The Foreground Element

When you want to make good landscape images, try looking for a strong foreground element—an object or area near the bottom of the frame that can serve as a visual anchor.

A beautiful sunset image is just another image of a beautiful sunset. It doesn’t automatically result in an exceptional photograph. Though the sky may be rich with color and texture, the foreground may be deep in shadow and the overall composition may lack balance and weight as a result. The inclusion of a strong foreground element helps strike a balance and makes for a much more interesting photograph.

The challenge with this approach lies in the fact that the foreground may not be benefiting from the same light that’s illuminating the background. This ...

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