Photo How To

What if an experienced pro told you that one simple shooting technique can instantly improve every image you capture in the great outdoors? This may sound implausible, at least until you watch the following video from the Gary W YouTube channel.

Gary is an eclectic shooter whose portfolio spans a variety of popular genres, and he doubles down on his enticing claim: "This very simple trick doesn't require any special camera or lens to perform and can be use with different kinds of subjects from landscape photography to portraiture, street photography, and travel photography."

So what is this magic formula for "transforming a boring shot into a masterpiece? According to Gary, all that's necessary is to "add a carefully considered foreground" whenever you compose a scene. This oft-ignore solution is particularly helpful for capturing a viewer's attention when shooting with wide-angle lenses.

At first glance this strategic advice may sound easier said than done, but it simply involves a change in mindset and how you view the world around you. Gary illustrates his tips with a variety of inspirational examples to help you understand how easy this is to do.

Once you carefully consider the possibilities you'll discover numerous elements that can be used to boost foreground impact, and Gary's examples include impressive rock formations, colorful plants, interesting trees, man-made structures, and even people within the scene that help tell a story.

Taking this approach is a great way to add interesting depth and dimension to a photo because of the "layering effect" it creates. You'll also see how properly placed foreground subjects will add balance to a shot, particularly if it complements the rest of the scene.

In other words, if the photo feels heavy on one side, an intriguing foreground object on the opposite side of the frame will balance out the shot for a much more cohesive effect. Sometimes a strong foreground element will add a sense of scale to what lays beyond, while in other instances it can be used as a framing device to accentuate your main subject.

The foregoing is just a glimpse into what you'll learn in this context-changing episode, and you'll find yourself taking advantage of Gary's suggestions whenever you're shooting in the field. Gary's instructional YouTube channel is well worth a visit for anyone who makes images outdoors.

We also suggest watching a tutorial we featured recently with another successful pro who explains why it's "essential" to choose the most appropriate ISO setting for every photograph you shoot. Put simply: ISO is not a set-it-and-forget-it proposition.