One of the most common complaints of landscape photographers is the presence of others within the natural scene. This is especially an issue at popular travel spots, like National Parks, National Monuments, State Parks, etc. The desire to capture that special travel moment is understandable. Here are some basic guidelines to avoid including humans in the image.
Get there early or late
Many popular scenic spots have the highest number of visitors during the daytime from mid morning to mid afternoon. They start arriving after breakfast and leave before dinner. Bus tours can increase the population exponentially, but they rarely arrive during sunrise or sunset. The National Park Service did a study on Grand Canyon visitor patterns and was surprised to find a large number of visitors were there for only 45 minutes or less. They drive to the main canyon overlook parking place, jump out and take those requisite Kodak Moment shots, then drive away.
Another advantage of arriving at sunrise or sunset is the low-level lighting, avoiding harsh daytime sunlight. Shadow details add texture and contrast to photography. Colors are enhanced by warm tones. Wide angle depth of field is also improved for detailing foreground, mid ground and background.
Go in the off season
Try visiting a popular destination outside of summer. Early spring or autumn can be more temperate. The flora is greener in spring, and autumn colors are especially attractive and accentuate nature's geology. The school kids are back in school, and many have the mindset that summer is the only time to visit. And definitely avoid holiday periods.
Winter is special for snow scenes, contrasting details and colors with layers of white, powder-covered trees, frozen lakes, icicles, and a feel that nature is hibernating. Places like Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Utah's National Parks provide a new world of photography opportunities in winter, and lodging is almost always less expensive and more available.
Get off the beaten path
The axiom for avoiding crowds is the farther away from the 'postcard photo spot' the better. Hiking the trails provides numerous photo subjects not available at the scenic overlooks and designated viewpoints. I have been to numerous popular and crowded parks and found that walking away from the crowds increases the solitude and new photography opportunities. I also enjoy hiking off the designated trail if permitted. Oftentimes official trails miss many photography subjects.
The ultimate experience is to backpack in the wilderness, enjoying the peace and solitude, and photo scenery not seen by many. Day hiking is also rewarding, with a day pack and camera gear in tow, and not as strenuous as overnight backpacking. Hikers definitely avoid the hectic pace of "drive by shooters" dashing around in their automobiles.
Visit places other than national parks, state parks and popular landscapes
The number and variety of photo opportunities are almost limitless on public lands - wilderness areas, national preserves, forest preserves, and local government parks. An excellent way to explore new photo opportunities is to drive "scenic highways" or "scenic byways". Also dirt or gravel roads into a wilderness area decreases the number of tourists.
Utilize camera features to avoid human inclusion
The easiest way to compose a non-human image is to zoom in on details, leaving out humans. If using a wide angle lens - get close to the subject in front of people. Try using the "5 second rule" - With a long exposure of at least 5 seconds and camera stationary on a tripod; moving humans are not visible or leave an interesting 'ghosting image'.
Also with digital photo software, humans or other unwanted objects can be removed from the final photograph. These are also great for removing blemishes, or dust spots, or whatever.
Like my Grandfather said: "When given lemons, make lemonade". When there are crowds, look at ways to create different and unusual landscape images, totally different from the typical 'postcard shot'. Get out, travel, enjoy, and share.
Ray Anderson - For many, many moons I served the public as a civil servant for the California Department of Transportation. My experiences with projects ...
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