Understanding why some landscape photos captivate while others fall flat is a question that goes beyond mere composition. One critical factor that often separates a striking image from an ordinary one is depth. Depth not only gives photos a sense of dimension but also guides the viewer’s eye, making an image more dynamic and engaging.
Coming to you from Andy Mumford, this insightful video breaks down what creates depth in landscape photography and how to apply these concepts to your work. One key approach discussed is tonal depth, achieved by managing light and shadow effectively. The contrast between bright and dark areas creates a three-dimensional effect, drawing the viewer into the image. However, over-brightening shadows during editing can diminish this contrast, leaving your photo feeling flat. Mumford emphasizes maintaining darker shadows to preserve tonal variation, especially in landscape shots taken during golden hour when low-angle light sculpts contours and textures.
The video also explores how light interacts with the landscape to create depth. During golden hour, light grazes surfaces, accentuating textures and shadows in ways that flatter the scene. Examples include illuminated sand dunes with shadowed ridges and mountain peaks lit from one side, creating layers and separation. Even when working with flat or diffuse light, you can use contrast to emphasize your subject by ensuring it stands out against the background. A bright tree against a darker forest or a colorful element in a monochromatic scene adds visual separation, enhancing depth.
Foreground elements are another powerful way to add depth, especially when using wide angle lenses. Including a strong foreground, such as rocks, plants, or water, helps lead the eye through the image to the main subject. Simply filling the bottom of your frame isn’t enough; the foreground should add visual interest and contribute to the overall composition. Leading lines, S-curves, or complementary shapes can create a natural path for the viewer’s eye to follow, making the scene feel more layered and engaging.
Layering is another compositional technique that gives landscapes a sense of distance and scale. Overlapping elements, such as mountains, dunes, or hills, receding into the background, create a stacked effect that reinforces the feeling of three-dimensionality. This is especially effective when haze or mist separates the layers, adding a sense of atmosphere and depth.
Figures or small objects in the frame can act as focal points to add scale and depth. A person in bright clothing standing against a larger subject like a mountain or waterfall creates a sense of size and distance. These relationships between smaller and larger elements help the viewer’s eye travel through the image, reinforcing the sense of depth. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Mumford.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
