We’re no Michelangelo, and I mean, we're photographers, not sculptors. Photographers have a tough job with our medium; we work with a 2D medium. Creating depth in our images can be challenging, but we can create depth with these five tips.
You strive to create dynamic images that draw the viewer's attention, avoiding flat landscape images. Landscape photography is one of the most challenging genres in photography. Challenges surround every corner, including color, exposure, composition, and lighting. Worst of all, we can’t always control these factors. Placing an element in the foreground can add depth to your image—something we can control—and allows us to create a compelling landscape image.
Choose an Engaging Foreground Subject
We need to grab our viewers' attention instantly. They may be scrolling through social media or walking by a framed print. The first step is to choose a strong, visually interesting foreground element. Think of the foreground as the foundation of the photograph. We need a strong foundation to support the weight of the structure being built, and your photograph is being constructed in the foreground—our first element. The foreground element could be the photograph's subject, but not necessarily. When looking for a component to add to the foreground, there are many things you can use: rocks, flowers, or tree roots. These can help anchor and build a solid foreground, creating interest.
When making any image, we add or remove elements in a photograph. By doing this, we make conscious decisions in the image-making process, deciding if those elements are needed to tell a story or if they should be removed for distracting the viewer's attention from the subject. Remember, a foreground can attract or distract the viewer's attention, so choose your elements wisely.
Layer Your Composition
Think FMB: foreground, middle ground, and background. Understanding and using these three layers in your composition is a powerful way to transform a flat image into a dynamic and engaging one. These elements combined will help guide the viewer's eye through the image.
- Foreground: This will be the closest element to you and the foundation of your image. This sets the stage for your photograph. Think of it as the “gate.”
- Middle Ground: This is the middle element in the image; it connects the foreground with the background. Usually, this is where your subject will be, but not always. Think of the middle ground elements as the supporting actors in a movie. They play a secondary role but are critical to the story.
- Background: The furthest part of the image, usually containing the horizon, sky, hills, or distant scenery. This area of your image helps create perspective and supports the story!
When we use FMB, we add complexity to an image, allowing us to create a multi-dimensional image and giving the viewer more to explore for their viewing pleasure.
Manage Your Depth of Field
We are first taught to use f/stops, such as f/11 or f/16, to achieve a greater depth of field in landscapes. I tend to go against this rule in my work—to each their own—but I feel more limited by this concept. Three other factors also affect our depth of field: aperture (f/stop), focal length, and distance to the subject. I have a more in-depth article here on this subject. Depth of field plays a crucial role in any landscape photograph. It can allow for a more dramatic image and impact the photograph.
If the foreground and background are out of focus, leaving the middle ground in focus, it creates a sense of depth and dimension in the image. If your subject is in the foreground with an out-of-focus middle ground and background, it will make the foreground element more prominent.
If we go the opposite route and use apertures (f/stops) such as f/11 or f/16, we now have more depth of field, keeping the entire frame in focus from the foreground to the background. Your viewer’s eye can now travel effortlessly through the scene. This will also allow for a more natural and cohesive image. This is great when using leading lines in the image to draw the viewer's attention to your subject.
Incorporate Human Elements
Human elements in the foreground of your photograph’s composition will elevate your images by enhancing the storytelling factor and the perception of depth. By adding a human element, you establish scale. I think this also adds to the interaction between humanity and the landscape, telling a much more intimate story—whether the person is in the image or represented by a man-made structure. A human element can also help draw the viewer's attention to your image or act as a supporting actor.
Introduce Movement
Introducing movement to the foreground is another way of adding a dramatic element to the photograph. Adding contrast between a moving component and a static element will make the image more engaging. This will also add two conflicting elements to the scene, emphasizing layers in the image. A great way to add movement is adding moving water to your foreground, breaking out a neutral density filter, and slowing down the shutter speed for nice, milky, smooth water! You can use a few other techniques to introduce an element of interest into your image.
- Slow Shutter Speed for Showing Motion: Use a slow shutter speed to create blur with any movement in the scene. For example, it could be a tree in the fall with colorful leaves blowing in the wind, giving you an impressionistic, abstract look.
- Combining Stillness and Movement: Combining a static element, such as rocks or trees, with movement in the image creates a contrasting effect for your viewer.
As photographers, we work with a 2D medium, which presents many challenges. Creating depth and interest are just a few challenges we face. It can be as simple as adding a little movement to the image's foreground or finding an intriguing human element. In photography, sometimes it’s just understanding a few simple tips to create outstanding images!
