6 Tips For Landscape Photography Composition

Composition is one of the trickiest aspects of photography to master. In this this video I cover the 6 things I always keep in mind when composing my landscape images.
Chapters
1 - Leading lines, 3:14
2 - Object placement, 6:17
3 - Object isolation, 9:57
4 - Find a focal point, 11:45
5 - Scan the edge of the frame, 13:14
6 - Subtraction, 15:10
If you’d like to join me for a landscape photography workshop I’ll be co-leading groups in 4 workshops in Tuscany, Iceland and the Dolomites in 2018. Check out my website for more information www.andymumford.com/workshops/
If you're interested in purchasing any of the gear I use in this video, and you enjoy my videos, please support my work by clicking on the affiliate links below. The US Amazon links are on the left, the UK ones are on the right.
Thanks so much.
Gear I used in this film:
Cameras
Fuji X-T2 amzn.to/2x8mgwX (UK: amzn.to/2gRFH78)
Fuji X-T20 amzn.to/2yzFoHq (UK: amzn.to/2yB0s0G)
Lenses
Fujinon XF10-24mm amzn.to/2veZzXI (UK: amzn.to/2xoHA4M)
Fujinon XF55-200mm amzn.to/2vxSEMa (UK: amzn.to/2xsWPqZ)
Fuji XF18mm amzn.to/2rR8pvE (UK: amzn.to/2jSYiDT)
Microphone = Røde VMGO amzn.to/2lyggrZ (UK: amzn.to/2xpkXgx)
Gitzo Traveller Series 1 Tripod amzn.to/2qxKZYq (UK: amzn.to/2jVdNeo)
Drone = DJI Mavic Pro amzn.to/2zlZlil (UK: amzn.to/2kZVpBD)
Website: www.andymumford.com
Instagram: / andymumfordphotography
Facebook: / andymumfordphotography
Music: Brayden’s Story - Mark Ullrich via AudioSocket

[@AntonGorlin]

I've just watched a bunch of composition videos. All were nonsense including those of a famous photographer. Yours is amazing. Very informative and spot on. Thanks for all the effort you've put in.

[@AndyMumford]

Hi Anton, thanks for the comment, it's much appreciated.

[@padraicreid1234]

A lot of thought and effort went into this production. The end result is simply brilliant and deserves praise of the highest order. A pleasure to watch, informative, inspirational, to the point, well constructed and devoid of irrelevancies. Well done Andy!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the lovely comment Padraic. Much appreciated

[@jimcano3998]

This is probably the most substantial tutorial I got on landscape photography. Awesome! Thanks for this!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful

[@robertbergstrom7029]

Your discussion of why an image doesn't work is crucial to understanding what does work better. Well done. Thanks.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks Robert, glad iy was useful

[@jacobcarlsen4025]

I have seldom learned so much in less than 20 minutes. 6 very useful tips explained so the ideas are very easy to understand.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@himalaYAK1983]

I think you are the single most useful person on CZcams when it comes to landscape photography. Thank you so much!

[@AndyMumford]

I don't know about that, but thanks all the same :-)

[@jonnmedds]

This is by far the best tutorial on composition that I have ever seen. Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you liked it

[@MHTutorials3D]

17:11 My oh my, what a shot. Brilliant video

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much. That's actually one of my favourite shots too :-)
Glad you like the video

[@MikeHermesPhotography]

Very much so. It is a great video

[@kellieashton3697]

This is unreal. I've followed. Your tutorials are priceless. Thank you so much!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful

[@smeva26]

this is like the 5th video i clicked on and you actually talk about composition lol - depth and creating a story within the image - something apparently not a lot of other photographers can explain -__- thanks for the video

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful

[@andygray237]

Awesome! Like many of the comments have noted, we’ve watched, and read, many videos and articles on improving the composition of our landscape images. None that I’ve seen come close to the effectiveness of yours in helping me appreciate the improvements I need to make to take better photos. Thank you!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Andy, really glad you found the video useful

