How to photograph scenery: A few simple tricks to help you get the lie of the land

S Curves snaking through the image encourage dynamic composition

In the frame: visual signifiers can guide your composition (John Dooley)

Capturing awe-inspiring scenery can be among the most visually challenging endeavours photographers face. When confronted with a sweeping panorama or dramatic landscape, photographers can often feel visually overwhelmed. Here are a few points to ponder when facing this predicament.

Lines and curves are key visual signifiers – keep a lookout for horizons, sweeping curves, roads and tree lines. They will guide your composition. Framing your image is key to its success and effectiveness. What you leave out is often as important as what you choose to include.

To make your own visual statement, keep in mind the aspect ratio. Visually forgiving with a wider angle of view, 3:2 is the most common size on DSLRs. On Micro Four Thirds the size is 4:3, and on large format it is 5:4 – both require more discipline to make your composition shine. The square format (or 1:1) has found new life and a legion of admirers with the popularity of iPhoneography and Instagram.

On the subject of framing, many digital cameras provide helpful in-camera tips with explanations, usually a series of overlay grids and curves designed to help visualise the scene – the rule of thirds, the golden ratio and the S Curve to name a few.

The Rule of Thirds is a frequent starting point which will help steer you down the right path. Simply place your element or subject over the intersecting points on the grid until your composition feels right. S Curves snaking through the image encourage dynamic composition, while Leading Lines draw the eye into the picture.

Don’t be afraid to forgo a wide angle lens for a telephoto lens to isolate and emphasise certain elements to convey mood and atmosphere. And while the scenery may leave you breathless, remember to let elements within the scene breathe.

A final point to consider; take time to visualise the scene before looking through the camera viewfinder – deliberation pays dividends when it comes to engaging framing.