Behind the scenes, National Parks in Pictures-May 2025

Canyon Lands 2025

You are standing looking out over an incredible vista and you want a picture to capture what you see. But after looking at your picture, you are disappointed with how it looks. The picture looks far away, the beauty seems small and distant and the image looks flat. The following are a few tips to bring perspective and depth to these pictures
The challenge in these images is to create depth and perspective. All of these were shot with wide angle lenses, 28mm to 70mm. In the picture to the right:
1) In order to show some perspective, there is a foreground element on the right that leads into the scene. This helps to create depth. It nice that it is angled and not a straight across block to the image.

2) The clouds were so low, they couldn't be avoided. They add a little perspective as well act as a frame for the deep canyon. The road down below is a nice leading line to the mountains in the distance.

Another way to add perspective is to add a subject. There is a lot to see in this photo. Repeating patterns, leading line and layers. This was a spur of the moment shot, when I saw a fellow classmate walking out to the edge of the overlook, I knew it would be a strong picture.

Badlands 2023

Similar to the other images, this one contains a foreground element and leading lines. Here the wild fire smoke made the sky lifeless, so only a very little is shown for perspective. The colour and texture of the foreground adds interest and depth. Additional, this image is focus stacked, where three images with different focus points (close, middle and distance) were stacked together. In this type of image, focus stacking is about the only way get every element sharp.

One last comment about light. Taking pictures at mid day with blazing overhead sun will wash out a lot of details and nuances of the rock structures and landscape. Just before and a little after both sun set and sun rise are the ideal times to capture the texture, contrast and beauty of these landscapes.

Just a couple of tips to think about when you are out visiting our incredible National Parks. Drop me a note at the links below with any thoughts, questions, or critiques. All comments are welcomed