Landscape Photography Composition: Balance and Harmony

One of the hardest aspects of landscape photography is composition and knowing what it is that will make an image work. In this video I look at balance and harmony, and how understanding these aspects can help us create stronger images.
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.
If you’d like to join me for a landscape photography workshop in Italy or Iceland next I’ll be co-leading groups there in 2021. Check my website for more information www.andymumford.com/workshops/
Thanks so much.
Camera & Lens:
Fuji X-T4 amzn.to/3hwoRsn
Fuji X-T3 amzn.to/2U2jWU0
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Fuji XF55-200mm amzn.to/2YMVtE0
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Drone:
Mavic 2 Pro Mavic 2 Pro amzn.to/2PA4Fv8
Phone and Filming:
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DJI Osmo Mobile 3 amzn.to/2OOt3H9
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Microphone: Rødelink Wireless Go amzn.to/2HcjBJE
Tripod:
Gitzo Traveller Series 1 Tripod amzn.to/2CWyjnx
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Backpack
F Stop ICU camera insert (Shallow Slope) fstopgear.com/?rfsn=4299272.5...
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Website: www.andymumford.com
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Facebook: / andymumfordphotography
Music licensed via Epidemic Sound

[@clipdump]

taking order out of chaos is participating in the logos. It's a really beautiful idea that really sets man apart

[@AndyMumford]

Cheers 🙏

[@TehWever]

Not only this is one of the best explanations of the topic but also backed by phenomenal body of work. A pleasure to watch.

[@AndyMumford]

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

[@jackmartin5209]

Always count on Andy to give a master class in 20 minutes.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Jack, glad you found it useful

[@GONZOFAM7]

The first shot of Tuscany, the boat wreck and the Java caldera are standouts for me. Of course they're all amazing but those just hit me differently thanks again for another lesson.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the video

[@wojtekw6040]

Again, this is the masterclass. I am learning more than ever about the most important topics in photography. Thank You!!!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you're finding the videos useful

[@rickasher207]

I feel your approach of producing quality over quantity places you head and shoulders over your peers. A superb lesson, thanks

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Rick, really glad you enjoy the videos

[@bobkoure]

+1 on learning from landscape paintings.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@robgerityphoto]

I want to thank you for taking the time to put this video together. I actually watched it twice. As the seasons change here in New Jersey what I have taken from this video is to slow down. When I go out by myself I do see some beautiful scenes. What I don’t do it’s taken into consideration all the points you made in this video simply wonderful thank you again for sharing your knowledge

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Rob, that's a lovely comment and I'm really glad you enjoyed the video

[@borromine]

Simply wonderful telling discussion on the the central issue of constructing landscape photographs. Very very very helpful. Hopefully there will soon be a vaccine and people like me will be able to attend your master classes in person.
Your videos are always good and yet this is one of the very best! Many thanks.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Joseph, really glad you enjoyed the video

[@faridawally2444]

I don't know what brought me here but I'm 3 videos through and you're the best photography teacher there is. Thank you for your videos. You deserve tons more views though so I subscribed and shared with my friends:)

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video

[@inakilauzirika5076]

Again, I have the same feeling as on the previous video... Every word counts, everything is related, concepts flow... Seventeen minutes that are like a huge resume of what Composition in Landscape Photography is all about. Images supporting concepts are precisely nailed to get an exact idea of what you're explaining in that moment. Awesome work indeed, Mr. Mumford 👏👏👏

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for a lovely comment. Really glad you liked the video

[@Andrewp1949]

Many thanks again Andy for reminding us of the Japanese psychology of "Less is More" or in the world of photography "Stop. Study. Shoot"!

[@AndyMumford]

Exactly. Glad you found the video useful

[@kundanrai]

Thank you Andy, much easier to understand composition and harmony and beautiful photos ..

[@AndyMumford]

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

[@NemkellxD]

Im so happy I found your channel! Thank you for sharing and explaining! Felt like one of best classes of photography I had for long time!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, really glad you enjoy the channel

[@steveforden]

"I'm playing all the right notes. But not necessarily in the right order" as that famous philosopher E.Morecambe once said...

