What's Your Definition of Landscape Photography?

Rice field irrigation in rural Bali, Indonesia

What’s your definition of landscape photography and what kind of landscape photography do you prefer?

landscape photography definition

Landscape Photography Meaning

Many find solace and affinity in the natural landscape. It can be a place of healing for the body, the mind and the soul.

Some folks are attracted to the artifice in historical structures like churches and palaces, while others find beauty in the symmetry and sharp lines within contemporary architecture and urban landscapes.

Sometimes the most interesting landscapes explore the interaction between the man made and nature world. For example, a classic French garden such as Versailles comes to mind.

I think the above photo of an irrigation system on a Balinese farm is also quite symmetrical. It’s a very structured and highly cultivated landscape which has its own, unique beauty.

Is it the natural or urban landscape that most draws your attention?

Either way it’s important to move beyond the concerns of technique and composition and think on the meaning you find in your favourite landscapes.

The lines, shapes and textures within the image at the top of this post suggests it would work quite well as a black and white photo.

But it was the blue light from an approaching storm and the reflection of a blue sky, in the water in the near foreground, that swayed my decision to work with the color file. 

There’s also just enough yellow in this photo to provide a nice color contrast with the before mentioned areas of blue that help produce an interesting result.

Glenn Guy, Travel Photography Guru