Composition Rules in Depth: Provide a Sense of Scale
- Gary Holpin
- May 21
- 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 7: Provide a Sense of Scale
Giving Your Landscape Photos a Sense of Scale
As landscape photographers, we're constantly trying to capture the grandeur and beauty of the natural world. But there's a challenge we face: translating a three-dimensional scene onto a two-dimensional photograph inevitably loses a sense of depth and scale. Suddenly, that towering mountain range can look surprisingly…small.
The 3D to 2D Problem
When you stand in a stunning landscape and admire the view, your brain uses all sorts of cues to understand the size and distance of objects. Binocular vision gives you depth perception, and you naturally compare objects in the foreground to those in the distance. A photograph flattens all this. Those mountains in the distance that looked so majestic in person? They can appear compressed and underwhelming in your image.
The Solution: Introduce Elements for Scale
So how do we combat this loss of scale and convey the true immensity of a landscape? The answer lies in including elements that provide a visual reference point for the viewer. Think of these elements as visual anchors that help the brain interpret the size of everything else in the frame. This works, simply because our brains automatically understand the size of the person, building or tree, and so we can start to interpret the scale of the landscape from these visual cues
Here are a few common elements that can effectively provide a sense of scale in your images:
People: Perhaps the most relatable element. Including a person (or even a small group of people) instantly gives the viewer a sense of how large or small everything else is. Positioning someone on a ridge overlooking a vast valley, or standing at the base of a towering waterfall, immediately conveys the scale of the scene.
Buildings and Structures: A lone cabin nestled in a mountain range, a winding road snaking through a valley, or even a small bridge crossing a river can all provide a sense of scale. Because we have a general understanding of the size of these objects, they help the viewer judge the relative size of the surrounding landscape.
Trees: Particularly effective are solitary, well-defined trees. We have a good sense of how tall an average tree is, so placing one strategically in your composition can help establish scale.
Vehicles: Cars, trucks, or even airplanes can provide a familiar reference point for size. A lone car on a winding road or a small plane flying over a mountain range can effectively convey scale.
Animals: Wild or domestic animals can be great for providing a sense of scale. A herd of cows in a field, birds in the sky, or even a lone sheep on a hillside can help viewers understand the size of the surrounding landscape.
Tips for Using Scale Effectively
Consider Placement: Think carefully about where you place your element. Positioning it strategically in the foreground or midground can have a different effect than placing it in the distance.
Think About the Story: Your element should also contribute to the overall story or mood of the photograph. A lone hiker might evoke a sense of adventure, while a small cabin could suggest solitude and remoteness.
Smaller is Often Better: Generally, a smaller element is more effective at conveying scale without dominating the scene. A tiny figure silhouetted against a vast mountain range emphasizes the immensity of the landscape far more effectively than a large group of people in the foreground.
Avoid Overly Close Placement: Placing the scale element too close to the camera can create a disproportionate relationship, making it seem larger than it actually is and dwarfing the background. Instead, try positioning the element further back in the frame, allowing the landscape to remain the primary focus.
Conclusion
Providing a sense of scale is a powerful tool for conveying the true majesty of the landscapes we photograph. By thoughtfully including relatable elements in our compositions, we can help viewers connect with the scene and truly appreciate the grandeur of the natural world. So next time you're out shooting, remember to look for opportunities to add that crucial sense of scale – you'll be amazed at the difference it makes!
Some examples
In the images below, can you spot the element that's been included to provide a sense of scale? Can you see how it helps to achieve this?
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.
