Composition Rules in Depth: Ensure Balance
- Gary Holpin
- 6 days ago
- 6 min read
Those of you who followed my series of blogs on 'The ten ingredients of great landscape photos' will know that composition comes very high up the list! Those of you who have attended any of my training courses will also know that I always teach composition as the first topic. Why? Because learning the art of composition is the most important skill for any developing photographer; in fact, simply by mastering composition, you can hugely improve your photos with any camera. It's for this reason that, in this series of blogs, we're looking in depth at the art of composition.
The ingredients of great landscape photos
Other than finding a great subject to photograph, composition is the next most important factor in any great landscape photo.
What are composition rules?
I firmly believe that understanding and improving your composition is the quickest and easiest way to improve your photos, whatever camera you use. This is why it’s the topic that I always cover first in all of my training courses, both for mobile phone users and DSLR camera users
Why do snaps so rarely do justice to a beautiful view?
I'm sure we've all stood looking at a beautiful view, pointed our camera at it and snapped the shutter, only to get home and realised that whilst the view was beautiful, the photo is just plain dull! The reason for this is that we are used to seeing with our amazing binocular vision which sees the world in in three dimensions. As soon as we lose that third dimension in creating a two- dimensional photo, this view can immediately lose its essence. Put simply, a two-dimensional representation of a beautiful view can often be boring!
So, how do we make photos of beautiful views interesting?
To make a two-dimensional landscape photo more interesting, it's necessary to use one or more tricks, to build interest into the image. In a 'point and shoot’ snap of that beautiful view, there is likely to be little to grab the interest of the viewer, and they are more than likely to glance at it and then look away (which equals boring!). Instead, to develop as a photographer, you need to move away from taking a snap and move towards composing an image which grabs the viewers’ attention, pulling them into, and through the photo. This journey forces them to look longer at the photo, and in doing so, makes it more interesting to look at.
One of the easiest ways of improving that photo is to use one or more little tricks, often called ‘composition rules’ to make the image more interesting to look at and help to do better justice to that beautiful view. Although there are loads of composition rules (just Google it and you will find hundreds!), below are a handful of what I believe are the most powerful ones to have in your mental checklist when composing a photo.
Ensure you have a focal point
Construct your frame using the rule of thirds
Utilise lead-in lines to help draw the viewer into the frame
Use layers to help give depth
Find foreground interest especially when shooting wide
Embrace symmetry
Provide a sense of scale
Use the rule of odds
Keep your edges clean
Embrace diagonals
Use negative space
Ensure balance
Over this series of blogs, we'll look in detail at each of these 'rules' to help equip you with a mental checklist for how to compose better landscapes.
Composition Rule Number 12: Ensure Balance
As we reach the final post in this series on the main rules of composition, it’s time to focus on a principle that quietly underpins so many successful landscape images: balance. While it might not grab attention like leading lines or dramatic light, balance is what gives a photograph its sense of harmony and helps the viewer’s eye move comfortably through the scene.
What Is Balance in Photography?
Balance in photography is about the distribution of visual weight within the frame. When an image is balanced, no single area overpowers the rest, and the viewer’s attention can move naturally around the photo. An unbalanced composition can feel awkward, while a well-balanced image feels harmonious and pleasing
Types of Balance
There are several ways to achieve balance in your compositions, each bringing a different mood and visual effect:
1. Symmetrical Balance: Order and Harmony
Symmetrical balance occurs when elements on one side of the frame mirror those on the other, creating a sense of calm and order. This type of balance is often found in reflections, architecture, or natural patterns.
Examples in Landscape Photography:
Reflections: A mountain mirrored perfectly in a still lake, doubling its impact and creating a tranquil, meditative mood (see top example below)
Centred Subjects: A lone tree positioned dead-centre in a foggy field, its branches echoing the shape of distant hills.
Architectural Symmetry: Ancient stone circles, where stones radiate uniformly around a central point.
