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The Elements of a Strong Composition in Landscape Photography | Part 1

Reading Time:
10 min
Content:
Max Rive
Editor:
Madison
Date:
March 28, 25

Read Time:
10 min
Content:
Max Rive
Editor:
Madison

a strong composition is essential for impactful landscape photography. This guide explores key elements that enhance balance, depth, and visual harmony in an image.

- Balance in a composition ensures that visual weight is distributed effectively, whether through symmetry, the mirroring technique, or strategic placement of elements. Light plays a crucial role, guiding the viewer’s attention and affecting balance within the frame.
- The foreground adds depth and leads the eye toward the main subject. It should be distinguishable, balanced, and sometimes used to frame the composition. A strong foreground often has a vertical shape, enhancing the three-dimensional feel of an image.
- The midground acts as a bridge between the foreground and background. It should be clearly distinguishable, contribute to depth, and avoid blocking the main subject. Leading lines, atmospheric elements, and careful placement help ensure the midground strengthens the overall composition.

By understanding these compositional techniques, photographers can create more dynamic and visually engaging landscape images.

1. Balance in Composition

Imagine you go grocery shopping to buy supplies for a photo trip to the mountains. You have two empty bags with you. After shopping, you place all the groceries into just one bag. Now, as you walk to your car, you have a heavy bag in one hand and an empty bag in the other. Your balance is off.

To restore balance, you have two options:

1. Place the heavy bag on your head – This won’t be comfortable, but at least the weight is centered.
2. Distribute the weight – Move 50% of the groceries into the empty bag and carry both bags, one in each hand.

In both cases, the weight is balanced. These same principles apply to composition in landscape

photography.

1.1 Arrangement of Elements

Imagine you're photographing a sunset. You decide to place the sun in the center of the x-axis

(the horizontal axis). The composition is balanced. Now, for another shot, you position the sun

at ¾ of the way across the x-axis, placing it in the middle of the right side of the image. This

creates an unbalanced composition.

Using the Mirroring Technique to Restore Balance

To restore balance, we need an additional element on the opposite side. To determine its

placement, we use the mirroring technique:

- Divide the image into two halves.
- One half contains the main subject (the sun, in this case), while the other half lacks a major subject.
- Mirror the position of the main subject onto the other half to identify where to place the additional element.

This second subject can be small and visually striking, similar to the sun, or it can be a broader element that leads the viewer's eye across the frame. The key factor is the weight and positioning of the elements within the composition.

Symmetrical vs. Asymmetrical Composition

- In a symmetrical composition, the main subject is placed in the center, and the surrounding elements should also be balanced. This can be achieved by making all elements symmetrical.

- However, an image can still be balanced even if the surrounding elements are asymmetrical, as long as their arrangement distributes weight evenly across the frame.

1.2 The Role of Light in a Composition

The first thing our eyes are naturally drawn to is movement—something that photography does not capture. The second most noticeable element is light and brightness. Therefore, light plays a crucial role in both composition and balance.

Although we typically notice the brightest objects first in an image, this isn’t always the case.

Left image: In a dark night sky with a bright moon, the moon stands out as the main subject (most cases).
Right iage: In a bright desert landscape, a small, darkly silhouetted figure will stand out against the brightness, becoming the focal point (in some cases).

Considering Light in Composition

If light comes from the side—either naturally or added in post-processing—it affects the balance of the image. Side lighting adds visual weight to that part of the frame. In a symmetrical composition, this means slightly shifting elements in the opposite direction to compensate for the added weight of the light, making the composition subtly asymmetrical.

light-vs-darkness-in-composition2_7ddbe0fa-2a9f-4206-bd32-b67586adf80f

2. The Foreground

Foreground objects create an extra layer in an image, adding depth and making the image feel more three-dimensional. The foreground is meant to be the first—or one of the first—elements your eyes notice. From there, it naturally guides your eye toward the main subject. Whether a foreground is necessary for a strong landscape image depends entirely on the composition.

