Landscape Photography Composition Mistakes (Part 2) – 6 Common Errors & How to Fix Them
You Fixed the First Six… But Wait, There’s More
If you’ve already seen Part I of our beginner landscape photography mistakes series — good job! But there’s more where that came from. In this quick article, you’ll find a summary of six more common composition mistakes that can ruin your shots — plus practical tips to avoid them.
👉 But for the full explanation, real-world examples, and fixes — watch the 🎥 video!
❌ Mistake #7. Cropping Off What Matters
Ever taken a shot only to realize you’ve accidentally clipped the top of a mountain, a lone tree, or a key rock formation? It happens more often than you’d expect — especially when the light is fading fast. I’ve fallen into this trap myself, rushing to capture dramatic light and ending up with awkwardly cropped frames that feel incomplete.
✅ Tip: Always check your frame edges before you hit the shutter.
❌ Mistake #8. Not Enough Sky
Foreground elements are fun, but if the sky is glowing and you give it no space, the whole scene feels boxed in. Many landscape shots lack balance because of this.
✅ Fix: If the sky is textured or colorful, let it breathe! Aim for a balanced top-third framing.
❌ Mistake #9. Bright Distractions at the Edges
Your eye naturally goes to the brightest part of a photo. If that’s the corner of the frame, you’ve lost the viewer before they even reach the subject.
✅ Tip: Use natural framing or crop in post to avoid these energy leaks.
❌ Mistake #10. Flat Light, Flat Image
Even the best composition falls apart in dull light. A photo without contrast or shadow lacks soul. I’ve taken technically “perfect” panoramas that felt completely lifeless.
✅ Tip: Don’t settle for boring light. Wait. Or return.
❌ Mistake #11. Blending Subject with Background
If your subject disappears into the landscape, it’s a composition fail. This happens when tones and shapes overlap too closely.
✅ Tip: Shift your position, change your angle, or wait for the right light to create separation.
❌ Mistake #12. Overpowering Foregrounds
Yes, a strong foreground can add depth. But too much of it throws off the balance — especially in wide panoramas.
✅ Tip: Use the foreground as an anchor, not a boulder. Let the eye travel through the scene.
🎁 Bonus Tip: Compose Before the Light Comes
The best compositions don’t happen when the light is at its peak — they happen before that. I always scout, compose, and test my framing early, even in dull light.
That way, when the moment arrives, I’m ready — not scrambling.
🔁 Quick Recap
#7: Don’t clip key elements ➜ check frame edges
#8: Let the sky breathe ➜ balance foreground/sky
#9: Watch for bright edges ➜ use natural vignettes or crop
#10: Avoid flat light ➜ wait or return
#11: Create subject separation ➜ adjust light or angle
#12: Keep foregrounds in check ➜ lead the eye, don’t block it
📸 Join Us in the Field
These mistakes (and fixes) come straight from the field — Norway’s fjords, the Dolomites, Tuscany, Madeira, and beyond. They’re part of what we teach on our workshops, and what we still remind ourselves of every time we head out.
🔗 See all upcoming photography tours and expeditions
🎥 Subscribe on YouTube: @jansmidphotography
📷 Follow on Instagram: @jan_smidphotography
💬 What Was Your Biggest Surprise?
Which mistake hit home for you? Leave a comment under the video and share your favorite fix. Until next time — happy shooting, and as always: keep chasing the light.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
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Mistakes include cutting off key elements, leaving too little sky, distracting bright edges, flat light, subject merging with background, and overpowering foregrounds.
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Start by reviewing your edges, watching your light, and giving the sky proper space. Test compositions before the light arrives to be ready for golden hour.
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It depends on your scene. Wide angles give a grand feel, but often exaggerate the foreground. Tight framing helps isolate subjects and reduce clutter.
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Join one of Jan Šmíd’s photography expeditions to Iceland, Norway, Tuscany, or the Dolomites — all locations featured in these examples.