Landscape photography

[3][5] As with most forms of art, the definition of a landscape photograph is broad and may include rural or urban settings, industrial areas or nature photography.

[6][7] Some of the most important and celebrated landscape photographers have been motivated by an appreciation of the beauty of the natural environment and a desire to see it preserved.

The work of William Henry Jackson in the mid-19th century was instrumental in convincing Congress in 1872 to create Yellowstone, the first national park in the United States.

[8] Photography produced by Philip Hyde for the Sierra Club found extensive use in promoting the preservation of natural places in the Western United States during the 20th century.

[9] Renowned landscape photographer Ansel Adams received both a Conservation Service Award and a Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of the influence of his work on the preservation of wilderness and fostering of environmental consciousness.

[13][15] A camera with "panorama" function or frame can permit very wide images suitable for capturing a panoramic view.

However, medium-range to telephoto lenses can achieve satisfying imagery, as well, and can enable the capture of detailed scenery of smaller areas at greater distances.

However, given the broad expanses of open space that tend to dominate in landscape photography, artificial lighting is typically ineffective, or even destructive (causing the foreground to be wildly over-lit, and the background to become overly dark).

It can also be a problem if the environment is kinetic (in motion), such as wind blowing and shaking all the trees and plants in the scene, or if water is flowing.

To some extent, a higher-ISO film or digital camera setting can compensate without the need to alter shutter speed or aperture.

However, higher ISO settings ("fast film") can result in grainy pictures and poor capture of details, especially at a distance.

[17] In some cases, a slow shutter speed is desired to show movement of the subjects, particularly moving water or the effects of wind.

Color filters can create other effects, or compensate for the appearance of unnatural lighting due to camera characteristics.

Tripods are specifically designed for stabilizing cameras and are widely regarded as essential equipment for landscape photography.