How to Solve the Biggest COMPOSITION Problem in Landscape Photography

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In this week’s episode, we discuss how to solve the biggest composition problem in landscape photography. The importance of composition cannot be understated and I firmly believe the fastest way for one to improve their landscape photography is by developing their compositional skills. Now from an outdoor photography perspective, when I think of composition I cannot help but also think about the problem we're trying to solve - how do we translate the three dimensional landscape we see with our eyes into the two dimensional medium that is photography?
In this video, I share with you three techniques that I use to solve the biggest composition problem in landscape photography. By focusing on the solution to this compositional problem and implementing the three methods mentioned in this video, I've seen a drastic improvement in my own landscape photography. So I hope you're able to pick up some helpful information from this week's episode that you can apply to your on-location workflow the next time you're out looking for impactful landscape compositions!
Thanks for watching everyone! - Mark D.
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[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

100K GIVEAWAY Winner will be announced in Next Week's Video!! If you'd like to enter, check out last week's video for the details: y2u.be/Ss6-9dHO6rU Thanks everyone!!

[@gamnis]

Good luck to everyone! :)

[@ferhispano]

Depth is key, when my kid says “that pic looks like 3D” that is a good sign I probably got a good shot !

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Fernando Enriquez Absolutely! I love it when folks say that about my photos too!

[@ApertureAlchemy]

"Composition, is my hands down favorite landscape photography topic is discuss." Hands down more talk on composition. Excellent video.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Kirk Dikun Much appreciated Kirk!!

[@paulasimson4939]

"Optical journey, visual path" Mark, you're as good with words as you are with photography. Beautiful imagery.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Paula Simson Thanks Paula!! I’m glad to hear you think so!

[@yashanbasnayake4338]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto I agree with Paula. Very fluid and catchy style Mark. Cheers

[@thepokemonchannel7797]

How to solve landscape photography problems? Answer : Mark Denney

[@matthiasmullin]

I’m happy that you were one of the first youtubers I found when I started in photography. You’ve always stressed composition over things like gear and it put the right idea in my mind and I think it’s starting to show in my own work. You’re a great teacher!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks for this great feedback!

[@vjamison2]

Thank you so much for these videos, I bought my first DSLR camera 2 months ago and I'm completely hooked! i Love Landscape Photography the most. I'm learning a lot as well.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for watching the video Valerie - glad you enjoyed it!

[@JPlanetM]

being confined for more than 45 days, I discovered your channel, which has made me a lot of company, I like the themes and especially the clear and simple communicative way you have, for me it's been like learning a lot of new things and remembering a lot of basics to put in practice as soon as I can go out, thanks a lot, cheers!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

It’s great to hear you’ve been enjoying the channel! Hope you’re doing well!

[@anLTproduction]

Another great way to create depth is to allow something in the photo to be out of focus. Having a point of sharp focus, complimented by areas that look softer creates separation between objects and adds an entirely new dimension to composition. This is a huge thing in the world of fine art photography. Focus stacking is kind of a niche technique dominated by youtube vloggers that are generally more concerned with explaining technical aspects of a photo rather than allowing the viewer an unadulterated artistic impression of the work being shown.

[@colliescameraaction8944]

Subject never gets old - composition is fascinating and is the number one factor that makes or breaks an image. Love your videos and some great photos here. Thanks for sharing Mark

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Love it! I could talk about it all day!

[@JagTheRipper]

Finally someone who explains proper composition techniques and not just say use the rule of thirds. Good quality content. I actually learnt something from this video unlike other youtubers who just say rule of thirds.

[@johnpouw3352]

That lighthouse shot is still one of my favourites...the colours are fantastic and the textures in the grasses and the boardwalk are excellent. Thanks again Mark.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks John - it’s a favorite of mine as well!

[@glennricks]

Thank you for yet another gem. Your passion for the craft shines through in every video.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Glenn!

[@ryanfoo9386]

All the knowledge gained from you throughout these months! Can't wait to get out at shoot. Stay safe Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya Ryan - you as well friend!

[@deanroyer9954]

While I had heard about the idea of trying to achieve a 3D look in one's photos before, I hadn't heard about using framing to do so. I always learn something new from your videos. Thank you.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great to hear Dean - thank you!

[@shanesmithphotography]

The simplicity in which you explain techniques is why I drop everything when I get a notification of another video of yours and I HAVE to watch it straight away :) Once AGAIN the quality of your videos and the content is why you have over 100k subs and wont be long before you reach the 200K subscribers real soon. You ARE the man Mark 👍🇦🇺

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

As always Shane - you’ve proven once again to provide the best comments - means a lot friend!

[@nonanon666]

I used to write paragraphs answering noob questions in Facebook groups, now I just drop the link to your channel and tell them to subscribe and binge watch. Good clear communication and simplification of concepts, good emphasis on composition, focus and exposure in a way which isn't needlessly technical or gear-oriented.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

This is awesome - much appreciated Daniel!

