Indeed, I find that my particular interest in photographing the landscapes goes back to former styles where it evokes a sense of grandeur and timelessness, whether the setting is a cloud-scraping skyline, a vast sweep of desert, a mountain crag, or even a vista of the sky. The photographer has an unparalleled opportunity to explore the interplay of color, texture, and tone in both natural formations and artificial creations.
In my case, the lighting is critical. It sets the mood of any picture and is probably the least exploited element in landscape photography. Early and late in the day, the long, dark shadows cast by the sun emphasize the three-dimensionality of a scene. The light itself is gentle, its raking angle reveals textures, and the contrasts between bright and dark areas are subtle. The pastel colors of sunsets and sunrises, in particular, provide good opportunities for the landscapist working in color.