A great foreground has one or more of the following characteristics:

- Distinguishable from its background
- Leads or points toward the background/main subject
- Frames the image or subject
- Adds depth or creates a three-dimensional look
- Is balanced
- Is vertically shaped

A foreground doesn’t need to include all of these elements. A strong foreground may only have two of these characteristics and still be effective. It also depends on the midground—if the midground naturally leads the eye (such as a river), then the foreground doesn’t need to serve the same purpose. It’s not about the sum of all elements, but rather how they interact with each other.

2.1 Distinguishable from the Background

The more the foreground stands out from the background, the more visible and eye-catching it

will be. Brightness, shape, and color all determine how well it separates from the background.

For example:

- White and yellow flowers often work well because they contrast against a green background.

landscape-photo-peru-tutorial-photography

Another effective foreground element is water. If you want to use a waterfall or running water, it needs enough movement and brightness to create distinct, white highlights.

waterstream-norway-landscape-mountains-composition

When scouting for a foreground, consider how it will look when it catches light. The way it appears at first glance is less important than how it will look under the right lighting conditions. Experienced photographers can previsualize how light will impact the foreground.

sunset-panorama-tenerife-flowers-el-teide-composition

The image above, taken in Tenerife, demonstrates this concept. During scouting, the flowers had poor separation from the background. However, when the setting sun illuminated them, and the ground remained in shadow, the elements stood out beautifully.

2.2 Leading Toward the Background

Imagine you’re walking through a field full of foreground elements—cacti, flowers, or trees.

Finding any foreground object is easy, but finding one that leads toward the background or main subject is more challenging.

A leading foreground should also be interesting and fit the theme of the image. Some of the best

subjects for this include:

-Branches
- Fallen trees or tree stumps
- Flowers

While flowers and plants often naturally point toward the background, objects like tree stumps or

rocks on the ground can make the composition even more engaging by drawing the eye toward

the subject.

foreground-leading-line-dolomites-sunset

2.3 Framing the Subject or Background

When the foreground acts as a frame, it reduces the size of the midground and background, helping keep the viewer’s eye focused on the main subject. This is especially effective when the framing foreground is darker than the background.

image-from-dolomites-cave-and-from-patagonia-argentina-natural-framing-max-rive

A good framing foreground should not distract from the main subject. While it can be detailed

and interesting, it should not be overly busy.

kofa-cacti-usa-south-west-composition-tutorial-max-rive

2.4 Adding Depth or a Three-Dimensional Look

The foreground creates depth and a sense of scale because it typically sits in front of a

midground and background. The more layers present, the more depth the image will have.

Additionally, if the foreground object itself has depth, it enhances the three-dimensional look.

cacti-flower-high-andes-peru-composition-max-rive

The cacti flowers have natural depth, making the entire image feel more immersive.

Lighting also plays a key role. Just as light can help separate the foreground from the background (as seen in the Patagonia image example underneath), it can also enhance depth and three-dimensionality.

patagonia-setting-sun-autumn-composition-tutorial

2.5 Balance

Just as the overall composition must be balanced, the foreground should also be in harmony with the rest of the image. However, foreground balance is generally less critical than background balance, as the viewer’s focus will primarily be on the main subject.

iceland-waterfall-plant-balance-in-composition

There are exceptions to this rule. If the foreground consists of only a few small elements—such as flowers or plants—then balance becomes more important. For instance, if there’s a prominent flower on one side, placing a similar element on the other side helps create a visually pleasing balance.

peru-comparison-photo-foreground-object-balance

2.6 Vertically Shaped Foreground

If the foreground is totally horizontal, it will make the layer flatter. When more vertical, it is easier to lead the eye towards the background. It will also go through the mid-ground and/or background layer. When different layers are mixed with each other, more depth will be created,

and the layers will become more interesting.

cerro-torre-composition-foreground-comparison

If the foreground is totally horizontal, it will make the layer flatter. When more vertical, it is easier to lead the eye towards the back- ground (A). It will also go through the mid-ground and/or background layer (B). When different layers are mixed with each other (C), it connects the foreground with the midground. See the difference with the right image when C is not the cas

3. The Midground

The midground is often the least important of the three layers, but it plays a crucial role in connecting the foreground with the background. In some cases, there is no foreground, and the midground becomes the starting point of the composition—such as in telephoto or aerial photography.