[@AndyMumford]

Hahaha, I almost put that clip in, but wasn't sure about how it works with licensing

[@sasharaskin]

Such a gift and skill to explain complex subjects in a simple way. A balanced and harmonious lesson. I truly appreciate it Andy!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found the videos useful

[@PETERFRITZPHOTO]

Andy, this video is extraordinarily helpful. Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

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

[@rudyedlund3616]

Great class Andy. Hope you and Andrea are staying safe and healthy.

[@AndyMumford]

Hi Rudy, how are you doing? All well here...just bored of being stuck at home due to the lockdown. Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed it.

[@rudyedlund3616]

@@AndyMumford Hi Andy, I'm doing well. Hope to be able to join you again some day. Looking forward to be able to travel again. Nice to hear from you.

[@MattFreestonePictures]

A fantastic video, Andy. A great explanation of something that's pretty hard to describe! Many thanks.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the video

[@logical333]

Excellent video on composition. Clear and to the point.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@BartoszPussak]

That video is amazing. Thank you so match for inspiring my photography mind, and soul!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed the video

[@Ziadalabbady]

Absolutely brilliant! Many thanks Andy.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, glad you liked the video

[@nickshepherd8377]

Extremely well articulated with a comprehensive summary at the end. Excellent. Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful

[@johnwilleyjr6814]

The balance and harmony in all of your work is what draws me in. You seem to create this fine art so effortlessly. It's inspirational.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoy my work

[@lcr697]

Your photos are so amazing. I have benefited a lot from the video you made. Thank you.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the video

[@PartialS]

Extraordinary photography, explained. Love your approach to teaching - you let the images speak and let us look behind the curtain. It's such a calming way to learn, and feels inclusive. Thanks very much.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found the video useful

[@The22Century]

The essence of photography. Harmony and balance. I'm so happy to have found you channel!

[@AndyMumford]

Thank so much for the comment, really glad you found it useful

[@1gmoore2]

The Danish philosopher S.K. wrote a treatise "Purity of Heart is to Will One Thing" -- so, too, it seems in your distillation of photography in removing every distracting object. As always, I profit greatly from your instructional videos -- Thank you!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment, and that's a really good quote. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@dougsturgess2651]

Enjoy your videos & commentary. Very helpful.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed it

[@glynparry6598]

Excellent Andy. I’ve been photographing for over 10 years and shooting landscape for about 10 months. What has come to my attention I’d say recently is balance. It’s taken me that long to understand that important fact. So thank you for the content.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Glyn, glad you found the video useful

[@DavidDrage]

Excellent explanation of some of the theories of composition. I will find this very helpful next time I am out with my camera. Thank You!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@FabioCandido]

Very good lesson indeed. Thanks Andy.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@goanheat]

Thank you Andy for this

[@AndyMumford]

You're welcome, hope you found it useful

[@alvarojeff05]

Wow! As a beginner to landscape photography, this helps me big time with composition. Thank you so much!!!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@EdwardMartinsPhotography]

Excellent presentation on how to go about separating the signal from the noise. Also, I just ordered an F-Stop Lotus 32L, looking forward to it!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it. Have fun with the Lotus, it's a great pack

[@GuyRaymond_GR]

Enjoyed this video Andy, well done!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Guy, glad you enjoyed it

[@jtx119]

Great info and videos. Always enjoy your channel.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it

[@tomfoord8860]

Thanks, Andy. Good reminders to keep in mind when in the field. Miss you!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Tom. Hope you're well

[@christopherthompson4464]

Wanted to add that your image of Dettifoss is probably the best advocate I've ever seen for a square crop. Never realised that before. Best. C

[@AndyMumford]

I tried the square crop....for me it still lacks a focal point though. I remember that day well and still wonder how we could have made that sunset work in that location

[@christopherthompson4464]

Andy, what HAVE you been smoking? Obviously the good stuff. Really liked the blacked out images with just the focal points ringed. Very effective. Stay well.

