Even with the best gear, a stunning location, and perfect light, your photos can still fall flat. The key lies in composition. It’s a skill that evolves over time and one you’ll always have room to improve.
Coming to you from William Patino, this insightful video focuses on composition techniques for landscape photography. Patino emphasizes starting with a clear understanding of your subject. Before even unpacking your camera, consider what caught your eye and why. Landscape scenes often present too many competing elements, which can dilute the focus of your image. By identifying a single focal point—a tree, a mountain, or a river—you give viewers a destination for their gaze.
Once you’ve established your main subject, Patino suggests building layers to create depth. Instead of jumping straight to foreground elements, think about the mid-ground first. This area connects your subject to the foreground and adds a sense of progression. For example, a river or row of trees can naturally guide the eye through the frame. Foreground elements, like rocks or flowers, should complement this flow without overwhelming the scene. Layers make your photo feel three-dimensional and immersive, pulling the viewer into the landscape.
Patino also stresses the importance of flow and harmony. Avoid elements that block the viewer’s gaze, such as a fallen log cutting horizontally across the frame. Instead, look for shapes and lines that guide the eye toward your subject. Wide angle lenses can enhance this effect by exaggerating the size of foreground objects and drawing the viewer deeper into the scene. Balance plays a crucial role, too. Think of your frame like a scale—if your subject is off-center, counter it with other elements to maintain visual equilibrium. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Patino.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