While the main subject is rarely located in the midground, this area is essential for creating depth and layering. However, a poorly placed midground element can block the connection between the foreground and background. The goal is to find a composition that avoids such obstructions.

A Strong Midground Should:

- Connect the foreground with the background
- Be distinguishable
- Create depth
- Avoid blocking elements

3.1 Connecting Foreground with Background

The best midground elements serve as a bridge between the foreground and background.

Examples include:

- Light rays
- Rivers and streams
- Rolling hills

If the midground itself doesn’t create a leading line, then having a strong leading foreground becomes more important. In some cases, the foreground can extend seamlessly into the midground and even the background—such as a vast field of flowers or a continuous leading line.

3.2 Distinguishable Midground

The midground sits between the foreground and background, so it must be clearly defined. While photographers typically scout for a background subject first, followed by a foreground, the midground still plays a vital role in separating these two elements.

senja-sunset-midnight-sun-adenture-person-fjords

3.3 Creating Depth

A midground enhances depth by providing a transitional layer between the foreground and

background. It is even more effective when it contains elements such as:

- Trees
- Rock formations
- Atmospheric layers (mist, fog, or haze)

Because the midground often occupies a smaller portion of the frame, it can be challenging to

incorporate multiple layers or objects.

Tenerife, El Teide by night. A setting moon is illuminating a field of flowers, which lead the eye from foreground all the way to the background.

3.4 Avoiding Blocking Elements

Blocking elements—such as trees, rocks, or mountains—can either enhance or disrupt a composition. If a blocking element frames the subject, it can work well. However, if it simply obstructs the main subject, it can negatively impact the image.

cati-sunset-landscape-kofa-usa-south-west

In this composition, the cacti on the middle ground help the composition - the same cacti would be blocking the view if the photo had been taken a few meters either direction.

Conclusion

Mastering the elements of composition in landscape photography is key to creating visually compelling images. By carefully considering balance, the role of light, and the interaction between foreground, midground, and background, photographers can enhance depth and guide the viewer’s eye. A well-composed landscape image not only captures a scene but also conveys a sense of harmony and purpose, making it memorable and impactful.

MADISON MCCARDLE

PHOTOGRAPHER & PHOTO TOUR LEADER

Madison McCardle is a passionate landscape photographer driven by curiosity and a desire to capture the true essence of each place she explores. Through her lens, she seeks new perspectives that reveal the beauty and authenticity of the world.

MAX RIVE

PHOTOGRAPHER & PHOTO TOUR LEADER

Max Rive is most driven by seeking new perspectives in the natural world and capturing them in his own distinguished style. Max's powerful portrayals of his interactions with the mountains has earned him international recognition in the outdoor community.

Capturing Atmosphere: A Photographer’s Guide to Fog and Mist

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Month	Tour
Jan	Saudi Arabia
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April	Patagonia
May	Tuscany
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August	Dolomites
September
October	Dolomites
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December

The Elements of a Strong Composition in Landscape Photography | Part 1

The Elements of a Strong Composition in Landscape Photography | Part 1

1. Balance in Composition

1.1 Arrangement of Elements

Using the Mirroring Technique to Restore Balance

Symmetrical vs. Asymmetrical Composition

1.2 The Role of Light in a Composition

Considering Light in Composition

2. The Foreground

2.1 Distinguishable from the Background

2.2 Leading Toward the Background

2.3 Framing the Subject or Background

2.4 Adding Depth or a Three-Dimensional Look

2.5 Balance

2.6 Vertically Shaped Foreground

3. The Midground

3.1 Connecting Foreground with Background

3.2 Distinguishable Midground

3.3 Creating Depth

3.4 Avoiding Blocking Elements

Conclusion

MADISON MCCARDLE

PHOTOGRAPHER & PHOTO TOUR LEADER

MAX RIVE

PHOTOGRAPHER & PHOTO TOUR LEADER

Capturing Atmosphere: A Photographer’s Guide to Fog and Mist

new test

Max Rive's Top 5 Tips for Beginner Landscape Photographers

Capturing Atmosphere: A Photographer’s Guide to Fog and Mist

new test

Max Rive's Top 5 Tips for Beginner Landscape Photographers

Max Rive’s Top 5 Tips for Better Compositions

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