Using Foreground Subjects to Landscape Photography

Unlike any typical blog posts regarding landscape photography, this post do not cover the basics of landscape photography. This post suggests a pointer which you can consider in your check list while doing landscape photography to improve the overall visual appeal of the image.

As landscape photography typically uses a wide angle at a higher aperture setting, you tend to get a flat distant image. In many of the cases, the landscape photograph that is taken is far less realistic and appealing than being witnessed through the real eyes.

How if we can improve the appeal of your landscape photography by a small little consideration while you compose your shot?

The tip is simple. Include a foreground subject in your landscape photograph. The reason why many landscape photographs look dull is due to the fact the images are flat. Try bringing in a foreground subject such as a tree, a big rock or a pavement. Since you would be using a higher aperture, you will have a deep DOF.

Couple of examples more...

Portraits with secondary subjects

A commonly said rule on photography is to isolate your subject; such that your subject stands out and there are no other distracting elements.

I personally feel that there are no rules on photography although few of them could be used to take better photographs (as long as you know the rule and why you are bending or breaking the rule).

Adding subjects of secondary interest could give a different dimension to portrait photography. This is slowly catching up and several advertisement photography uses this to a larger extend. Though in advertising photography, the difference being secondary subject is as prominent as the primary subject.

Depending upon the location, you can choose suitable secondary subjects. It could be a flower, a veil, a hair drier, balloons or even cityscape.

Try what you are comfortable with. You may even use a larger aperture of F/10 or F/12 for portraits with cityscape.

We like to be out, in the real garden

Camera: Canon EOS 1000D
Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm F/3.4-5.6
Aperture: F/5.6
ISO: 100
Exposure: 15 Seconds

This photo was originally taken for In the Garden II photography competition. These are artificial flowers made out of fabric. Beads of Window blinds give a soothing bokeh to this photo.