Canon® EOS 5D Mark II Digital Field Guide

Chapter 10. Landscape, Nature, and Travel Photography

Photographers have no greater challenge than leaving their comfort zones behind, rising early in the morning, setting off looking for beautiful light in all its many moods, and submerging themselves in new surroundings, cultures, and climates in pursuit of meaningful images that tell a story. Such is the life of a landscape, nature, and travel photographer who relishes taking images that shape public opinion, focus the world's attention on an urgent issue, or simply convey the beauty of a foreign land.

People with a passion for traveling often gravitate toward landscape, nature, and travel photography. Starting at an early age, many were likely exposed to National Geographic magazine and the beautiful well-crafted images of foreign cultures and land formations. Nurtured further by family outings and camping trips, these hearty souls soon realized that beautiful vistas and breathtaking scenery often come with a fairly steep price paid to personal comfort and have learned to adapt along the way.

Bryce Canyon hoodoo is captured in late afternoon light by using a polarizing filter. ISO 400, f/8, 1/800 sec., with an EF 28-70mm f/2.8L USM lens.

Overview and Trends

Earth has no shortage of environmental problems and situational changes that need to be photographed and documented. Global warming, declining habitats, and endangered species ...