5 Composition Tips For Landscape Photography In The Field
Show Notes
5 tips to improve your landscape photography that can be easily applied when you are in the field looking for images. I work through each tip with 5 example images. Composition can be the hardest part of landscape photography and I wanted to give you some actionable tips to try out when you are doing landscape photography.
When on location it can be difficult to find compositions for your landscape photography and when filming a vlog it can be hard to describe your composition ideas, so I decided to have an in depth look of 5 composition tips that I use when I’m in the field.
Each tip has 5 example images and I try to explain how I was using the given tip in the moment that I was pressing the shutter. By showing you example images, I hope that you will be able to learn these composition tips and use them when you are out on location!
For inspiration, knowledge and fun check out my YouTube channel!
Onto the Images
Tip 1 - Texture
Looking for texture in the landscape can enable you to create some interesting images. I like to use texture as the main subject of my image, often filling the frame with the object that stood out to me in the given landscape.
Texture can be either colour or contrast and I often think of it as patterns. Repeating patterns can fill the frame to create interesting effects.
You can also use texture as a foreground element, giving your composition an extra element to create a better landscape photograph.
TIP 2 - Negative Space
Just like texture above, you can use negative space as both an element to your composition and as the subject of your image itself. Negative space is the absence of distracting elements in your composition, and as you might be able to tell from the example images above, my favourite location for negative space is the seaside or coast.
If you have a strong subject such as a building or an interesting tree then you can create a compelling composition by excluding the other elements around your given subject and creating a buffer of negative space.
Equally you can create interesting images of negative space as the subject, creating a composition of the elements in the landscape but without any defined individual subject, which works particularly well if there is interesting colours and you can create long exposures.
TIP 3 - Leading Lines
Leading lines are something within the environment that naturally give a direction for your eye to follow within your landscape. They can be winding paths, swirling rivers or straight roads. Anything within the landscape that forces your attention to follow a direction.
Leading lines are really useful if you have a strong subject, if you can position yourself so the leading line leads your attention to your subject it can create a more compelling image than if you excluded that leading line.
I also like to use leading lines as a subject within the composition itself, allowing the line or path to lead further into the image but not to a definitive subject. I think that it can add a sense of mystery to the image because you are wondering where the path or line leads, what’s beyond the horizon or out of frame.
TIP 4 - Diagonals
I decided to separate diagonals from leading lines because leading lines can be quite varied and elements of the landscape beyond your control, whereas diagonals can be created by where you stand, in other words your relationship with the objects of your composition can create diagonal lines.
Just like leading lines you can use them to lead your eye to a particular subject or a specific area of the landscape. I find diagonals a little easier to spot, your naturally looks for patterns and lines in the landscape.
Wherever there is a straight-ish line in the landscape if you can position yourself so that line is intersecting at a diagonal through the frame, I think that makes for a more interesting composition than if the line is horizontal.
TIP 5 - The Rule of Thirds
I couldn’t make a compositional tip video without the Rule of Thirds. It’s often considered the basic compositional tool used by photographers because it is so easy to apply. Especially considering most cameras have an overlay that you can turn on which can make composing in the field a lot easier.
The Golden Ratio based on the Fibonacci sequence is the best compositional tool to create the perfect compositions but it’s incredibly difficult to apply in the field. The Rule of Thirds is really similar and easily learnt and applied, so for practical applications the Rule of Thirds is far superior.
I often decide to position important parts of composition close to the intersections of the lines but not directly on them.
Conclusion
I hope these 5 composition tips will help you get interesting landscape images. These are 5 things that I look for in the landscape when I am composing, they are easy to apply and can create better images than if you don’t use them. I’m sure you’ve heard of some of these but I hope that my examples have deepened your understanding of what each concept is and how you can apply them in a practical situation.
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About the Film
Just a little information about the film and how I made it, as well as some links to equipment.
I edited the film using the Free Version of DaVinci Resolve. It’s an incredibly powerful piece of software that I am still trying to understand and will possibly write an article about in the future.
No music in this week’s video but if you want to get some great music for your vlog then check out Epidemic Sound check out their website here: https://www.epidemicsound.com/referral/ba2dau/ (If you follow the link and decide to purchase a subscription with Epidemic Sound then I will receive 2 months free for referring you to their services)
A short Kit List
These are affiliate links, which means if you follow them and make a purchase I will earn a small commission for referring you to Amazon UK. You can find out more about affiliate links here.
Main Vlog Camera is a simple Panasonic G80 with the kit lens, its a great little mirrorless camera that I got for the sole purpose of creating YouTube videos. It’s capable of filming in 4k and seems to do everything that I want it to.
Rode Mic, I got this little microphone to boost the audio quality from the inbuilt microphone.
Action Camera, I use this to film myself when walking. It’s a simple DJI Pocket Osmo camera that has a motorised 3 axis gimbal head, which means that I stay in focus and static while the landscape around me moves. It’s also capable of filming in 4k and the audio quality is quite good.
Voice Recorder, to boost the audio quality when it’s windy or I’m using the action camera I use this handy little voice recorder with a lapellier microphone to record audio.
For a complete Kit List you can read through what equipment I take with me when I go out here.
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Written by Daniel Long
Daniel Long created DRL Photography as a place to showcase his work as a photographer. Daniel has learnt a lot about photography and wishes to impart this knowledge with you, although the world is an ever changing place and he always says “you can never learn everything.” So as he makes his way, he continues to learn knew techniques, skills and information about photography. He focuses on Landscape and Wildlife photography and Daniel has a special focus on Scotland, his home away from home. As well as writing about photography and taking pictures out in the field, Daniel offers guided photography days so he can share his knowledge and locations in an effort to give his clients the best opportunities possible. Have a browse around this website to see his images, guided experiences and articles about photography. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to get in contact.