[@Badger220455]

This stands out for me amongst CZcams tutorials. Well thought out, good strong advice and an in depth explanation. Excellent work And.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, really glad you liked the video

[@sarawade8113]

This was admittedly much longer than most of the videos I watch, but I kept watching them the very end. You provided great examples and demonstrated the concept in an understandable way so thank you for taking the time to do that.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks Sara, glad you found the video interesting

[@kevinarrowsmith6955]

Refreshing to see the professional approach of your videos which is also reflected in your images

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks, glad you like the videos-

[@pentecostkid20]

Wow, thanks Andy. I haven't heard anybody break it down that way. Especially with different shots of the same scene progressively showing how there is hope when you can't make a composition work. I went back to look at my images and realized I'm barely using leading lines much less layers although I'm good with simetry and ballance and shape. Now, I know what to think about! Thanks so much!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment Joshua, glad you found the video useful

[@fuxing81]

High quality tutorial with no fee charged, appreciate it!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks, glad you found it useful

[@karafuru7666]

There's so much thought that goes into a scene that it can actually be challenging to make a compelling image

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment Jian

[@Jkw211]

I love your work… you are the main reason I just bought an XT2. Thank you so much for all your excellent tips and advice. And for all the care and professionalism you put into your videos- they are much appreciated!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, really glad you like the videos

[@blastfilmmaking3658]

Once again you have the gift of the TEACHER! You simplify things so well, making it so easy to understand and inspire us to try harder and be more creative. Thank you!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you found the video useful

[@jean-philipper-m5886]

Just realized this video is almost 4 years old. Incredible how the content is still so relevant. I saved this video for further views cause it has so much stuff in it. Nice job and excellent teaching skills.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found the video useful.

[@nthonygreen]

Andy, this is one of the best explainers I’ve seen about composition. Thank you so much!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment Anthony, really glad you liked the video

[@YufeiXing]

just can't help watching, again and again, every month

[@spinittweeks3246]

Only 15k subs.... a travesty! You sir, are bloody fantastic. You have a a gift not only for photography but for teaching also. Thank you for your perfectly delivered content. Instant fan 👍🏻

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the sub, really glad you liked the video

[@henrynarzary3523]

This is the most comprehensive tutorial explaining about composition. Thank you so much for this one 🥰

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Henry, really glad you found it so useful

[@robertschirato2234]

Another magnificent tutorial, the clarity you create with your explanations of what's going on in your thought process of the image is just so clear and concise that it just makes complete sense. Thank you for sharing.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@bernios3446]

Outstanding quality tutorial here. You explain essential principles through your own excellent photography in a very clear, relaxed and comprehensive way. Tutorials hardly get better than this. Thank you very much!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment Bernhard, glad you found the video useful

[@ubooya4269]

So glad you uploaded this video. This information is so valuable to improve in photography, especcialy when it's coming from a talented photographer.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video

[@ramnoham593]

Your tutorials are a pleasure to watch. Great advise very simply explained with lots of examples. 🌻

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoy the videos

[@VernonGoddard]

Composition can be a very subjective feature of a photograph. Your tips are very constructive in assisting this process. Your work is really superb....

[@matv176]

Outstanding vid mate. Best composition explanations I've come across. Thankyou for sharing this.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful

[@trucoframes961]

I’ve searched through tons of composition videos just to find this gem.
Thanks for the effort you have made!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you found it useful

[@tobywilliams707]

I love that canoes image in Venice with the long exposure making them soft and blurred in a lovely way. great shot

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed the shot

[@ardentdfender4116]

I just found your channel as a recommended channel in my play list to another your landscape tips video. Being also new to photography as a newbie I learned an immense about shot composition for landscape just watching this and how you patiently and thoughtfully explained the reference lines in a shot to the main point. People often talk about composition, but not many ever show and explain it in detail or to point it out to others to grasp in understanding. I’d never thought of it as you explained so well. It makes so much sense now. This was quite educational and inspiring.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, I’m glad you like the video

[@haimtoeg]

Best composition video I watched so far. Very well thought out. Especially helpful is the definition of composition it starts with

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found the video useful

[@aroundtheblock_carnie.]

