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 
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i mean wow. regards http://YourWellWisherProgram.wordpress.com
Thank you!
Fabulous.
That was really helpful, thanks. I think I knew about the converging lines, at least subconsciously, and maybe even the portrait shot, but have never considered using the light to create depth. Really interesting and a trick I will certainly try.
Thanks, Annette. I’m glad you found these tips helpful.
I appreciate these tips! Thank you.
Truly beautiful!
Great tips!
Great tips and wonderful photos. I do use converging lines when the opportunity arises and I actually shoot portrait far more than I ever shoot landscape. I had not considered the darkened foreground, however, but I can totally see how that works.
I’m always on the lookout for vertical compositions, whether I want to increase the perceived depth of the photo, or just to be different. That light tip is one I kind of stumbled on by accident. Though I’m sure it’s not original, I mean I’m sure I’m not the first to come up with it, but it works!
Great tips. Thank you Jeff. I adore your work!!
Thank you, Jodi. That’s a wonderful thing for you to say! 🙂
Thank you for that simple, concise and helpful information!
If there’s on thing about me it’s that I’m simple!
‘Tis a gift to be simple… (do you know the Shaker tune?)
Great tips!
Thank you for the exquisite photos and lesson, Jeff!
You are quite welcome, Amy!
Thanks for sharing these tips, Jeff. And your photos are beautiful as always. 🙂
Great tips, beautiful photos!
Thank you, and thank you!
Thanks for sharing your methods…especially like tip two.
Thanks, Sally. I’ve found that there are many ways to play with light, this is one of the most effective.
Oh SO smart – an essay on the creation of depth along with the beautiful photos…
Well I’m sure not going to show ugly ones! 😉
The jury is still out on the “Oh SO smart” part though.
Great photos as usual and some extremely helpful tips and explanations. Thanks Jeff 🙂
You’re welcome and thank you. I happy you find them useful.
This has been a great lesson for me, thank you Jeff for sharing your expertise.
You’re too kind, as always. Thank you!
Beautiful photography and wonderful examples of depth. Thank you for this post.
Thank you very much, on both counts.
You’re welcome. I used your tip about darkening the foreground and drawing the eye to the light in my “Depth” post. Thanks again. Pam
And so you did! Very well done, that is one heck of a photograph!
Thanks a lot, Jeff!
Such a wonderful tutorial full of great tips.
I plan to use your post in my photography classes, Jeff. I really like the way you addressed the subject of depth and offered practical tips. Thanks!
Thanks, Dave. I hope your student get something from these tips. It’s definitely not rocket science, but for a beginner photography can seem just as daunting. Keeping it simple is the best way I’ve found to get the point across.
Yes, simple is best. Actually, some of my middle school students can’t read, but photography can be a very tactile and exploratory experience, and they are getting some really nice photos. Thanks.
Stunning photos. And thank you for the tips!
Beautiful examples, Jeff. Thanks so much for the tips. Pity I didn’t know this when I was on my roadtrip, but I’ll remember them for the future 🙂
The way I look at it is that there will always be other trips. For me, the mountains and the sea aren’t going anywhere, when I learn something new I just have to remember it for the next time.
Very true. Thanks, Jeff
gorgeous takes and useful advice for that entry. Thanks, Jeff!
Useful tips, thanks. I like the darker foreground approach, it’s subtle.
Thanks! So subtle people don’t even know you’re doing it. 😉
Wow.. you have a really wonderful blog 🙂 Following you happily !!
Thank you very much!
I’ll definitely keep these ideas in mind when I’m out shooting in the future. Thanks for the excellent tips.
You’re quite welcome, hopefully they prove helpful.
Can you stand one more person saying “Thank you for the tips”? 😀
I love how you composed this post and the way you showed off your photographs. As always, they are beautiful.
You know I live for people telling me just how much they love my photos and how helpful my tips are, so keep it coming!
Beautiful photos as always Jeff.
Thanks, Cardinal!