LIGHT
We use vision to detect a limited spectrum of electromagnetic radiation called light. The curious thing about our vision is that often we see what we think we should see. For example, white paper looks white in both incandescent and natural lighting. However, light produced by an incandescent bulb has a greater percentage of long wavelengths (oranges and reds) as compared with daylight. We have a hard time distinguishing when a light source changes or shifts and offers additional shorter or longer wavelengths because our brain constantly adjusts our perception to make what we believe is white to appear white.
 

EXPOSURE
Exposure is the amount of light acting on the film. As photographers, one of our challenges is getting the right amount of light to act on the film. We do so by using correct combinations of aperture size and shutter speed. We make incremental adjustments to aperture size and shutter speed in units called stops of light (plural) or a stop of light (singular). What is a stop of light? It is the amount of light required to either increase by double, or decrease by half the current amount of light. To gain or go up two stops of light is to receive four times more light than you started with. Conversely, to lose or stop down two stops of light is to receive four times less light than you started with.

METERING
Metering is used to determine the proper combination of aperture setting and shutter speed to expose the film to the appropriate amount of light. Cameras utilize the reflected light, or light coming off the subject, for metering purposes. They may sample light from various sections of the image...

COMPOSITION 
Keep It Simple! In your viewfinder, search out and eliminate distracting elements; they compete with the main subject by drawing your eye away from the focus of your photograph. Try not to include everything in a scene, rather capture the essence of the scene with a few of its main components. Composition is often improved by thoroughly eliminating as many unnecessary elements as possible.

FILTERS
Filters are critical in producing fine photographic images. They are often necessary for capturing an accurate representation of what you see. Why? Because film has a limited ability to record varying light intensities. Slide film can properly record about 5 stops of light --- that's 2 & 1/2 stops on either side of medium tone. On the other hand, your eyes can perceive a much larger range of light intensity before reaching their limits; your eyes see 12 to 14 stops of light. Therefore, filters are often necessary to faithfully record a scene or produce a desired effect.

EQUIPMENT
What is a proper tripod for landscape photographers? An important feature to look for is a tripod with legs that do not attach to a center post. Many landscapes require shooting from uneven ground, hillsides and other precarious places. The most suitable tripod for these varied surfaces is one with legs that move independently and can lock in a variety of positions out to 90 degrees. You will also be best served by a tripod that can adjust very close to the ground and support a camera at standing height without having to crank up an extension shaft. Another useful feature is a quick-release head, allowing you to simply pop the camera on and off with a spring loaded snap or a flip of a finger. The tripod head should tilt to hold the camera in vertical format.