Photo by Steve Berardi
Have you ever wondered why some landscape photographs look so much better than others? Maybe some landscapes look dull or flat to you, but you don’t really know why. Well, perhaps the photo was missing one of the three elements of great landscapes: a foreground, background, and perfect light.
Below are a few tips for capturing these three elements, so you never get a flat looking landscape again.
Foreground
The job of the foreground is to lead the viewer’s eyes into the background. It doesn’t have to be particularly amazing (as long as the background is)–just pick something that contrasts well with the background.
If there are any large or notable objects in the foreground (i.e. flowers, big rocks, trees, etc), do not put them in the center of the frame–put them off to the side (follow the rule of thirds). The photo above would have looked very weird if the large rocks in the foreground were centered, instead of being off to the sides.
Background
Usually, the background is the most dramatic part of a landscape photograph.
It’s essential for the background to have perfect light glowing on it. Otherwise, the background won’t stand out much from the foreground, or it may look flat and unsaturated.
Perfect Light
Obviously, your photo needs perfect light! How do you get it? Well, you’re gonna have to wake up really early, or stay out late (and probably miss the normal dinner time).
The most perfect light for landscapes occurs twice a day: once around sunrise and once during sunset. It happens at this time because the Sun is so low on the horizon which causes its light to travel through more of the atmosphere than it does at high noon–making the sunlight much softer, and less harsh.
Usually, the perfect light begins about 15 minutes before sunrise/sunset and lasts until 20 minutes after the sunrise/sunset. The sunrise typically casts a cooler (blue) light, and the sunset always casts a very warm (red) light.
The most common mistake
All great landscape photos will have these three elements present, so remember them the next time you try capturing that beautiful light in the desert! Many people forget the foreground, and are left with a photo lacking depth. The foreground doesn’t have to be amazing, it just needs to be there!
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I was so let down by my pictures of Glacier National Park. I had researched locations and ensured decent foreground but I got lazy and shot mid-day! All my pictures are boring and I just about gave up on photography.
@Francoism – don’t give up! the best way to learn is to just keep taking photos and learn from your mistakes. With digital, it’s so easy to take lots of photos now and get instant feedback. Just be persistent!
Just wanted to thank you for producing this site. The “tips” are extremely informative and concise; just the right amount of information. I have learned more and confirmed more about photography from your site than I have from books and years of learning on my own. I have also easily been able to apply the knowledge with greater “focus” on my efforts. Everything works and makes such good sense. Keep producing great things!
@Michel – You’re welcome! I’m having a lot of fun with this site, and I’m so glad people are finding the articles helpful! That was one of my goals–to make the articles concise and “to the point”, I know it’s hard to read long articles on a computer screen, so I try to make the articles here as short as possible and cover one topic at a time.
Thanks so much for your wonderful feedback!
Hi Steve, I just found your link on DPS and signed up for your updates. I am an amateur (baby boomer) photographer who loves outdoor photography. Your website (and insight) is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Thank your for taking the time to share your passion.
Hi Steve,
Love the site. Can you answer a question for me? If I shoot in RAW, can I still view in JPEG without destroying image quality? The reason I ask is I am currently deployed. I have my Canon 5D Mii which I can shoot in RAW but I have very limited access to a PC, much less Photoshop. I have a small Netbook but it won’t withstand a large program. I won’t be home on my real pc for a few more months. Thanks in advance.
Hi folks – I follow you all from a little hazy-crazy island here – Mauritius. I feel well placed to comment on one aspect of this site. You see, my first language is not English; I learnt it the hard way; grammar, sentence structures and all. This site is good because the language is SIMPLE. It is expressive and conveys the message effectively. And believe me folks, simplicity is difficult to attain. I know, because I am writing a book……in English. I’ll plunge into a few comments on my life as a DSLR beginner next time.
Tiberman Sajiwan Ramyead – Mauritius
Hi Steve
As you were are fully aware by now, I am a green D-SLR beginner. And to compound the problem my photos will be for a book I am writing. I am now re-shooting the landscapes, monuments, cemeteries, bridges, churches, etc., previously taken with compact, with my Nikon SLR. Whilst I find your tips and advice INVALUABLE, how about some guidelines on photography specifically for publication in books, please?
Thanks
Tiberman – Mauritius
Hi Steve,
I just discovered your site via DPS and am so glad I did. I’ve already enjoyed about an hour of reading and learning little extra tips. I love and do landscape photography as well as nature and wildlife. Thank you so much for your generous contribution to help, I am sure, many photographers