Improve the composition of your Landscape and Travel Photos. My latest YouTube vlog is designed to take you through a logical way of composing your images to try and ensure you end up with better and better photos.
Composition is one of those key elements that needs to be mastered in photography and in any visual art. We need to compose our images so that viewers are drawn into them.
In this photography tutorial, I start with the rule of thirds and progress through other elements that go into the final composition. When I first started as a photographer, it was a frustrating process of learning, so hopefully, for some, this demystifies what goes into the final composition of a photograph.
Composition isn’t just about having good exposure or an expensive camera. It’s about framing your shot so it catches the viewer’s eye and pulls them into the scene. Great photos don’t happen by chance—they’re carefully planned. My YouTube guide dives into key techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, colour, diagonals, motion blur, reflections, and when to break the rules. All these tools help turn a simple scene into a stunning image.
Think of composition as the blueprint of your image. It guides how the viewer’s eye moves through the image, highlighting the most important parts. Even if your exposure is perfect, a weak composition can ruin a photo. On the other hand, a well-composed shot draws attention and tells a story.
Good composition can make an ordinary scene look extraordinary. It captures emotions, sets the mood, and makes the viewer want to look again. Iconic images often use simple rules that help create powerfully balanced images. When you learn these rules, your photos become more engaging and impactful.
Imagine dividing your frame into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. The points where these lines cross are your “sweet spots.” Putting your main subject on those points makes the photo more balanced. This idea has been used by artists and photographers for centuries.
When you shoot landscapes, align horizons along the top or bottom third of your frame, not dead centre. For example, place a striking building or tree at one of the intersecting points. In scenes like a sunset or a mountain range, position key elements on these lines to create interest.
Suppose, like me, you’re in Norway, and there’s a red building. By lining it up with one of the vertical thirds, your sky and land can fill the remaining space. Wait for the waves to form interesting patterns below, adding drama. This technique guides your eye naturally across the image.
Leading lines are natural or man-made elements like roads, rivers, or fences that draw your eye toward the main subject. They add depth and help guide viewers into your scene. When used well, they make the photo seem three-dimensional.
Look for lines that naturally run through the scene. A curving river can draw attention to a mountain or sunset. A road or bridge can lead the eye from the foreground into the background, creating a sense of journey.
Imagine a bridge that curves into the scene. If your composition follows the line from bottom to top, the viewer’s gaze is naturally drawn along it toward the distance or the peak of a mountain.
Colours grab attention. Bright reds or yellows can make a focal point stand out. Cool colours like blue and green evoke calm, while warm ones bring energy or warmth. Using colour intentionally can heighten emotion and direct focus.
Contrast colours to create a striking scene. For instance, a bright red boat against a cold blue lake makes both elements pop. This contrast immediately draws the eye and makes the scene vivid.
When I was in Norway, I found a red boathouse on a blue background, which instantly attracted my attention. The red pops against the icy environment, adding mood and visual interest, making you want to explore the scene more.
Diagonals add a sense of movement and tension. Unlike straight lines, they guide the eye in a subtle, more engaging way. They can make a flat scene appear more dynamic and alive.
Look for mountain slopes, roads, or even trees that run diagonally. In urban settings, stairs, railings, or bridges create diagonals that can be used creatively. They help the viewer’s eye move across different parts of your image.
In a landscape, a mountain coming down diagonally makes the scene energetic. In a busy city, a diagonal road leading into the distance can create a powerful flow. When you notice and use these, your photo feels more alive.
Motion blur captures movement, giving a lively feel to your images. A fast-moving car or flowing water adds energy and life. Panning with a moving subject blurs everything else, emphasising speed and activity.
In city scenes, slow shutter speeds can show bustling streets or moving vehicles. This effect makes your photo more energetic. It also adds a sense of time passing, making viewers feel part of the scene.
Reflective surfaces like lakes or ponds can mirror the sky and landscape. These reflections create symmetry and a calm or abstract mood. Framing your scene to include interesting reflections can multiply the visual impact.
Normally, placing the horizon on the top or bottom third keeps the scene balanced. But sometimes, putting it in the middle can give a different feel, like creating a perfect reflection or abstract composition.
If the water is still, zoom in on details and fill the frame. Focus on textures, colours, or lines. A perfectly still lake with a centred horizon can look like an art piece.
Some scenes are better off with breaking the typical composition. A mood, an atmosphere, or a purely artistic choice might call for a different approach. Trust your eye and try unorthodox framing to discover fresh perspectives.
Remember, rules in photography are guides, not strict laws. Sometimes, breaking them results in the most memorable images. Keep practising and experimenting to develop your style. Trust your creative voice, and don’t limit yourself to formulas.
Mastering photo composition involves understanding and applying tools like the rule of thirds, leading lines, colour, diagonals, motion blur, reflections, and horizon placement. Each element helps tell a story and engages viewers. But the real magic happens when you break rules intentionally and trust your instincts. Practice these techniques, and your landscape images will stand out with clarity, emotion, and impact. So next time you step out to shoot, remember—composition is your secret weapon. Use it wisely.
And if you’re interested, I offer photography tours and workshops in a variety of destinations around the world. If you’re interested in learning more from me to help you get the best out of your photography, then get in touch.
