Creative Landscape Photography

Exploring landscapes with a versatile zoom lens is one of my favourite ways to express creative vision while showcasing elements within a scene. When I first started in photography over 19 years ago, I was told that wide angle lenses were always the best choice for landscapes, and while they of course are wonderful options too, particularly for my astro and underwater work, it took me a few years to realise what my focus was as a landscape photographer and what focal range I was drawn to most.

I’ve found the versatility of the 40-150mm F2.8 pro lens is the ideal blend of focal length possibilities, low light capability and toughness for the style of photography I love to shoot outdoors. Once I started seeing environments through the 40-150mm F2.8 lens, my work took on another level of intricacy, incorporating patterns, colours, shape and shadow in new ways. The lens opens up a world of framing opportunities and I enjoy using it like binoculars, assessing the scene and searching for composition ideas and angles.

Shooting with a wide aperture and getting really close to elements within a landscape is a really fun way to experiment with framing. Surrounding a subject with natural elements, whether it’s leaves, flowers, or tree branches, can help add depth and bring interest into the frame. Take advantage of F2.8 and explore the scene by getting closer to leaves, shapes, and move around to see what works best for the scene you’re photographing. The added bonus of the versatile focal length allows you to play with different outcomes, try a shot at 40mm, another at 100mm, and see which result you prefer then adjust.

The telephoto capabilities of this lens make it perfect for compressing elements within a scene. I often use this to bring distant layers closer together, such as stacking mountain ridges or emphasising the interplay between foreground and background. This technique not only creates a sense of depth but also allows for balanced compositions that guide the viewer’s eye through the image.

Outdoor photography often means braving the elements, from misty mornings or sandy dunes to windy alpine trails and snowy forests. The 40-150mm f/2.8 lens has 11 separate seals to keep the elements out, meaning it’s possible to continue shooting in challenging conditions. I’ve had this lens with me in snow storms, while shooting low and getting whipped by sand across dunes in gale force winds, and in very humid forests and damp settings. I’m the first to tell anyone that I always succumb to the conditions before my gear does.

One of the greatest advantages of this lens is how quickly you can capture a range of images in a single location, I love to challenge myself to capture a series of shots that cover various focal lengths. It’s perfect for capturing the subtle textures of a landscape, patterns within a scene, and the wider scene too. For me, this versatility means I can carry one lens on longer hikes or extended outdoor adventures and still feel prepared to photograph a diverse set of creative opportunities.

The M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO is more than just a lens to have in my camera bag, it’s a tool that encourages creativity and elevates how I see and capture environments around the world. I’ve recently enjoyed pairing it with the MC-20 2x teleconverter to explore even further into the landscapes, getting closer to the details, wildlife, or patterns within a scene – I could happily photograph landscapes with this combination forever!