There is an opinion that a landscape should be free of humans. Nothing anthropogenic, just pure unspoiled nature. Iāve known photographers who didnāt shoot stunning scenery because the road was in the frame. In one of the photos of the Manpupuner Plateau, the editor removed a man placed there for scale. Thatās the format, I was told at the time. But the more we shoot, the more we understand that even the coolest landscape a little person can make it even cooler, or a mediocre landscape up to a high level. What a hero can give us? For starters: the presence of a familiar object allows you to appreciate the scale of what is happening. Not only a human being can do it, but also any animal, house or car. But this is far from being the most important thing.
Full review and test drive of the Niko D500
Nikon D500,
AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR,
f/4.0, 1/8000, ISO 640
Familiar anthropogenic objects help you understand scale in a landscape
The presence of a human being always adds a story to the frame. A climber crawling up a mountainside, a solitary nomad leading a herd, a traveler on the edge of a cliff. They all add a special element of meaning to the landscape. In photos like this, the hero doesnāt have to be in the foreground he or she doesnāt have to take up much of the frame. A small silhouette, but placed in a key location, is quite enough. Work carefully with composition, geometry in the frame and lines to draw the viewerās attention to your character.
Nikon D500,
AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2 lens.8-4E ED VR,
f/11.0, 1/250, ISO 100.
The color contrast of yellow rocks and blue clothing makes the hero of the shot clearly distinguishable from the landscape
In this kind of picture we show not just the beauty of nature, but a kind of story, the story of the people who interact with this nature. Photos like this, staged or not, can be an important part of any travel reportage. You show the place of action, the character, and the conditions in which he lives at the same time.
Itās not unimportant that the hero in the frame helps you better understand the scale of the landscape. A man standing on a steep cliff in front of the mountains makes it clear how big these mountains are compared to a man, how difficult it was to climb them. Staged photographs, well thought out and staged, with people in the frame for a reason, help convey some kind of message. For example, the greatness of nature and the insignificance of man, or, conversely, the strength of man who was able to conquer these mountains.
Nikon D500, AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR,
f/5.0, 1/500, ISO 160.
In this shot, the landscape and the light are not as important as the person portrayed,
The landscape takes second place to this one
The hero in the picture performs yet another important function. Seeing the hero in a mad scene, the viewer involuntarily associates himself with the hero. āHe was there, so I can do it.ā. And so suddenly the stunning places in the picture become much closer, the viewer wants to get there himself, and he realizes that his wish is achievable. Perhaps thatās why landscapes with characters are more commercially successful than traditional landscapes without people.
Nikon D500,
AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-80mm f/2 lens.8-4E ED VR,
f/5.6, 1/800, ISO 320.
Sometimes a landscape with people just makes you smile
dominated by superheroes and fictional characters, it becomes hard to find a hero who truly inspires and reflects the values we hold dear. Has society created an unrealistic image of heroism? Is there a difference between a hero and a superhero?
of towering mountains and cascading waterfalls, a lone figure emerges, embodying bravery and strength. With every step, the heroās resolve is tested, their determination unwavering. But who is this enigmatic figure? What motivates them to face the challenges of this unforgiving wilderness? Are they on a mission to save someone, or perhaps seeking redemption? I am captivated by their story and eager to uncover the depths of their character. Who is this hero of our time, and what secrets lie within their heart?
Questioning the morality of his actions, the protagonistās unpredictable behavior leaves readers wondering: does being a hero mean sacrificing oneās morals, or can one be both virtuous and heroic?