Most would agree that Europe is a beautiful continent that boasts incredible natural diversity. From historical cities to its mountain ranges and rivers, the landscapes of Europe are simply impressive.
Regardless of your heritage or the land of your birth, European landscapes offer wide appeal. From the 18th and 19th centuries, when tourists first began to travel the world, there has been a high regard for the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.
Fortunately, even though the planet is challenged by climate change, the best landscapes in Europe remain unchanged and available for photographers to capture. A quick look at the famous travel guide, Lonely Planet, locations like the Scottish Highlands, Dolomites, Italian Coast, and French Riviera are all recommended landscapes in Europe to visit and experience.
Of course, these are not all and, in this article, you can expect to find tips to help you shoot some of the best landscapes in Europe.
So, if you want to hone your photography skills and experience the world at the same time, keep reading for how to shoot landscapes of the world.
Want to give private lessons?
Join the Superprof community and share your knowledge with inquiring and motivated students.
Defining Landscape Photography
While appreciators of art have always supported landscape photography, the digital revolution has contributed to its certain boom. Thanks to the internet and social media platforms, previously unseen locations including the most beautiful landscapes in Europe are now easily found online. Of course, this is not the same as experiencing or shooting European landscapes in person, but it does provide excellent reference material for inspiration and travel ideas.
But what is the definition of a landscape photograph?
Landscapes can include or not include a human element, however, they are mostly known for their awe-inspiring scenery of nature.
Having said this, not all landscapes are of scenic rolling hills and great horizons. Some landscapes in Europe offer interest value for different reasons.
If you want to check out more non-traditional landscapes consider landscape photography in the United States of America.
Distinguishing Features of a Great Landscape Photograph
It takes a lot more than just a beautiful landscape to ensure that a photograph is good and looks like a professional piece of art.
Even if you find yourself in the best landscapes in Europe, you will still need technical skills to ensure that the image itself is of a high standard. So, if you want to move on from point-and-shoot photography, make sure that you take lessons to find out about technical aspects like shutter speed, exposure and depth of field. Knowledge of this, all of which controls lighting and sharpness will take your photography from amateur to professional.
Learning techniques like these are best done with a photography teacher or even a private photography tutor who can hone in on the type of photography that interests you.
There is another essential ingredient that you will need whether you are shooting landscape of Europe or anywhere else in the world – patience.
Waiting for just the right moment during the day to shoot a landscape is imperative. Famous photographers like Colin Prior have spoken at length about the endless waiting that goes with achieving perfect levels or even the position of the clouds. Shooting wildlife requires even more patience to ensure that your subject lines up with the perfect position within the scene.
Remember that timing can turn an average photograph into a great one.
If you have all the time in the world, why not consider landscape photography in Asia.
The Best Landscapes in Europe for Photography
If the landscapes of Europe are beginning to appeal to you, you might be wondering exactly where to go to shoot some of the best images of your life. The truth is that the beautiful and unusual landscapes of Europe are in abundance, but here are just a few to inspire you.
The Scottish Highlands
Scotland might have a bad reputation for appalling weather and terrible cuisine, but it also boasts some of the most incredible landscapes in the world. From the rolling greens of the north to the ruggedness of the north, Scotland has endless landscapes of jaw-dropping beauty that are a gift to any photographer.
For examples of great landscapes in Europe – and Scotland in particular, take a look at the work of Colin Prior.
When it comes to less populated and incredibly beautiful landscapes, Scotland is simply sensational.
The Italian Dolomites
If you are researching the best landscapes of Europe, make sure that you check out the Italian Dolomites in the country’s eastern Alps. In fact, they are so astonishing that they are the first place where the word sublime was used.
There’s no doubt that the Italian Dolomites belong on a list of the best landscapes in Europe. Recognisable by their unusual incongruous rock formations that spike abruptly from rolling green farmlands, they are a popular destination for climbers, hikers, geologists and winter ski enthusiasts.
As one of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe, the Dolomites’ beauty is a combination of stone, tempestuous summer weather and vivid light conditions that change throughout the day. They are a great place to spend the day, but if you are looking for something slightly wilder, why not check out the varied landscapes of Africa.
Norway’s Fjords and Glaciers
The beauty of Norway is undisputed. Known for its gorgeous seawater lakes, fjords and unusual vertiginous terrain, it undoubtedly boasts some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe.
Norway has attracted landscape photographers since the invention of photography. If you are fortunate enough to make it to Norway, make sure you check out the green areas of Bergen. You could also head up north if you love the stark imagery created by snow, snow and even more snow.
France’s Provence
Areas that surely come to mind when considering European landscapes are the cliffs, seas and lavender fields of France’s Provence region. If you are a landscape photographer, the Camargue, which is Europe’s largest delta is alive with wildlife and scenic landscapes.
As a region characterised by many contrasts, Provence offers many different opportunities to hone landscape photography skills. If you are looking to take images of famous scenes make sure you head to L’Abbey de Senanque for the most impressive lavender scenes on earth.
Andalusia, Spain
In the most southern area of Spain, lies one of Europe’s most impressive landscapes. Called Andalusia, or Andalucía, it is well known for its heat, lush landscapes and Arabic influence.
If this sounds like a destination that tweaks your interest, check out the incredible aerial photography completed by Emmet Gowin in 2012. Alternatively, there is also Sierra Nevada, the coast of Cadiz and the Parque Nacional de Doñana.
South Moravia, Czechia
South Moravia is well known for its interesting fields that take on an almost transcendental form. If you love verdant nature in all of its greenness, this landscape in Czechoslovakia is a very special place to visit.
Svaneti, Georgia
Not just a little off the beaten track, but boasting incredible photographic subjects is Svaneti which is part of the Greater Caucasus mountains. If you are looking for incredible mountainscapes that include views, ancient architecture and green pastures then this photography destination is for you.
Iceland
Iceland has the ability to simply shock one with its beauty. If the weather was better, it would probably be too densely populated and too expensive. Apart from its extraordinary Northern Lights, Iceland is famous for jaw-dropping glaciers, rugged rocks and geysers.
There is no doubt, whatever your taste, it would be hard not to be impressed by Iceland.
Find Your Own Landscape Photography Location
Finally, it is worth emphasising that opportunities for landscape photography are available anywhere and at any time. To truly see the world in your own magical way, you could make something of anything anywhere, especially if you know how to work your camera and manipulate light.
If travel photography is your passion, don’t miss our tips for shooting landscapes in South America.
However, if you cannot jet off to some exotic destination, simply hone your craft wherever you are.
There is beauty everywhere if you just know how to look.
Want to give private lessons?
Join the Superprof community and share your knowledge with inquiring and motivated students.
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
