While scouting during the day makes sense, it’s not always necessary—sometimes the best shots come from reacting to the light as it changes. Being in the moment allows you to see how shadows fall on the land and create natural compositions. As the final hour of daylight arrives, it’s an ideal time to find frames that bring out the land’s contours, colors, and textures.
Coming to you from William Patino, this insightful video shows how to make the most of late-day light for stunning landscape shots. Patino explains how sunset can be great for cloud coverage and color, but you often get even better lighting before the sun fully sets. Shadows and highlights add a dynamic depth to the snow, preventing it from looking flat or overexposed. By observing how the light hits different elements in the landscape, you can create compositions that guide the viewer’s eye naturally, without the need for excessive editing. Patino also emphasizes keeping fresh perspectives and avoiding the temptation to take multiple shots of the same frame; capturing different angles can reveal the unique character of each scene.
One of the images Patino shares offers a central focal point, drawing the viewer’s eye toward a mountain in the distance. Using the natural lines of a valley, he achieves balance by aligning the ridgelines on either side. This layered approach to composition is key, with foreground details like patches of snow or clusters of plants leading to mid-ground ridges and finally to the mountain backdrop. Each layer is carefully balanced so that the viewer’s eye progresses smoothly from one part of the scene to another. Layering foreground, midground, and background elements is an effective way to add dimension without overpowering the frame.
In another shot, Patino uses a leading line formed by a snow-covered ridgeline to create a sense of flow. The viewer’s eye follows a gentle S-curve that naturally directs them toward the main mountain peak. Positioning is crucial here: aligning the ridge to flow directly toward the mountain helps guide the eye intuitively through the frame. This technique of using shapes and natural curves in the landscape to lead the viewer’s gaze creates a sense of movement that feels unforced. Simple foreground details, like a few isolated plants or a patch of clean snow, provide subtle interest without distracting from the larger elements of the scene.
One important takeaway from Patino’s approach is that you don’t always need a plan for every detail in your composition. Spontaneity can work in your favor, especially when light and landscape come together in ways you couldn’t predict. By focusing on key elements like balance, depth, and leading lines, you can achieve compositions that feel cohesive yet natural. 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!”