Thank you so much for such a clear and concise explanation. I truly appreciated it!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Carolina

[@buddhikajayawardena-univer9831]

This is very informative - one of the best I have ever watched on photography on CZcams. Thank you very much.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you found the video useful

[@roseyaw]

Andy this is an absolutely fantastic tutorial, it’s the first one that I’ve seen actually takes the time to explain with really good demonstrations of composition. Taking some consideration I think it will really help improve my photography thanks for your great effort keep up the good work.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, I'm really glad you found it useful

[@MikePageKaltenberg]

One of the clearest and well illustrated landscape tutorials I've seen of late. Plus a few of my favourite scenes in the Dolomites.

[@siyaramverma6255]

Good.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it

[@qwl5004]

This is the best composition video I've watched. Thanks so much for your thoughtful guidance and useful examples. The photos are stunning! I will have to watch this over and over again to bake the concepts into my mind!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, I'm really glad you found it useful

[@denistunguz]

Thanks for this excellent video, lots of good tips with some great examples! Stunning shots.

[@busterlynch5278]

A fantastic video, very informative, with some amazing images.

[@MsSasha4444]

I have truly enjoyed your videos and shared them with friends. You have such a unique way of teaching and demonstrating that is captivating while not being overwhelming. I find it easy to comprehend and implement. I can see improvements every day in my photographs and my enjoyment of them. Thank you very much!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Glenn, I'm really glad you found the video useful and helpful with your photography

[@chris5706]

Thank you for such an erudite explanation of the bit of photography that I find most difficult. I am very glad that I am gradually working through all your super helpful videos

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the video

[@MrGitanas]

Great tutorial ! Thank you ! Well done Andy!

[@seanrendall1514]

Thanks Andy for such a clear and engaging explanation. Your use of graphics really help to illustrate the points too. Your films are a great source of encouragement and inspiration for those of us who tend to rely on instinct and a lot of hit and miss attempts trying to capture good (or just better-than-average) landscape images. I will definitely feel more confident applying these tips in future. And id all else fails, still a pleasure to watch!

[@AndyMumford]

Sean Rendall Thanks for the comment Sean, glad you found the video useful

[@terrygordon1045]

This is a great set of advice for landscape photography. Very helpful for people just starting out learning about how to photograph a landscape. Thank you for this educational assitance with regard to this type of photography. The images are tremendous, and your use of the images as a means of explaining the techniques is first-class.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found the video useful

[@ericnshimiye]

This is such an amazing tutorial. Thank you Andy for putting this together. I’ve never seen composition explained so well ANYWHERE! Keep up the great work!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Eric, glad you found the video useful

[@justinlee3139]

What a great lesson. Your tutorials or reviews always allow me some inspiration. Really appreciate you, Andy.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found the videos useful

[@paulasimson4939]

Just a fantastic video. I have a much clearer understanding of composition now and I'm sure my images will improve. Thanks so much.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks Paula, glad you found it useful

[@johnguillaume5919]

Well done. Everything is spot on. I often find that I rush things a bit and fail to completely think through all the elements of the composition. Slowing down goes a long way.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks John, glad you liked the video and hope you found it useful

[@bennyk6705]

Wonderful images and fantastic insight into composition... thanks!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks Ben

[@butterfly081]

Thank you so much for the fantastic video,which will help so many people like me to improve the image quality ,and keep the interest over the amazing world of photography.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for watching

[@duchungluong]

Thank you for producing such a great video. I thought I was taking a professional photography class watching your video, which I've never taken before, and actually understand the lesson. You applied the composition techniques not only to the example images but to the video lesson as well. It is focused, has clear directions, simplified, and inspirational at the same time. Please keep making great videos.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful

[@lukewolf2601]

That is the best landscape composing tutorial i have ever seen! Thank you very much for sharing!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Luke, glad you found it useful

[@WalkingEng]

Andy, Many Thanks for putting this great explanation of composition together. It really helps.

