A nice example is the creation of the global network of computing resources, known as the Internet.

The development of this network can in fact be seen as a succession of developments, one leading to the next and a nice example of how the present is shaped by the past.

" A generation which ignores history has no past and no future "

-- Robert Heinlein --

Remember your history lessons, even if they have never inspired you in the past I invite you to keep an open mind and imagine how it could impact your photography, since the same principle can be applied...again we combine past with present knowledge of landscape photography to improve our picturetaking and advance to the next level, the creation of new and innovative ideas.

One of the main advantages of doing this is, is that we avoid unnecessary repetition and instead use our valuable time to correct, build, and create with information that is already available. With repetition, although a perfect way to develop your skills, there really is no life, no advancement.

" Those who cannot remember the past are comdemned to repeat it "

-- George Santayana --

Now that we have briefly covered the importance of history in general and landscape photography in particular let's focus our attention on the following key question:

Develop what I will call "the landscape photographer's eye".

How often have you probably looked at a landscape picture, but could not figure out what makes it so beautiful, what the elements are that make it stand out and create the "wow" feeling in the viewer. The problem is that you didn't know what to look for.

In other words you have to develop the skill to "see" the beauty of scenes around you.

Some ideas:

1. Do a lot of reading on this topic (books, articles, periodicals, journals)
2. Lots of practice
3. Pay attention to your surroundings
4. Concentrate on scenes that attract your attention and ask yourself why ?
5. Check out galleries
• New York Public Library
6. Let your passion inspire you
7. Get comments from experts about your photos....
8. Digital and/or Landscape Photography courses

" Photography is a way of telling what you feel about what you see."

--Ansel Adams--

Step 2.

Study what photographers have done in the past and what they are doing today, look for trends. Don't copy, be creative, and be innovative. Break away from familiar perceptions and ideas and discover your own style an special way of seeing.

Step 3.

Create a database of landscape pictures (past and present). Regular exposure to high-quality landscape photos will give you the ability to recognize them. Use your critical eye (step 1).

Possible sources for pictures ( pay special attention to unusual approaches ):

1. Stock Photography.
2. Libraries / Virtual Libraries.4. Museums / Virtual Museums.
5. Newspapers.
6. Photography Websites.
7. Photogalleries.
8. Conferences.
9. Exhibitions.
10.Encyclopedias / Virtual Encyclopedias.
11.Photo Festivals
12.Photography Associations.

A good idea might be to sort the database (beaches, mountains, waterfalls etc.). Refer to it as often as possible to absorb the information and keep adding photographs. By all means include your own too. Add notes according to your own observations (strong / weak points, exposure, simplification etc.).

Step 4.

Know all the ins and outs of your equipment, especially your camera. Setting your camera the way you want it must become second nature. Don't lose time and miss a great shot and above all keep practicing.

Highly recommended: Digital SLR Photography Guide

Step 5.

And last but not least trust your intuition (one of the greatest assets we have as human beings).

And now comes the interesting part:

a. You are standing in front of an interesting scene that one way or the other has captured your attention (remember you now know what to look for).

b. Now, while you “explore” the scene you keep the following 3 basic guidelines in mind:

• What is my main subject of interest (what would I like to draw the viewer’s attention to ?).

• How am I going to focus attention on the main subject (camera and equipment know-how).

• How do I simplify (include only what is really necessary and avoid distractions). You get the most impressive photographs by simplifying.

c. Pictures from your database start popping up. You connect elements (color, form, size etc.) in these pictures with the scene in front of you and try to imagine how the picture will look like.

d. You use the new insights and ways of capturing a scene that the evaluation of trends has given you (you feel much more inspired because it’s like photographers from the past and present giving you the support you need).

e. Finally you combine all the above with your passion for landscape photography and take the picture.

Remember I am only showing you one of the possible overall approaches. I will keep refining this concept as I go along.

One last note:

I encourage you to create a special file for new ideas that from time to time might pop up in your mind spontaneously or inspired by what you read or see.
Don’t let them escape you. Always carry a small notebook with you or use your handheld.

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