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Take a landscape photo

Take a landscape photo
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Take a landscape photo by choosing a safe outdoor scene, frame horizon, include foreground, wait for good light, and practice steady camera handling.

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Step-by-step guide to take a landscape photo

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What you need
Adult supervision required, comfortable shoes, mini tripod or stable surface optional, small notebook and pencil, sun hat or sunscreen

Step 1

Ask an adult for permission and help to go outside.

Step 2

Put on your comfortable shoes.

Step 3

Put on your sun hat or apply sunscreen.

Step 4

Walk with your adult to a safe outdoor spot where you can see a wide scene.

Step 5

Choose a scene that has a clear horizon and something interesting to look at.

Step 6

Pick a nearby object like a rock tree or flower to include in the foreground.

Step 7

Position your camera so the horizon sits on the top third or bottom third of the screen.

Step 8

Look for soft even light or wait for morning or evening golden light before you shoot.

Step 9

Steady your camera by tucking your elbows in and holding it with both hands or using a stable surface.

Step 10

Take three photos of the scene from slightly different angles or heights.

Step 11

Review your photos and choose the one you like best.

Step 12

Share your finished creation on DIY.org.

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
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Help!?

If we don't have a camera, sun hat, or a stable surface, what can we substitute so kids can still do the activity?

Use a smartphone or tablet instead of a camera, wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, or apply sunscreen from the list of sun protections, and steady the device on a backpack, wall, picnic table, or a rock as the stable surface.

My photos keep coming out blurry or the horizon looks wrong—what should we try?

Tuck your elbows in and hold the camera with both hands or rest it on a stable surface, turn on the on-screen grid to place the horizon on the top or bottom third, and take the three photos from slightly different angles so you can pick the sharpest when you review them.

How can this photo-walk be adjusted for younger toddlers versus older children?

For toddlers, ask an adult to accompany them closely, keep the walk short, let the adult help pick a nearby foreground like a flower or rock and hold the camera, while older children can follow all steps themselves, experiment with golden-hour light, and take their own three angled shots before choosing one to share.

What are simple ways to extend or personalize the landscape photo activity before sharing on DIY.org?

Try different foreground objects, shoot at morning or evening golden light as the instructions suggest, experiment placing the horizon on the top or bottom third, lightly crop or edit the chosen photo, or make a themed series or collage to upload to DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to take a landscape photo

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Learn Landscape Photography in 3 Hours | Full Beginners Guide

4 Videos

Facts about outdoor photography for kids

🪨 Adding a foreground object (rock, flower, or person) creates depth and leads the viewer into the scene.

📸 Most smartphones have a grid and level tool — use them to keep horizons straight!

🦺 Safety first: avoid cliff edges and slippery rocks, and always tell an adult where you're going on outdoor shoots.

🤳 Simple steadying tricks — tucking elbows in, holding your breath, or leaning on a wall — can cut camera shake a lot.

🌅 The 'golden hour' (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) gives softer, warmer light that makes landscapes look magical.

How do you take a landscape photo outdoors with a child?

To take a landscape photo with your child, first pick a safe outdoor scene—park, field, or beach—away from traffic. Show them how to frame the horizon and use the rule of thirds: place the horizon on the top or bottom third. Include a foreground object (flowers, rocks) for depth. Wait for soft light (early morning or late afternoon) and teach steady camera handling: both hands, elbows in, or use a small tripod. Encourage experimenting with angle and distance.

What materials do I need to take a landscape photo with my child?

You'll need a camera or smartphone with a charged battery and spare memory, plus a protective case. Optional helpful items: a small tripod or beanbag, lens cleaning cloth, lightweight remote or timer, and a sun hat or sunscreen for outdoor comfort. Bring water and a small bag for safety. For young children, an adult to supervise and carry gear is recommended.

What ages is taking landscape photos suitable for?

This activity suits ages about 4 and up with adult help. Preschoolers (4–5) can learn basic framing and press the shutter with supervision. School-age children (6–9) can compose shots, include foregrounds, and practice steady holding. Tweens and teens (10+) can learn exposure, angles, and use tripods. Always supervise near roads, water, or steep terrain and adjust tasks to each child's attention and motor skills.

What are the benefits and safety tips for kids taking landscape photos?

Benefits include improving observation, composition skills, patience, and outdoor exploration while boosting confidence. Safety tips: choose safe locations, keep children away from hazards, use sun protection, secure the camera with straps, and supervise near water or cliffs. Variations: try golden-hour silhouettes, take panoramic stitches, focus on different foregrounds, make a photo story, or create a nature-themed scavenger shoot to keep the activity fun and varied.
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