Composition is one of the most talked-about aspects of landscape photography. You hear it everywhere: follow the rule of thirds, use leading lines, balance your frame. These principles are undeniably useful, but the problem is that they are often treated as absolutes rather than guidelines. The notion that there is a single "perfect" composition is one of the most pervasive myths in landscape photography, and today, we will break it down.
The Problem With Rules
Photography composition rules are taught and exist for a reason—they help beginners understand the principles of structure, balance, and visual harmony. However, many photographers become rigid in their application, believing that deviating from these rules leads to weaker images. The truth is, composition is more subjective than it is often made out to be. Some of the most compelling images break traditional rules entirely, prioritizing emotion and storytelling over conventional structure.
Take the rule of thirds, for example. While it can help create balanced and aesthetically pleasing images, some of the most striking photographs deliberately place the subject dead center or use asymmetric framing to create tension and intrigue. Similarly, leading lines can direct the viewer’s eye, but sometimes an off-kilter, chaotic composition better conveys the mood of the scene.
Context Matters MoreThan Rules
The biggest flaw in the idea of "perfect composition" is that it ignores context. A scene’s lighting, subject matter, and emotional impact should dictate how you compose your shot, not an arbitrary rule. In landscape photography, nature doesn’t always conform to ideal compositional guidelines. Harsh weather, unexpected light, or a unique perspective can make a "rule-breaking" composition far more engaging than a textbook example, and you might spend hours trying to fit these into the rules box, only to find that they simply won't fit.
For example, shooting a stormy seascape with dramatic crashing waves might work better with an unbalanced, chaotic composition that conveys the energy of the scene. Meanwhile, a peaceful, symmetrical mountain reflection might benefit from a more traditional, centered composition. The key is to assess each situation individually and compose based on the feeling you want to evoke.
Embracing Imperfection
Another overlooked aspect of composition is that landscapes are naturally imperfect. Unlike studio photography, where you control every element, landscapes are unpredictable. Trees may not align perfectly, rocks may clutter the foreground, and light might fall unevenly. Instead of fighting these imperfections, embrace them. These elements add authenticity and character to your shot.
Many great landscape photographers intentionally include imperfections—whether it's a lone tree slightly off-center, a horizon line on the bottom of the image, or a shadow cutting across the frame to create tension. These elements create uniqueness, making an image stand out in a sea of textbook compositions.
Try This Approach
Over the years, I have had the privilege and pleasure of teaching many photographers in the field, and the main element that they want to gain from the outing is to learn more about composition. They know how to use their camera but want to get better at what they point it at. This is no coincidence, as composition can be one of the hardest elements of landscape photography, mainly due to the ever-changing scenes in front of you, but mostly because we like to follow rules, and when it comes to photography, the rules of composition can be hard to break free from—and for good reason.
Instead of me telling them something that they already might know, I have an approach that can work regardless of the scene in front of the camera. It is about finding three elements in the scene: a star of the show, a supporting actor or cast, and a third element, which could be light, a wave, a bird, clouds, a rock, trees, etc. By looking for the star first, you know what you want the image to lead to. The supporting cast props up the star and makes it shine, so something that leads the eye to it, or mimics it, or even frames it, can work well. And the third element can add the extra touch to bring the entire image together.
In this approach, you can put it into action regardless of where you choose to shoot. It has worked well for everyone I have shown it to so far, and I would encourage you to give it a go the next time you are out in the field. We shoot digital, so what do you have to lose? Give it a try; you might be surprised at what it delivers.
Finding Your Own Style
Rather than chasing a so-called "perfect" composition, focus on developing your own eye for what makes a compelling image. Before you go wild, it is important to once again note that these "rules" exist as they help you piece an image together rather than adopt a spray-and-pray approach. But as mentioned, if the scene you are photographing doesn't fit into this rule box, then it is important to adapt to that scene. Perhaps the horizon can't be on the top third of the frame because the foreground is just too good, or perhaps the embankment doesn't curve exactly as an S-curve through the scene but instead looks more like a right angle. Experiment with different framing, test unconventional angles, and observe how composition affects the emotional response to your work. Over time, you’ll develop an instinct for what works best in different situations, rather than mechanically applying rules.
Summary
The myth of perfect composition can limit creativity and prevent photographers from fully expressing their vision. While composition guidelines are valuable, they should be treated as flexible tools rather than strict formulas. Every landscape is unique, and your approach to composition should be, too. So next time you're in the field, trust your instincts, experiment, and remember that sometimes the "wrong" composition is exactly what makes an image unforgettable. You will, of course, make some mistakes, but you cannot learn without failing a few times. The important part is to learn from each and start over again. Soon, it will all start coming together in ways that can be truly incredible.
I would love to hear your thoughts! Do you strictly follow composition rules, or do you prefer to experiment? Drop your opinions in the comments below.
