Human Element, Landscape Photography – Even though I prefer a landscape free of human clutter, including a human element in the scene allows us to connect emotionally with the scene. And if done correctly, scenes that include a human element will pull the viewer into the landscape.
The above image from the alpine zone, along the Airline Trail, in the White Mountains of New Hampshire would have little impact and viewing interest without the hiker and snowshoe tracks. It is easy to understand why mountaineers from all over the world flock to the White Mountains every winter. The landscape is beautiful!
Human presence, good or bad, in a scene also helps create awareness for conservation and environmental issues surrounding the New England landscape. The human element allows us to see first-hand the positive and negative impacts we have on the natural environment. As environmental photographer and advocate for sustainable land stewardship in the White Mountains, I prefer to create imagery that shows the impact we are doing to the White Mountains. This type of imagery leaves a last impression on outdoor enthusiasts.
Including a human element in a scene adds market value, meaning there is greater potential for these images to be licensed for publications than similar images that are free of human clutter. And including a human element will add a little more interest to your everyday landscape scenes. Give it a try on your next photo expedition.
To license any of the above images for usage in publications, click on the image. And you can view more images that include the human presence here.
Happy image making..
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Owner of ScenicNH Photography LLC
Erin Paul is a professional photographer, writer, and author who specializes in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the New Hampshire White Mountains. His work is published worldwide, and publication credits include: Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Backpacker Magazine, and The Wilderness Society.
ScenicNH Photography LLC
Specializing in environmental conservation and historic preservation photography mainly in the White Mountains region of New Hampshire, Erin Paul’s photography and writing focuses on the history of the White Mountains, and telling the story of abandoned places and forgotten historical sites.