Landscapes are rich subjects for artistic photography. They’re esthetic and natural at the same time and make a strong impression. People relate to a specific season or geographical region and are usually impressed by a specific mood or color palette. No wonder that paintings have featured landscapes from the very beginning of art history.
While the scenery is beautiful, photographing landscapes isn’t easy. You have to use only natural light and nature doesn’t always have the same plans as you. You also have to use ingenious composition techniques to avoid dull and flat pictures. Pictures are two-dimensional frames while natural landscapes are three-dimensional. Learn how to create perspective and deliver realistic pictures. Here are the best methods to add depth to your landscape photos and creating a visual third dimension.
Use foreground and background
One of the most frequent mistakes is to place the subject exclusively in the background. Landscapes are vast sceneries and many photographers focus on capturing subjects situated far away. For example, mountains and hills look better from the distance. Landscape photography uses mostly wide lenses and panorama views.
If you want to add depth to your photos, consider placing a subject in the foreground too. It may be an interesting rock that suits the message of the mountains in the background. Or it may be a flower that matches the green meadows and hills from behind it. Placing subjects at different distances from the camera adds the third dimension you’re looking for.
Photo by Sébastien Goldberg on Unsplash
Use natural frames
When you want to have a single subject in the frame and it should be in the background, the picture-in-picture technique is very useful. Using a natural frame around your subject leads the viewers to the main subject. In addition, this technique creates a strong focal point and adds depth to your composition.
You can use branches, fences, rocks, or even plants to create natural frames.
Photo by Jeremy Bishop from Pexels
Use leading lines
Leading lines are amazing features that allow you to control where the viewers will look. If you want to add depth, use lines that start from the bottom of the frame and get smaller and smaller. You can use straight lines and curves. You’ll often see in landscape photos winding roads, coastlines, or edges that act like leading lines. Remember that a line can be created not only with specific objects but also with a contrast between two surfaces. You can create contrast with color, texture, or light and shadows.
Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger from Pexels
Digital photography gives you the advantage of reviewing your photos on the spot. Use it to see if your photos match the reality in front of you. If not, try different perspectives and angles, shoot from different positions, or try a different time of the day. Sometimes all you have to do is wait for the perfect clouds or a wind change. Landscape photography requires patience and knowledge. But if you learn how to compose realistic images, add depth, and use natural light, landscape photography becomes a joy.