[@alanhumbard8298]

Composition is the most important aspect of photography but also the hardest. Thanks Mark for the help!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Totally agree Alan!

[@celinemorisset5533]

Thank you Mark for yet another interesting talk with great examples. Great learning!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Hey Celine! Just want to say a big thanks to you for consistently watching and commenting on the videos! It means a lot so thank you again for that! Hope you're doing well.

[@joesmith7301]

Great job Mark...as always. I have been struggling with this. A lot of what you discussed and “focused” on helped me put a lot into perspective. The other thing is my planning AND following the plan. Getting very frustrated with myself, but you have been a great help! Thanks!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Joe Smith Thank ya much Joe - happy to hear the video was helpful!

[@MarkMcNeill22]

really nice video mark nice and clearly explained

[@CristanBoerg]

Thanks for that clear and comprehensive information!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Of course! Thank YOU for watching it!

[@yashanbasnayake4338]

Great walkthrough Mark. Very easy to follow and causes several lightbulb moments when you realize the subtle things that make up a composition.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank you much - glad it was helpful!

I like the examples you showed, especially the not-so-obvious leading lines. I think that composition is one of the hardest things in photography. Aside from the obvious rules, coming up with creative compositions can be very hard. In my case, as an amateur and hobbyist photographer, it's not always easy to spend hours scouting a location to come up with a great composition. Thanks for the excellent ideas.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it and thanks for checking out the video!

[@nelsonclub7722]

When Mark Denney speaks we don't just listen. We learn. The voice of reason helping us get through difficult times. Heartfelt thanks

[@atoro3578]

Always a pleasure listening to lesson, thank you for the tips.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@derrydogsdirtbikeriders4266]

Thanks for some great tips Mark and cracking examples of your pics. Hats off to you for leaving the advertising for the end.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy to hear you enjoyed it!

[@Mariamuri4]

Thank you, Mark! You, again, made a concept so clear.

[@donhendricks3190]

I find myself realizing that you and I do think a lot alike ... but you have a much more eloquent way of describing it! This was great content, Mark. Thanks!

[@johanhefer3512]

As always very easy to follow and understand when you explain it. I find your tutorials makes me understand the subject without effort. My compliments as usual. My problem starts when I get to a location. everything happens in a blur. In most of the remote places there is no coverage otherwise I could first settle down with a few of your videos and think my way through....

[@PGYTECH]

Thanks for another great video. I will try your advice this weekend!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

PGYTECH Happy to do it and best of luck this weekend!

[@AustinSmith-os3ix]

Another great vid. Thanks for the tips Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for checking it out Austin!

[@toddshane2243]

Thanks for another great video that one thing I've learned over the years is slow down and look at my composition

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Todd Shane Glad to do it Shane! Thanks for watching!!

[@jasonveee7506]

Great advice. Its easy to get lost in the moment and forget the plan for the photos. Those Hawaii shots brought me back to my trip. Ive hiked to that huge waterfall on Maui, and the Na'Pali coast that you shot from the helo. I hiked the Kalalau Trail which runs along all those beaches and cliffs. Caught myself several times forgetting skils when looking through the lens. More than once I had to stop and correct myself.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Jason! Love that area!

[@wahajahmed3056]

You have precious eyes man. There are alot of things to learn from you. Keep spearding your knowledge and sharing your experiences.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank you!!

[@swaroopsankarsivadasan]

Thanks for reminding us the helpful composition tips. The two compositions I see every time out there are leading lines and rule of thirds. I always somehow fail to pick repeating patterns and frames. Great video Mark 👍🏼

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Much appreciated - glad you found the video helpful!

[@jdanieljenkins]

Cheers for the vide and content! Composition is king!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Indeed! Thanks Daniel!

[@Speedys06]

Always a good reminder and a great vidéo, as always 😊

[@saddamhussain1312]

As usal simple explanation , every time watch your video i learn something new

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BLADE-4]

A while ago, I had an idea for a video about story telling. You had mentioned that in prior videos but I was still lost as to what that meant. This video DOES help solve that for me at least to a certain degree. Thanks for the video! Great stuff as always!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it - hope it was helpful!

[@mobimo2832]

Great video many thanks dear Mark❤️👍

[@kreygscott]

Awesome, informative, & well structured video Mark. Thanks for sharing mate. Stay safe and God Bless.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks - glad to hear you enjoyed it! Be well!

[@andynelson9654]

Another great video. I'm sure it will help me think more before taking the shot to ensure I capture the best photograph I can. Thanks as always.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank YOU Andy!

[@rosssayer6524]

Really good info Mark, thanks for sharing. Some amazing images.

[@andreasbininda6226]

Very good video! Thank you! Especially the framing in the last two videos.