[@AndyMumford]

Cheers Steve, glad it was useful

[@GradyTao]

I'm so glad finding this channel, really easy to understand yet helpful tutorial.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@w00tw00tish]

Excellent tutorial! Thank you!!! Glad I found your channel, your photographs are an inspiration Andy!

[@AndyMumford]

Vivek Kumar Thanks Vivek

[@ruiluz7828]

A pleasure to watch
this is one of the best explanation of composition that I’ve ever seen
Simply fantastic.
Thanks

[@AndyMumford]

Cheers, glad you liked it

[@aravindsudheesan4759]

This is what I call a professional! Superb description!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks Aravind

[@deantomlinson1764]

Andy, this is the best explanation of composition that I’ve ever seen on CZcams. A great visual tutorial. I have really enjoyed your work and being a fellow Fujifilm XT2 user I enjoy seeing your beautiful images. Keep putting out videos like this. Great stuff. Much appreciated.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really nice of you to say, and I'm glad you enjoy my work. All the best, Andy

[@gharrop1]

Even though I thought I knew some of these pointers,it was very helpful indeed and definitely encouraging,showing us examples that you felt did not work, was particularly helpful. Many thanks & Seasons greetings!

[@Jamieryder]

Yep, absolutely agree! Really detailed and easy to digest look at composition. Thanks for the good work Andy!

[@jumeejum5675]

thanks for sharing your precious infos..

[@monishbakshi732]

Watching so many videos on photography as a newbie, i always wondered why photographers show a photo and tell what is wrong in it but then dont show what can be done right in it with another example of the same location.
Your video is one of the very few where you showed how the rock on the beach was too plain and how one can create magic with forming leading lines with other techniques! Great work! Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks Monish, glad you found it useful

[@yborloch]

This is exactly what I've been looking for! I've been struggling with my compositions and was looking for a video that explains simply what makes interesting compositions. I can't wait to put that into practice, well done and thank you for such a great video!
Yannick.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you like the video

[@peterc6547]

An excellent tutorial Andy and a great reminder of the basics that make up a good / great photo. I took a lot out of this video. Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Cheers Peter

[@Rohit-fh8pw]

Thanks a lot for tips Andy, they are very helpful. Specially liked how you mark out individual pics showing the leading lines and other stuff..

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks Rohit

[@johnwells2908]

stunningly simple explanation of the complicated art of composition, many thanks

[@AndyMumford]

Cheers John, hope you found it useful

[@northernmufclad424]

Brilliant video lots of information. 👍

[@AndreasLarzon]

A very well done video about composition. Explains the fundamentals and thought process with great examples. Well done Andy.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks Andreas, glad you liked the video

[@maicopresente]

Great Video Andy! Thanks!

[@deepotter6774]

That’s one of the most succinct explanations of good composition I’ve seen. And I’ve seen a LOT! Very helpful and nicely done. :D

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad it was useful.

[@mehrdadhaghighi5140]

Watched 10 seconds and subscribed immediately! What a lovely intro! Looking forward to seeing more content from you :D

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you liked the video

[@djsuth7727]

Great video, great narration and superb photos Andy.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks, glad you like it

[@MariaDiaz-kk5od]

Thankyou so much for this video. Can’t wait to try out these techniques tomorrow!!! ❤️

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks, glad you liked the video.

[@emadali4833]

Excellent tips really amazing ..
Thanks so much , that's really awesome ad what every beginner need for composition

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks. Glad you liked the video

[@toopkarcher]

This is great stuff. Took down some notes, gonna try these tips out tomorrow :)

[@Thelach1]

Such a great help Andy, Trying to get into photography myself and this was so well explained! Appreciate the advice and will certainly be taken on board :)

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks loads, glad you found it useful

[@o.c8951]

wow i think you are one of the best photographers i ever saw! great tips thanks

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, you’re very kind, but there are a lot of far better photographers than me out there

[@rgrbrn]

Love your tutorials! Simple and easy to understand! Want more...

