better visualize how to simplify your long lens landscape photography compositions.
After the class, you’ll have the confidence to put the wide angle lens away and multiply the different kinds of long lens landscape photographs you can create in a single location.
NOTE: You’ll receive this Class video instruction in two forms: As on-demand streaming video (in your OPG Account); and as a physical DVD, mailed to you.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Long Lens Basics
9:48
Long lens landscape photography can look very different than what you may be used to with a wide angle lens. In this session, we will look at how a long lens can create a distortion of compression in space and how you can use that to your advantage.
Session 2: Types of Long Lens Landscapes
17:50
There are multiple types of images that you can create with a long lens. In this session, we’ll go in the field to explore how to create several completely different types of images in a single place so you can learn how versatile a long lens can be.
Session 3: Framing Your Shot
10:33
Throughout this Class, you’ll hear the word compression over and over. To use compression best, you also need to learn how your subjects interact with one another within the frame. In this session we’ll explore how lines and shapes can be framed differently to create visually pleasing photos and repetitions.
Session 4: Simplify Your Compositions
10:51
Long lens photography creates some beautiful compression that can add a lot of interest to a composition. However, with compression also comes chaos and distracting elements. In this session, we’ll explore the best compositional guideline to use when creating long lens compositions that will help you simplify your image.
Session 5: Small Scenes
10:28
While grand vistas have the ability to amaze people, small scenes have the ability to make people stop and explore your photos. For this session, we will create two kinds of small scenes that are most popular with a long lens.
Session 6: Creating Depth
9:42
Compression has a tendency to look flat sometimes. Using depth in your photographs can separate your subjects and make long lens compression more interesting. In this final Class session, we’ll see how natural windows and weather can impact depth in your compositions.
Your Instructor
David Johnston
David Johnston is a professional outdoor photographer located in the beautiful state of Tennessee. He is most familiar with photographing older mountain landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains, and occasionally ventures into other locations around the world to capture amazing outdoor scenes. David began his passion of photography in high school where he learned to photograph with film cameras and develop his own prints in the darkroom. However, after college he switched to digital photography and began his business photographing the outdoors as well as teaching people how to improve their skills in outdoor photography. When David isn’t traveling and taking photos, he’s just like you! He enjoys lounging on the couch, watching sports, and spending time with his wife and friends.
Bonus Material
Class Guide PDF
Download and print this detailed supplement as a reference to help visualize long lens principles you'll see in the Class
Class Supplement PDF
Print this handy reference sheet for some tips on how to simplify your long lens compositions
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, David Johnston
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Outdoor Photography Guide to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on OPG Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great photography videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
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First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
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How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
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Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and OPG contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
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Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
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