[@AndyMumford]

Haha Chris, glad you liked it, this one has been percolating around my head for about a year now. I was originally planning to put the Morcombe & Wise clip with Andre Previn ("I'm playing all the RIGHT notes, but not necessarily in the right order") when I spoke about music but wasn't sure about the licensing issue. Hope you're well

[@RemoDaut]

Probably the best video explaining composition I’ve seen so far! Great work Andy!

[@AndyMumford]

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

[@richardsanders6000]

Thank you for presenting such a clear overview of your approach to landscape photographic composition, and for including the outstanding examples of your work that exemplify how the balance you describe contributes to the success of your images.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found the video useful

[@GarethDanks]

Firmly my favourite channel mate. Love the link to art and how important balance is. This is something I’ve only discovered myself fairly recently.. but what a HUGE difference it makes to an image. I notice colour balance is as important but for me more difficult to manage. Superb as always mate. One day I’ll join you on a workshop!! 😊👏🏻

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Gareth, really glad you found it useful. Balance is the key in every image I think...it's sometimes almost unconscious how it works, but it's something that we can feel when it's right (or when it's not)

[@andrei4696]

Great examples and very clear explanations. Thanks!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you found the video useful

[@luciencastera9041]

Inspiring. Thank you. Lucien

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@leaderstakethereins]

Excellent Instruction. I look forward to your videos.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much again

[@davidselby976]

As always a very relaxed and highly understated presentational style with very considered and distilled ideas and thoughts reflecting many years of highly creative work. Thank you

[@AndyMumford]

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

[@VJ40000]

Thank You !

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for watching

[@shotbydmitry]

Very useful advices!

[@AndyMumford]

Thank you 🙏

[@paulus0109]

Very, very helpfull Andy. Thnx.v.m.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for watching

[@AndyNoblePhotography]

I’ve just stumbled across your channel. Your work is exceptional, some of the most beautiful images I’ve seen. So good 👍🏻

[@AndyMumford]

And thanks again..I appreciate the comment

[@yadwindersingh1067]

Excellent video Sir . I learned a lot thank you 🙌

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful

[@abikeandadrone2137]

Fantastic video, subbed straight away. Take care

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it and found it useful

[@mitymous1]

Excellent!

[@AndyMumford]

Thank you

[@ralfhamann6690]

Thank you very much for your addvise🙏

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoy the videos

[@ibiondo]

Great content, clear and objective explanations. One of the best videos on this theme I have ever watched. Thank you!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you found it useful

[@Hirsutechin]

Thoughtful and well-explained, thanks. You concentrated on the essentials, rather like you recommend with our images!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for watching, glad you found it useful

[@rajdipchowdhury3517]

This is philosophy. Deep regards for sharing these wonderful ideas and point of views. Lots of respect and love.
Your indian subscriber.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed it

[@gregbeeke584]

Thank you for a very clear and well illustrated guide. You have a great way of impacting information and knowledge.

[@AndyMumford]

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

[@kenrennie7668]

Thank you for this. A succinct explanation, if only it was always that simple to carry it out.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment. Simplicity is one of the most difficult things to achieve I think

[@CyberEditing]

Exquisite distillation of years of experience....
and impressive talent!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the video

[@zarathsutra]

So when can we expect a masterclass from you? I'd buy it in an instant. Your images are such an inspiration!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment Linus. The thing about a masterclass is I don't know what I'd put in it that I haven't already put out here on my YT channel.

[@immanuelkuhrt8508]

Again a very pleasant to watch video from you, Andy 🙂

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@cragfast06]

Thanks for such a helpful and informative tutorial Andy. You really hit the spot for me. 👍

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful

[@martoverone77]

Fantastic video. Extremely well explained. Lots of value here. Thanks so much for putting this video together

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found it useful

[@capt1089]

Once again, you've managed to provide an outstanding video for those of us who can only dream of producing that kind of work. Very enjoyable and aspirational! Cheers!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Jim, really glad you found the video useful

[@AleRodrigues]

Great video Andy and some nice tips and examples here, specially the balance of the elements in the frame. Parabéns :)

[@AndyMumford]

Hey Ale, how are you doing? Thanks for the comment man, glad you liked the video. I'm still hopeful for Patagonia next year 🙏👍

