Foreground Interest

            The most interesting photos are those that draw you in and make you feel like you are part of the scene.  The easiest way to achieve this is to create an image with foreground interest.  While the main body of the image is in the distance there is an object in the scene that appears to be within arm’s reach.  This technique is especially effective in landscape photography.

  

         Foreground interest images are easy to achieve with any camera with a wide angle lens. Most good point-and-shoot cameras will work if you zoom out as far as the camera will go. You may have to test how close you can get to your foreground object to keep it in focus; three feet should work but try getting closer if you like. If you are shooting with a DSLR, you need to use the correct settings.   Since everything in your image must be in sharp focus, you need to use a lens wider than 35mm and a shut-down aperture (small opening/large number) to maximize depth-of-field. 

         A focal length between 16mm – 24mm is best with an aperture setting of f/22. If your shutter speed gets too slow to avoid camera shake, increase your ISO or better yet, use a tripod. Put your focus on manual and set it to 3 feet.  Now you just need to frame up your image.  You will have to get within a foot or so of your foreground item and don’t worry if some areas of your image do not appear to be in focus when viewed through the view finder.  The resulting image will be tack sharp from front to back.

            Look for items like flowers or foliage to add color and detail.  Foreground interest does not have to be at the bottom of your image either. Try putting it off to one side or along the top of your picture for a different look.  This simple technique will take your landscape photos from good to great in a snap.