The Human Element in Landscape Photography

In my early days of photography, I adamantly resisted the idea of adding the human element in landscape photography.

The fact I learned about this from professional photographers did not sway me.

Eventually, I began to change my perspective, deciding to experiment and be open to wherever it took me.

My first experiments.

In two of the three examples, would you agree there is a human element of some kind with the feet and a bench?

The human element does not necessarily need to be big and bold, although it can be.

Something as simple as what I included is enough to create something slightly different, including an element of scale.

Do you use the human element in your landscape photos?

Now could be the time to experiment if you have yet to include the human element in your photography.

  • Canon PowerShot G12: f/5.6 1/1250 ISO 400


  • Nikon D600: f/8 1/500 ISO400
  • Nikkor 24-120mm lens