[@luiscampos4511]

Thanks for the masterclass. A great pleasure, like all your videos.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Luis

[@charlesnetzler2262]

Amazing, thank you for sharing this information with us that are eager to learn but can't get over to your workshops.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Charles, really glad you found it useful. Good luck with your photography

[@mikedesimone1783]

Thank you for this awesome video content. it’s great to see a channel like yours that lays things out simply and in harmony. Cheers

[@AndyMumford]

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

[@MrKreweesti]

Always awesome! Inspirational, helpful and learnful. Thanks man! 👊👍

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment Marc, glad you enjoyed it

[@serogak3090]

Thank you for these very interesting thoughts 👍

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, really glad you enjoyed the video

[@santiagommc]

Very helpful as always, thanks!!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@xiaojiang2024]

Epic shot

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@hallgrimurragnarsson3032]

Hi Andy, I am a greatful Icelandic subscriber but was shocked to see the photo from Reynisfjara. You probably have no idea in what kind of danger you put your self in. You should point out to all your subscribers to be more careful if they ever visit this beautiful location. Sadly we have way too many visitors that do not have the experience needed to safely enjoy our nature: Reynisfjara has been picked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world - but it's also one of the most dangerous tourist destinations in Iceland. Three people have drowned in the past ten years at the beach after powerful sneaker waves knocked them down, sweeping them out to sea.

[@AndyMumford]

Hi Hallgrimur, thanks for you comment and I'm glad you enjoy the videos. I'm aware of the dangers of Reynisfjara and have shot there maybe 15 times over the years. This image is deceptive and was't at all dangerous. The ocean was breaking along way down the beach, where the steep drop off is that creates the undercurrents. We were all standing at the top of the beach along way from the surf. Occasionally a large wave would rush up the beach, but this was across the flat sand and the water was only a few centimetres deep so had no chance of pulling someone the 10 meters across the beach into the ocean. I don't know the person in the photo who was standing in the surf, but I saw him with the water washing around his feet (again, it was less than 10 centimetres deep) and I was standing away from the water. I waited for the next wave to go up the beach, checking that it wasn't deep enough and then quickly walked into the water as it receded and took this shot. I was never close to the ocean currents, and was around 10 meters away from where the waves were breaking. It was completely safe. Bear in mind I live next to the Atlantic too and some of the strongest waves in the world (the biggest waves ever surfed are about 1 hour away from me). People are drowned on this coast every year from not understanding the currents. I've been photographing the ocean for almost 15 years now and have learned a very healthy respect for the waves, and always take care.

[@SimonGodfrey]

Hi Andy, my first visit to your channel. This is a fantastic explanation of composition which I find super helpful, thank you so much for sharing and I've subscribed so look forward to watching more of your videos.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much Simon, glad you to enjoyed it...and thanks for the sub

[@xeroeddie]

Amazing photos and very useful tips. Cheers!

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much

[@97hb]

That was extremely useful. Thanks Andy. I will go through my recent shots and will study them to see how I can improve my photos using these tips.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad it was helpful

[@einatma3608]

Great video! So inforamtive. Looking forward to see your next videos 🙏 :)

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it

[@G0FUW]

Thanks Andy, clear and well illustrated as always. Penny dropped why one of my images gets lukewarm reactions - too much negative space bottom left unbalancing the rest. Thanks for sharing - good luck with 2021 workshops, hope life is a little more 'normal' next year, for all of our sakes.

[@AndyMumford]

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

[@ShaneBaker]

I thought I could make your Lofoten Islands image work with a wide crop. I was wrong.
Thanks for another thought-provoking video, Andy.

[@AndyMumford]

Hahaha...I've tried loads to get those images to work..that sunrise was so nice, but I've never been happy with them. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@alexanderchaker]

Loved the video, thanks for sharing your professional experience.
Can you please make more videos showing your editing process? It's amazing how it brings out the subject without going in the surreal area.
I also like to ask about the shot setting for Bromo Mist picture, is it a slow shutter speed with a density filter to get a flowing mist hugging the cliff?

