The Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape Photography, Third Edition

Learn how to convert "visual peak experiences"--moments of extraordinary natural beauty that evoke a sense of wonder and awe--into stunning photographs with Glenn Randall's expert guidance.

Whether you want to venture into the mountains for once-in-a-lifetime shots of raw nature or simply hone your landscape photography skills from the safety of your back deck, let best-selling author and experienced wilderness photographer Glenn Randall be your guide, as he explains the art, science, and craft behind creating stunning landscape photographs.

This fully updated edition includes nearly all new imagery throughout the book, as well as a new chapter, "Refining Your Field Technique," that cover topics such as safety, how to best take advantage of the newest generation of mirrorless cameras in the field, why and how to use rear-button focus, dealing with cold weather, and how to work with a compass and maps. Additionally, this third edition takes into account how Randall's techniques have changed and evolved since the first two editions published--from photographic practices to how he uses smartphones and apps as important and powerful tools for landscape photography.

The book begins with a discussion of photographic essentials, then Randall focuses on the art of landscape photography. He describes his three-step process for composing a photograph and shows how good composition is an organic process that begins with rules but ultimately transcends them. Randall then explores the science behind successful landscape photographs, which requires understanding key concepts from geography, optics, vision, and psychology. These concepts include:

- How the position of the sun at sunrise and sunset varies throughout the year. This will help you plan when and where to shoot.

- Using optics to predict where rainbows will appear, how polarizers will interact with reflections, and where to find spectacular light.

- How to use topographic maps and computerized mapping tools to help you find promising shooting locations in the wilderness.

- Calculating exposures, achieving correct exposure in high-contrast lighting situations, and the best digital darkroom techniques.

With some practice and by applying the techniques that Randall teaches you, you will soon be ready to master the finer nuances of creating magnificent landscape photographs.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter 1: Digital Photography Fundamentals

Chapter 2: Landscape Photography Looks So Easy

Chapter 3: In Search of Extraordinary Landscapes

Chapter 4: Visualization

Chapter 5: The Art and Science of Light

Chapter 6: The Art and Science of Composing Compelling Images

Chapter 7: The Perfect Exposure

Chapter 8: Refining Your Field Technique

Chapter 9: Digital Capture and Processing of High-Contrast Scenes

Chapter 10: Talk a Walk on the Wide Side

Chapter 11: The Landscape at Night

Chapter 12: The Psychology of the Compelling Landscape

Index

Author: Glenn Randall
Publisher: Rocky Nook
Published: 08/19/2025
Pages: 336
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 2.60lbs
Size: 9.90h x 7.80w x 0.90d
ISBN: 9798888143148

About the Author
Since 1979, Glenn Randall has combined his love of the wilderness with his passion for photography to create stunning landscape images. His intimate knowledge of atmospheric optics, weather conditions, and the landscapes he photographs allows him to find an intersection between magical light and stunning subject matter, which results in exceptional images. He is the author of several books, including the best-sellingThe Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape PhotographyDusk to Dawn: A Guide to Landscape Photography at Night.

Glenn's work has been included in calendars for Audubon, Avalanche, Barnes & Noble, Brown Trout, Sierra Club, Nature Conservancy, and Runner's World. His images have been published in Audubon, GEO, Outdoor Photographer, Outside, SKI, Los Angeles Times Magazine, National Geographic Adventure, New York Times Magazine, and many others. His photographs have also been used by book publishers and corporate clients. At age 56, he has accumulated nearly 1,200 photo credits, including 73 covers, and sold over 10,000 prints.

Glenn has authored 200 magazine articles and nine books, including two books of landscape photographs: Rocky Mountain National Park ImpressionsColorado Wild & Beautiful, both published by Farcountry Press. He recently completed a seven-year project called Sunrise from the Summit, in which he shot the sunrise (and occasionally the sunset) from the summit of all fifty-four Colorado Fourteeners (peaks over 14,000 feet). He lives in Boulder, Colorado.