The Problem With Landscape Photography.
We see the world around us in three dimensions, unfortunately our camera does not. Trying to convey the depth and dimension our eyes see with the two dimensional medium of photography can often leave the final image looking flat, without depth.
Fortunately, by using a few simple tricks when composing your photos you can effectively create the illusion of depth in your landscape images.
Converging Lines.
I like to use converging lines, both subtle and obvious, to create perceived depth in my compositions. In the photo above I used a rather winding interpretation of converging lines to help create the illusion of depth.
The waterfall and granite stream bank, very wide and taking up the entire foreground, then gets progressively more narrow while leading the eye deeper into the frame, eventually converging at the point where it disappears into the forest.
Railroad tracks as they appear to come together in the distance are another more obvious example of converging lines.
Place The Foreground In Shadow.
The human eye is attracted to bright light. By having a prominent foreground appear darker than the brighter, more brightly lit background can provide a sense of depth in your photos.
Shoot Vertical.
I’ve found that by photographing with the camera in the vertical, more commonly referred to at the “portrait” camera position, can help create depth. Include a strong foreground, leading lines, and by placing the main subject in the upper third of the photo works really well to bring out the depth in a scene.
What tricks do you use to create the illusion of depth in your photos? In the mean time, check out these other interpretations of Depth.
Jeff Sinon Photography 