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much for the comment. I actually have quite a few workflow videos for my editing process (there are 4 Capture to Editing videos on the channel, and then a video on Lightroom which has my process too).
As for the Bromo video, it's a fast shutter speed taken handheld. The mist was just really thick

[@ericbell7529]

Thank you Andy! Any chance you can do a class on how to make the best of mid day landscape photography?

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment, glad you liked the video. I've got a couple of videos where I speak about midday light (mostly when it's cloudy). There's a vlog from the Dolomites on making the most of cloudy weather, and a video I made on light. I love shooting in cloudy conditions in midday, but when it's bright and sunny it's not really ideal.

[@alcor1]

Please Andy, enable subtitles for those who are not native English speakers. Thank you and take care 🙏

[@AndyMumford]

As far as I know the only way to add subtitles is to manually type them, and I don't have a text for this video. Sorry about that.

[@alcor1]

@@AndyMumford Forgive me, but in all your previous videos it was possible to enable subtitles and automatic translations. I understand english a little bit, but I would like to understand the concept better. I congratulate you, you are a great inspiration. Ciao 😊

[@WDeranged]

@@alcor1 Maybe youtube hasn't had time to auto generate subs.

[@vargavideo]

14:05. Wow...

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks

[@v1ceCSGO]

great pics! your choice of lenses are what im going for! starting with the 55-200 then the 10-24...
are these landscape pics shot with the 10-24? they look so amazing

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks so much, glad you found the video useful. Pretty much all the images here were shot with either the 10-24mm
or the 55-200mm

[@v1ceCSGO]

@@AndyMumford ooh yes thank you!! they are amazing! :)

[@derekperkins7343]

As ever very thought provoking guidance: I liked the use of the images that didn't work and your fixes for those locations. The Japanese prints were particularly powerful in making your point about created landscapes, full of the balance and clarity you expounded.

[@AndyMumford]

Thanks for the comment Derek, glad you found it thought provoking.

[@derekperkins7343]

@@AndyMumford I've spent the morning looking at Japanese prints and comparing them with my own landscapes: once we're freed up from lockdown I'm out and about with the key words: simplify, declutter, balance. Thanks again.

[@gerrymein5282]

Can you make a video tutorial of how you edit you photos?

[@AndyMumford]

There are quite a few videos on my channel where I go over my editing workflow. There's a video on tips for Lightroom, and some videos where I look at images from capture to processing in the Dolomites and Lofoten

[@mixeddrinks8100]

bit off topic, but the shot behind you on the wall, yours, printed? How do you pick a picture for your own walls when you got so many goodies?

[@AndyMumford]

Hahaha, thanks so much. To be honest, like most photographers I'm super critical of my own work, and for printing I wanted one that was relatively neutral for the wall, and also I wanted it to be panoramic format to fit better in that space

[@SumitGupta-wo5ne]

I am design student. In that 1 subject is elements of design so i got assignment to click harmony photography so plz can you give some examples

[@01eg]

Can you tell me, please, who is the author of Japanese paintings?

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

"have nothing in your (image) that you know not to be useful or believe not to be beautiful"

[@AndyMumford]

Exactly

[@tonygreenwoodN10]

Or in this context, maybe even better than William Morris, Antoine de Saint-Exupery? "A designer [photographer] knows he [or she] has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away."

[@AndyMumford]

@@tonygreenwoodN10 Nice quote, I like that.

[@lamuneboy9562]

8:00 for later

[@naomiwolff9523]

I am teaching myself composition at the moment, using different sources. From what I understand, it boils down to mathematics and psychology. You seem to put a lot of emphasis on the centre of the photo. What about using the golden ratio for example?

[@moes_film]

I don't quite agree with all of the examples. Also, imbalance could make a photo very interesting to look at. Balance could be pleasing but dull while imbalance would make someone think a bit more. Perhaps a balanced photo would go in a bedroom setting for its serenity whilst an unbalanced photo could go in a living room for a convo starter. Interesting topic nonetheless.

[@rerod7481]

You are talking pretty fast. It's not always easy to follow you as a non native speaker.