Neil, my camera will capture six stops of dynamic range. An image, such as this one, will about push that limit. I have a handheld light meter, so I can take a reading off the brightest area, save that reading to the meter and then scan the area for the darkest spot. The meter will let me know if I'm outside my camera's range. You can still exceed the 6 stop range, but it requires more advanced methods. Some cameras have HDR features now. When in that mode the camera will automatically bracket several shots, up and down from where you're metered, and then you can blend those images in Photoshop. While I'm not opposed to doing that method, I'd much rather do it "in camera". This one was not done as an HDR blend. Had the sun been brighter in the background, I'm sure it would have exceeded my camera's range. Some of the new mirrorless camera's, like one on the Sony models, have about a 9 stop dynamic range.
And, yes, I mainly work with landscapes. Mainly due to my environment, more than my desire. I live in a small town without many people or events, but there are some phenomenal natural features in any direction I drive. I'm going to a photography school starting this June. While in the school I'll have to learn (and practice) almost every type of photography there is. I'll be working in a studio with lighting and that's something I've never done, so I'm looking forward to it. I think ultimately, I'll continue to focus on landscapes (mainly because I like being outside and I love the dramatic light that happens), but I also might dabble in doing some product photography (commercial products) to help pay the bills. Maybe some architectural photography, also, if there's a market in my area.