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks Ruggero...I've got a few more planned :-)

[@davej6838]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@eryko2338]

im stunned by this video. Simply so brilliant. Thank you!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@tTLM823]

Truly master's level teaching, Andy! Thank you for putting together such excellent content.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks again Tom

[@MondoRockable]

Your commentary is spot on. The rule of thirds is obvious, but I struggle somewhat with finding leading lines to a subject. I presume practice makes perfect? Thank you for the informative video.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad the video was useful

[@kasperoff1]

Really enjoyed that, Andy. Good advice conveyed well. Wonderful pictures as well.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@seoirse68]

Very well thought out vlog, alot of food for thought. Thanks Andy

[@AndyMumford]

George O'Mahony Cheers George

[@Eric-lh6wp]

Thankyou for this great tutorial! I 'm very happy I found your channel. Keep on going! Greatings from Holland

[@yauki1312]

Brilliant video. 2 thumbs up Andy!!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@AbbasAliAmir]

This is a great tutorial Andy. I have seen lot of videos where they talk mostly about the images that work and use them as an example. It makes complete sense while going through the video but as soon as we go back to editing our own photos, it becomes very hard to apply those principles. In this tutorial though you have shown example of the images (from the scene) that don't work and then how you managed to re-create a composition in the same scene that works, it is beyond useful. Thanks again!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks Abbas, glad you liked it.

[@Thechriscurly]

This is just a wonderful breakdown of what makes a good composition and the thought process that determines creative decisions. Thank you!

[@AndyMumford]

Cheers Chris, glad you liked the video

[@WepaPix]

Thank you Andy, beautiful message.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment

[@stukelful]

Aah man! So good to watch this and to feel a little better with some of the ways I've shot in the past. Finding more with less. Wish I could post a picture here which has so much in common with that last shot of yours of the lone trees on the hill in the mist. Magic.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you liked the video. Minimalism is just awesome in photos...hard to get it right sometimes because you need other elements to be in your favour (like the mist on that tree shot), but it's a joy when it all comes together

[@george.fakinos]

Best video by far! Great images, great composition and well explained!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much , glad you liked the video

[@kevwarrilow45]

Exceptional explanation of the composite elements required to make exceptional images. Outstanding Andy. By far the most complete video on composition I've ever seen, Thank you so much for taking the time to make this.
Kev.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks Kev, really glad you liked the video

[@chaldokid501]

As a complete amateur I like to think of landscape photography as telling a story in reverse. You pick your ending, and try to find the most interesting way to reach it. You can't just have no story body (foreground) or your reader will be bored. You can't jump all over the place or you might confuse the reader (cluttered image). You need a clear path from start to finish to tell a really good story. Obviously this doesn't always work, but it helps me try to be creative as a not so creative person.

[@AndyMumford]

That's a great way of seeing it.

[@nigeinblack1]

This is great Andy thanks. I’m about to go to Iceland and this has given me loads to think about 👍🏻

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks, glad you found it useful. Enjoy your trip to Iceland, it's an amazing country

[@AadidevSooknananNXS]

Your videos and entire channel is quite inspiring!!! It's quite minimalistic, succinct yet your delivery is done in such a masterful way, wow

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much ,glad you like it

[@esbee1177]

Beautifully composed, as well as explained. Learned a lot. Thanks, mate!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful

[@jennifervensel8276]

Beautiful.Thank you for valuable information.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad the video was useful

[@tomt274]

Great explanation, beautiful photos, instant subscription. I'm looking forward your other videos. Thanks.

[@AndyMumford]

Cheers Tom, glad you found it useful

[@connorhayesvideography468]

This one video will improve my photography immensely. Thank you for your knowledge

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment

[@leaderstakethereins]

What a great video. Excellent instruction and instructor.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful