Aerial Perspective

Morning Haze, Sawtooth National Forest

Perspective helps create depth in a photograph. We have been discussing this concept in one of my classes. There are several ways to show perspective in an image. The obvious one, linear perspective, showing how parallel lines seem to converge in the distance, is overused by the students in the assignment. It is nice to see diminishing or aerial perspective used occasionally. This image shows the use of aerial perspective, which is created by the atmospheric haze. When accompanied by backlight, it often not only enhances the feeling of depth, but can create a mysterious feeling as well.