[@gordfollett]

Great video Mark! You explained a complicated and important subject in a way that most will understand and benefit from. Great Job!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank so much - really appreciate that!

[@nlonguk]

Please have more videos about criticizing the compositions in landscape photos. Your videos are very instructional and helpful. Thanks.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much - I'm glad you think so!

[@melissahall7009]

Great reminders 💙

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for watching Melissa!

[@RiccardoPareschi]

Thanks Mark, really nice and well done video !

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Riccardo Pareschi Many thanks Riccardo!!

[@piermichiro]

Great video mark!!! Learning some important tips on one of the most important parts of landscape photography from the best!!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@bikeandbreath]

an very nice video Mark!👍

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnjackson9601]

Excellent tutorial on composition. Thanks.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya John!

[@randyosgood9243]

Thanks Mark, another great video. Will put to practice.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks Randy!

[@amienander4046]

Simple yet easy to comprehend explanation. Great job. 👍🏼

[@Mr09260]

Great Video..thanks very much

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Peter!!

[@georgee3401]

Great tips. Thanks!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks George!

[@TheMoodyPhotographer]

I saw the entire video waiting for you to mention a technique that I love but you didn't 😄 I love also to give that depth feeling by using shallow depth of field, obviously you can't use it with normal landscape photos where everything should be sharp and in focus, but I love to use it in woodland photos to let the background be out of focus. Nice tips ✌🏻❤️

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Totally agree with you! Woodland is a great scenario to throw the background out of focus to help simplify the scene.

[@TheMoodyPhotographer]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto ❤️

[@alexisbantilan9716]

Very helpful information, Mark! Thank you! :)

[@lovemycity420]

Great video, definitely needed! Composition can be confusing!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad it was helpful!

[@andrewhillier2734]

Excellent video. Great practical advice! Thank you.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Andrew!

[@vincealcazar2870]

Nice work Mark and good educational content.

[@MrAlanearle]

Thank you Mark, l do follow your training videos and they are brilliant. Thanks!

[@rockyyyy23]

Great video, Mark. Composition, in my opinion, is a very important part of photography. You explained it very well in the video.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya Rocky! I appreciate that man!

[@danielecatorci2370]

Hi Mark! would love to see te editing process of the lighthouse image! it is just the right amount of punch ! awesome video as usual!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Daniele! Great to hear you enjoyed it!

[@anderhouse90]

Now one request from a fan from Finland: we see alot of your own shots in your videos when we go through some of the topics in landscape photography and as a follower here and in Instagram, It's a bit repeating to see the same pics every now and then. I'm not saying that i'm getting bored of the pics but it would be nice idea for one video to go through maybe top5/top10 of your favorite photographers portfolios. Anyways, enjoyed the video, as always.

[@jimgattis3248]

Great presentation,

[@cau8365]

Another great video packed with in depth tips, illustrations and explanations. Always looking forward to your next episode, thank you kindly!

[@pattyhertogh9294]

Beautiful landscape images Mark! Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience. 😊

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank you so much Patty!

[@puskarrai7551]

Great video and simple explanation. Loved it😀😍❤

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great to hear!

[@juanbusciglio1771]

Composition !! the most talked topic among photographers ! Great video Mark as always, I did mentioned you on my channel, not very big yet, but I hope bring some traffic to yours!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Much appreciated Juan! I’ll be sure to check that out!

[@musabinho]

The very very very helpful video that demonstrates the 3d depth ideology of photo composition and editing. Thanks 🙏

[@OutdoorActionPhoto]

I’m working on the difference between my accidental good composition with my photography, and actually really thinking about it as I set up the shot.

[@johnathanperkins8364]

Thanks for the video, I just discovered your channel and am enjoying watching.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

This is great to hear - thanks Johnathan!

[@alexp.4960]

Very nice and clear video and content. I am quite new to photography, used to take travel shots to show my families and friends but I want to take it at higher level just for myself and your advice help a lot. Composition is tough for me so far, but thank you for your educational skills and content. Please keep up with the tremendous work :)

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Much appreciated Alex - glad you’re enjoying the channel!

[@DavidUdin]

As always, very clear advice, very clear examples. I always come away from these videos with an understanding--not just "rules"--that can be applied to all my photography, not just landscape. One quibble: the importance of composition can't be overstated, not understated. Cheers.

[@carlreid4161]

Woah loved the shot of Yosemite Falls! Thanks for the tips in this video Mark. 👍

[@emanuelschimpfossl5919]

Amazing video!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Emanuel!

[@eventsbypuregenius]

You are awesome man!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Much appreciated Steve - thanks man!!

[@brennen-nwamtb789]

Nice vid! Love your content!!!

[@LongLiveCoffee]

The video is 15mins long, how do you know it's a good video if it was uploaded just 7 mins ago?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much🙌

[@brennen-nwamtb789]

Rodrigo N. Because he always makes good videos, that’s why!!!