Why It Works: Symmetry appeals to our innate love of order. It’s particularly effective for minimalist or serene scenes, where simplicity enhances the mood.
Practical Tips:
Use a Tripod: Precise alignment is critical. A tripod ensures your horizon is level and reflections are perfectly mirrored.
Seek Stillness: Shoot at dawn or dusk when water is calm, or on windless days to preserve reflections.
Add Subtle Imperfections: A lone bird flying off-centre or a ripple in water can prevent symmetry from feeling too static.
Pitfalls to Avoid: Overusing symmetry can make images feel predictable. Pair it with soft light or subtle textures (e.g., mist, frost) to add depth without clutter.
2. Asymmetrical Balance: Order & Harmony
Asymmetrical balance uses contrasting elements of different visual weights to create harmony. Unlike symmetry, it feels natural and spontaneous—ideal for most landscape scenes
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What Is Visual Weight? Visual weight isn’t about physical size. It’s determined by:
Factor Effect on Visual Weight Example
Size Larger = heavier Boulder v pebble
Colour Warm / bright = heavier Red coat v green hill
Contrast High contrast = heavier White sheep v dark moor
Placement Near edge = heavier Tree on right third v edge
Examples in practice
Tree and Church: A large, dark tree on the left balances a small but bright church on the right. The church’s warm tones and elevated position give it extra weight (see bottom example below)
Cliff and Flowers: A jagged cliff on the left third is balanced by a cluster of yellow wildflowers on the right.
Sky and Foreground: A vast, empty sky (negative space) balances a detailed, textured foreground.
How the Rule of Thirds Helps
Placing elements on the gridlines or intersections naturally distributes weight. For example, a lone rock on the lower-right third can anchor a sweeping sky on the upper two-thirds.
Practical Tips
Leverage Negative Space: Use empty areas (sky, water) to counterbalance dense subjects.
Adjust Your Angle: Shoot low to make foregrounds heavier, or high to emphasise background elements.
Experiment with Colour: A small patch of warm light can offset a cool, shadowy foreground.
3. Radial Balance: Energy from the Centre
Though less common in landscapes, radial balance occurs when elements radiate from a central point. Think of ripples around a stone, sun rays through clouds, or spiral rock formations. It’s ideal for adding energy and directing the eye inward.
Example: A lone hawthorn tree, with converging fence lines leading toward it from all sides.
With Practice, Balance Becomes Instinctive
Initially, you might rely on tools like the rule of thirds grid to position elements. But over time, you’ll develop an intuitive sense of balance. You’ll feel when a composition works—whether it’s the subtle tension of asymmetrical elements or the calm of symmetry.
Final Thought
Balance isn’t about rigid rules; it’s about creating harmony that supports your story. Experiment with both symmetry and asymmetry, and let your subject guide you. Whether it’s the stillness of a mirrored lake or the dynamic contrast of light and shadow, balance will elevate your landscapes from good to unforgettable.
This concludes our series on composition rules. Missed a post? Explore the full series here.
Want professional help improving your photography skills?
Don't forget that if you want some direct help with your photography, I offer a range of 1-2-1 photography courses for Devon based folks. If you're not nearby then I also offer residential workshops for beginner photographers or improving photographers.
About Gary Holpin Photography
As a professional photographer based in Devon, my journey began along the stunning South West Coast Path. Disappointed with my initial attempts to capture its beauty, I embarked on a second 630-mile journey, this time dedicated to mastering photography. Today, I'm a nationally acclaimed photographer with award-winning landscape photos.
I specialize in providing top-notch property photography, business photography, and drone photography services to businesses across the South West. Additionally, I offer comprehensive photography training courses tailored for both businesses and individuals. Whether you're looking to enhance your corporate image or improve your personal photography skills, my training programs are designed to help you capture stunning images.
As an award-winning and widely published photographer, I frequently share my passion for photography and Devon through engaging talks at local camera clubs and community groups. My expertise spans the entire South West region, ensuring that clients from Devon, Dorset & Somerset benefit from high-quality photography services and training.
