This article features a small selection of images that illustrate composing with partial reveals. All were captured handheld during a recent, brief visit to the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.
On occasion we may find ourselves in a location that has a lot of wide open spaces. This can make it difficult to create perspective and a feeling of depth in our images. A simple technique is to move in close to a bush or large, flowering plant and place it on one side of your composition. This is a quick way to create a partial reveal in an image.
Sometimes a large grouping of plants or hedges can be used as partial reveals. This can be effective when they form a discernible geometric shape.
The trunks of large trees can also be used as partial reveals in compositions. Sometimes a leading line can be found that flows from the tree truck. This can give an image smooth eye flow.
Trees with gnarled bark or contorted limbs can not only serve as partial reveals, but also add some character to a photograph.
When composing photographs in and around buildings or historical ruins, the wall from one building can frequently be used as a partial reveal for the rest of the scene, or another structure.
Even a semi-transparent object like a spiked plant can serve as a partial reveal if it is brought strongly into the foreground. Finding various objects and elements to serve as partial reveals in our compositions can add interest, help to create perspective, and a feeling of depth.
Technical Note
Photographs were captured hand-held using camera gear as noted in the EXIF data. Images were produced from RAW files using my standard process.
How you can help keep this site advertising free
My intent is to keep this photography blog advertising free. If you enjoyed this article and/or my website and would like to support my work, you can purchase an eBook, or make a modest $10 donation through PayPal. Both are most appreciated. You can use the Donate button below. Larger donations can be made to tom@tomstirr.com through PayPal.
Word of mouth is the best form of endorsement. If you like our website please let your friends and associates know about our work. Linking to this site or to specific articles is allowed with proper acknowledgement. Reproducing articles, or any of the images contained in them, on another website or in any social media posting is a Copyright infringement.
Article and images are Copyright 2020 Thomas Stirr. All rights reserved. No use, duplication or adaptation of any kind is allowed without written consent. If you see this article reproduced anywhere else it is an unauthorized and illegal use. Posting comments on offending websites and calling out individuals who steal intellectual property is always appreciated!
thanks for information
You’re welcome!
Tom
Good article and photos. While I have done some of what is recommended in this article, I never heard the term “partial reveal” before. And I can see the value of using this method to add depth to the composition. So, thanks for another educational article.
Thanks Joel… I’m glad the article was useful. Since I’m basically a self-taught photographer I often name approaches in a way that makes sense to me.
Tom
Great examples! (And I’d likely move a bit to keep those close-up features out of the images, but I can see the error of my ways.)
Glad you enjoyed the images Jim!
Tom