There is something almost fundamental about wanting to preserve a moment of beauty. A stunning landscape can evoke powerful emotions, and capturing it through photography allows us to share and relive the experience. But there is also a special magic in simply being present, taking in the sights, sounds and smells without the distraction of a camera. Finding a balance between capturing the moment and fully experiencing it can make these breathtaking landscapes even more memorable.

We hurriedly snap photos, hoping to preserve the moment and the beauty we see. That rush to capture the moment often comes from a desire to hold onto fleeting beauty. Each photo becomes a way to freeze time, a tangible reminder of the awe we felt. But in our haste, we might miss some of the subtle details that make those landscapes so special—the way the light dances on the water, the sounds of nature, or the fresh scent of the air. Taking a moment to breathe it all in can enhance our connection to the place, creating memories that go beyond just images.

By thinking carefully about the place you want to photograph, you can turn your landscape photos into compelling visual stories. If you want to improve your landscape photography, it's important to focus on composition. I intend with this blog to offer a simple but effective tip for improving your photos by thinking carefully about the elements you include and how you arrange them.

The Importance of Composition 

Consider the elements that can enhance your composition: leading lines, framing, and the interplay of light and shadow. Think about what drew you to the location and the emotions you want to convey. Sometimes waiting for the right moment - such as a change in light or the presence of a person - can transform a simple snapshot into a compelling visual story. By slowing down and being intentional, we can create images that strongly attract the viewer and truly reflect the beauty we experience. 

Composition is key in landscape photography, and though there are a good number of effective tips and guidelines, instead of delving into these technical rules of photography, let's just emphasise that mastering composition can greatly improve your work. Finding an interesting location is only the beginning. Once you're there, the real challenge is to concentrate on how to frame your shot. Additionally, consider the foreground, mid-ground, and background to add depth to your photos. Including interesting elements in the foreground can draw viewers into the scene and create a sense of scale. 

Step 1: Observe Before You Shoot When you arrive at a scenic spot, resist the urge to grab your camera. Instead, take a moment to take in the surroundings. Consider what elements catch your eye and how they might contribute to the overall aesthetic of your image. Picture the scene in your mind and assess how the different components interact with each other. 

Step 2: Visualize Your Composition Once you have a mental image, you can begin to visualise your composition. Use your camera's viewfinder to explore how different angles and distances can affect the framing of your shot. Don't hesitate to experiment with different focal lengths or adjust your position - step back, get closer or change your height to find the best perspective.

The Power of Proximity 

Positioning your camera correctly is essential to creating powerful images. Getting closer to your subject can often make a dramatic difference and transform a broad vista into a more intimate portrayal, allowing you to capture intricate details and textures that might go unnoticed from a distance. 

War photographer Robert Capa famously said, "If your pictures aren't good enough, you're not close enough." This advice is especially true in landscape photography. Moving closer not only helps to highlight key elements, but also adds a layer of interest and intimacy to your photographs. 

Getting that perfect landscape shot often means weighing up the risks against the potential rewards. Sometimes getting that unique perspective means walking tricky terrain or challenging conditions. In the end, it is all about finding the right balance - prioritising safety while still being willing to explore a little.

Think About Space 

Consider how you use the space within your frame. Where you place objects and how they relate to each other can significantly influence the expression of your photograph. Each element should contribute to a cohesive story, guiding the viewer’s eye and evoking emotion.

Comparing the two images above, the one on the left shows an acceptable composition of a stream leading us to an old bridge. I took this photograph standing on the edge of the stream and instead of getting closer to my subjects I zoomed in to a focal length of 22mm, hoping to follow the golden spiral rule of composition. Following this rule, the idea was to place the bridge at the end of the spiral. However, the foreground elements do not quite draw the viewer in and there are too many distracting elements. 

A month had passed before I returned to the same spot with the sole purpose of improving on the composition of my first attempt. Only this time I was wearing my water boots and was able to wade into the stream. The difference is quite clear. The composition on the right has a much more dynamic foreground with two strong anchor points (labels A and B) that are closer to the viewer and naturally lead the eye through the scene. The small waterfall (label C) is much more dramatic and important in the second photograph, adding depth and interest, making it a focal point that invites exploration of the whole image. All three elements, A, B and C, work much better in the second composition. Moving a few metres closer, lowering the camera position slightly and keeping the focal length at 16mm made all the difference.

As you get closer into a scene, you can focus on the essential elements and eliminate distractions. This selective inclusion can strengthen your composition by drawing the viewer's attention to the most important aspects of the scene. It's all about creating clarity and impact; sometimes the space around the subject speaks as loudly as the subject itself. 

Landscape photography is much more than just capturing a scene; it's about conveying a feeling, a story, or even a message. When you ask yourself, "Am I close enough?" it’s not just about physical proximity, but also about how deeply you’re engaging with the scene. By getting closer, either physically or emotionally, you can highlight details that might otherwise go unnoticed. Those subtle elements, whether it’s the texture of a weathered rock or the soft glow of light filtering through trees, can elevate an image and give it more meaning. It's not just about preserving a memory,it's about crafting a narrative that lingers with the viewer. What kind of stories do you tend to aim for in your own landscape photography?