[@vladimirtomic]

I like the pieces of advice, I like the photos, and I like putting the sponsorship message at the very end of the video :)

[@anamushabbir4086]

Thanks again for another great concept simplifying video. I love watching your channel. When I watch your channel it seems "Landscape photography is simplified through your words and examples". After watching this one, my thinking was, whatever routine or rule or method you follow if the photo can give the viewer a journey through the photo is a successful one.

[@anujasharma9677]

Mark, this video is absolutely brilliant. These tips you just gave out so generously are going to immensely help me improve my composition skills and bring images to life as we see them in the field. Thank you is a very small word. Those images you shared today are fabulous.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

You’re the best Anuja - thank you!

[@anujasharma9677]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto You just made my day Mark. Thank you so much. Time flies by when I see your videos. I am glued and that speaks volume about your content and your talent, Mark! Stay blessed and keep sharing such videos with us.

[@branovanik3152]

You can add a little bit of dimension to most of your images using burning and dodging. That i have lerned from you some time ago. Now i have lerned something new. Like every week. Thank you.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad the video was helpful friend!

[@KoreyHart]

Great video, and images. Everything makes complete sense! Do you think if you were missing one of the foreground, mid ground , or background it would eliminate the depth in image? Just curious on your opinion? Thanks... bye

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Korey! No I think you can still create depth with one of the main three layers missing, I think it’s easier to create an immersive image however if you have all three.

[@KoreyHart]

Mark Denney ok cool, thank you!

[@baz5150]

Another great video Mark, informative and very well explained. I am recommending your channel to all photographers, beginners and experienced alike, excellent work 😀

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

You are the man Barrie! Very much appreciate that!

[@isyourwifion5384]

This right here! Officer.

[@Alel90]

Nice to watch it over and over again and takes notes. Your Explanations are very very clear. As always can't wait to think of these tips while wandering in the Bolognese Appennines thanks :D

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@cephotographyuk]

Would love to see how you would go about focus stacking and exposure blend an image in Photoshop!

[@Ian_Walker]

new angle..nice!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Ian!! I rather liked this setup

[@mikeswoods]

Composition is always an issue for any photographer whatever your ability level, but this is a great video to explain what to look out for, along with the different approaches you can take given the subject matter and surroundings. Great video Mark (as ever), keep up the good work 👌📸

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks for the great comment Mike! Really appreciate it!

[@nightcoder5k]

Great video as always. Could you please make a video on cropping? How do you decide what to crop? Do you follow certain formats, like 4x3, 3x2, 16x9?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much! I actually made a video a few months ago on that very topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2KumH5np9djjdU

[@nightcoder5k]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto Awesome, thank you.

[@nightcoder5k]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto Ah, looks like I watched that one already. I'll watch it again. :)

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

I tend to think more of "bottom, middle, top" rather than foreground, middle ground, background. You're dealing with a 2D image, after all. It's all about achieving a balanced composition across that 2D surface.

[@dvidschmdt]

I'd like to know which of your examples in this video use focus stacking. Thx in advance.

[@TehR2D2]

Quality content.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank you!

[@robshaw4093]

Hi, great video again. Composition in landscape I used to and still do some times find it difficult in a sense of making my image interesting, like you said having layers and connection the foreground to the background. I’ve had a tendency to take what I see with my eyes and then look back and it doesn’t have that wow factor that i saw. On different note going back a couple of videos, have you tried Luminar 4? I’ve always used lightroom but just thought I’d try it out and it has an amazing sky replacement AI, I’m blown away with how good it is, would be interested to here your thoughts and maybe you try it with that image you sent out. They have a 7 day free trial.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Many thanks Rob and thanks for checking out this week’s video! I have plans to test out Luminar 4 in the very near future.

[@Paul-jq5jh]

Thx, for another clear video. You have shown several pictures with a close foreground. Do you normally use Focus stacking for these kind of pictures?

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Yes, in those situations many of them are focus stacked.

[@billhumphrey3238]

I love your tutorials on composition. I am trying to learn great composition. The first thing I saw when I opened this video was not enough head room. What about head room when do a photograph of a person. How much is enough and how much is too much ? Also I think the balance was too heavy left. Teach me what I am seeing! Is it because you didn't have visual interest to the left and you had something interesting to right ? How do you achieve this balance ?

[@jwally3706]

Hey Mark: I find that i'm using focus stacking more and more. I'm trying to use the sweet spot on my various lens more which impacts depth of field. Of all your landscape photography what percentage would you say would be done with focus stacking.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

I’d say maybe about 30% of the time I’ll have to focus stack a scene.

[@MrExel47]

The Tailor of the helicopter is also a great leading line. It works together with the coast line.

[@kymberleybeal1886]

The Golden Gate Bridge images are both wonderful