Composing a shot
We all know how important composition is when it comes to delivering your message through images. Unlike people photography, however, the horizontal line is one of the most powerful elements you can use to compose your shot.
Most landscape shots are in horizontal format because this is usually how the eye sees landscapes. Using the vertical or portrait format with tall subjects (such as mountains) can ruin your shot. To avoid using portrait mode when shooting landscape, you will have to move to a different vantage point.
Putting the horizontal line in the middle of the frame is best avoided (remember the rule of thirds?) and you should also consider what your foreground will be. Will it be the sky? Or perhaps there is another interesting element which you can use to construct the weight and balance of the image?
If you decide to remove the horizon on the image, then you are creating a closed landscape. Creating a sense of depth is more difficult with a closed image, but it isn’t impossible to achieve.
Adding depth and scale
If you wish to add depth to your photos, you should learn how to exploit lines found in the foreground to lead the viewer’s eyes to your main image. Roads, rivers and fences can be used for this purpose. Create an illusion of depth by lowering your vantage point or angling the camera down.
The lines in the photo (left) will help the viewer establish a sense of place.
Sometimes, creating a sense of depth may be difficult due to the absence of lines and the lack of color in the foreground. In this case, you can add a subject which is of a known size which can serve as a focal point of interest.
In the photo below, the photographer tells us how vast the sky and the ocean are.
To combine scale and depth, you will need to learn how to manipulate your camera’s focal length.
Correcting distortion
The wide angle lens is preferred by many photographers because it is able to capture a lot of details on the frame. However, you should not underestimate the power of a telephoto lens, especially if you hate the distortionary effect that wide angle lens produces when photographing a subject at close range. To correct this distortion, you can shoot at a distance and use a longer lens so you can get more details. To prevent overexposure when working with a telephoto lens, you can use UV or Skylight filters.
Shooting photos with small details
If you wish particular features in a landscape, you can capture more detail using your camera's macro mode or a macro lens. Take care not to use shallow depth of field and wide apertures. Also, macro mode will shoot at extended shutter speeds so you should use your tripod or monopod to prevent blurring.