Sky/land ratio

Think carefully about the balance between sky and land in your shots – and decide which element you’ll favour. If the scene is dominated by a clear blue sky, don’t let it overwhelm the shot. Think carefully about foregrounds and use them to create a sense of depth in your picture.

Solid shapes, composed of large areas that are similar in hue and texture and usually with well-defined boundaries, are even more emphatic in a composition than lines. Use them to reinforce the overall impression you wish to convey.

A picture that concentrates on the foreground. Above Parachilna Gorge, Central Flinders Ranges, South Australia. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 58mm focal length, ISO 200, 1/60 second at f/13.

Look for elements in the foreground to interest the viewer and lead their eyes around the picture. Position the horizon high when there’s nothing of interest in the sky. Place the horizon low when the sky is filled with dramatic clouds and the lighting creates interesting patterns and textures.

While it’s usually best to avoid having the horizon run through the centre of the picture, this strategy can work well when you wish to create a sense of calmness and regularity.

[Extract from Landscape Photography eGuide]