Understanding composition in Landscape photography
In this article, we’ll talk about the elements of composition in landscape photography.
The composition in landscape photography is the foundation of the image. Excellent landscape photos based on two elements. Composition and light.
We can’t control the quality of daylight. But the composition is completely in our hands. What to include in the frame, and what to leave behind the scenes. The solution to this question is the most important stage in the work in the future photo.
Harmony or chaos, balance or imbalance, classical composition or abstraction. It’s an effective tool for the photographer. If you learn the main rules of composition and can apply it in your creation.
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Depth
The photo is 2D, but we try to show the depth of the surrounding space in the frame, realistic 3D landscape. The success in the audience of the photo depends on the composition.
Come closer to interesting objects to achieve this goal. Shoot it closer so they look bigger.
- A wide-angle lens is ideal for this, f-stop number is from f8 to f16.
Frame Within the Frame
The Natural Frames ideally focus the viewer’s attention on the main subject. Try to make sure that the “frame” not distracting the viewer’s attention.
The “frame” cover up space on the photo or hide the interfering details. All the details of the picture must be sharp.
- A wide-angle lens is ideal for this, f-stop from f8 to f16.
Rule of Thirds or Symmetry
The Rule of Thirds is very simple. Almost all cameras have a “grid lines” function. Turn it on. The camera screen will be divided into 9 areas. If you are shooting something in the foreground landscape. Put the main subject of the scene along one or more of the lines or where the lines intersect.
Always pay attention to symmetry.
The best example of symmetry in landscape photography is the reflection in the water. If the water in the lake is still, you will see an almost perfect reflection. Symmetric framing is completely justified in this case. The photo of such “symmetrical frame” will be very unexpected and interesting.
Simplify
«I take the stone and cut off all spare». Michelangelo
Minimalism in landscape photography. Do not complicate the composition of a lot of subjects and details. Focus on the essentials. I’m sure that your landscape photography skills grow up. When you’re looking at the landscape, try to simplify it.
Close up the lens for excluding everything unnecessary. A more “closed” composition looks better than a wide-angle landscape photo with many uninteresting details.
PRO TIP. Bring a 50mm lens and shoot the whole day with one lens.
Free bonus!
I made special cards. Use them. Upload them to your smartphone and use them during photo walks. They will help you quickly find the main compositional elements.
What are the elements of composition in landscape photography
I will talk about 7 basic elements of composition in landscape photography. These elements of composition really work. Try to find them. These elements are the foundation of excellent landscape photography.
So, what are the 7 elements of composition in landscape photography?
- Lines.
- Form.
- Texture and pattern.
- Color.
- Light.
- Contrast.
- Space.
Lines
Lines are a powerful compositional tool.
Lines are natural and imaginary. Natural lines are roads, fences, rows of trees, streams, rivers, long or tall buildings, shadows… Imaginary lines are lines that create an imaginary route for a view.
Type of lines
- The diagonal. Add depth of field in landscape photography. Very effective lines going to the right and up.
- Horizontal. Hold the composition. For example, this is a horizon or shadow line.
- Vertical. Very dynamic lines. For example, skyscrapers, electric poles, trees trunks.
- Converging. The most powerful composition tool. The best example is the road going into the distance. Use wide-angle optics and aperture f / 11-16.
- S-shape lines. These lines are similar diagonal lines. The shape of the river or road there is a good example.
Form
It is hard to find a beautiful form. It could be anything. The old snag is the best example. The form, as an element of the composition, can be self-sufficient. It will also be the main subject of landscape photography and wonderful foreground too.
Pattern and Texture
As well as the shape, texture, and patterns in landscape photography to draw attention to the viewers. Texture and pattern can be the main object and even cover the whole frame.
The ability to see patterns and rhythm will turn you into a wonderful abstractionist.
Color
Color is the most difficult tool. But also one of the key elements of composition in landscape photography. This is the reason that so few wonderful landscape photos.
The ability to work with colors is the supreme skill.
First, you should study “The Color Theory”.
You take a dynamic and eye-catching landscape photo if include in the frame bright and contrasting colors, blue and yellow or red and green.
The colors don’t necessarily be contrasted. This statement proves sunrise and sunset colors.
Light
Light in a landscape photo carries out technical and visual functions. Via of light, you show the depth of field, space, contrast. Natural photographic light is a great success.
Improve the skill to see the light.
Good light in photography is a light, when visible highlights, medium tones, and shadows on the photo.
The best time for landscape photography is sunrise, sunset, and twilight.
At noon, the light is “sharp.” Therefore, all landscape photographers try to shoot during sunrise and sunset.
Space
Mountains, rocks, waterfalls. How to show the size of the main subject?
The scale is the best emphasized by subjects whose dimensions are well known to us. Put the person near to the waterfall. And the viewer immediately sees the real size of the waterfall.
Contrast
The contrast isn’t an independent element of the composition. It’s a “duet” of light and form; colors and textures…
But remember that high contrast isn’t well for landscape photography!
Aerial perspective based on low-contrast.
In art, especially painting, aerial perspective refers to the technique of creating an illusion of depth by depicting distant objects as paler, less detailed, and usually bluer than near objects. (Wikipedia).
When the fog covers all around the contrast is low. Learn to see interesting contrasting landscapes. This one skill will take you one level higher.
How to search the basic elements of composition in landscape photography?
Remember how you usually photograph nature? “Interesting stones in the water, I want to take pictures of them!” Photographers usually think that they don’t know the basic elements of composition.
If you saw something interesting – stop and see what attracted you. Now is the time to remember the basic elements of composition. It’s important to understand that you have seen which of the elements. Don’t make many shots. It doesn’t differ much from each other.
Turn on the LiveView mode on the camera and looking on the screen. Move left-right, forward and backward, squat, keeping your eyes at the screen. So you can see how changes a landscape in real time and choose exactly the moment that will seem to you the best for a shot.
Conclusion
I wrote about all the compositional tools in this article I’ve been using for 10 years. This guide is written for a beginner photographer, and I tried to avoid unnecessarily complex elements of composition. I’m convinced that the tips in this guide will help you.
BONUS
Download special cards on your smartphone and use them during your photo walks. Very soon you will see that these simple guidelines really help, and you will realize that your work has reached a new level.
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