Composition rules in depth: have a focal point
- Gary Holpin
- Feb 6
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 21
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. We start this week with looking at the importance of having a focal point.
Composition rule Number 1: Have a focal point
A focal point is just what it says on the tin; it's where you want your viewer to focus. It's an anchor to your composition, which can be a destination or just a stopping off point on the viewers journey through your photo. Without a focal point (especially without some of the other composition tricks) your viewer simply doesn't know where you want them to look, and you could have lost them before they even start a journey through your image. In a portrait, or wildlife photo it's often obvious what the focal point is (the person, or animal), but in a landscape photo, it can be hard for the viewer to know where to look.
By identifying and using a well-positioned focal point in your photo (such as a granite tor on a Dartmoor landscape, or a colourful boat on a beach scene) you'll be ticking off the first box on how to create a great landscape photo.
Focal points are so important because they can play a whole range of functions within an image:
1. Guides the Viewer’s Eye. A focal point acts as an anchor that naturally draws attention, guiding the viewer through the composition. Without it, the image can feel chaotic or directionless.
2. Adds Visual Interest. It provides a strong subject that contrasts with the surrounding environment, making the photo more engaging and memorable.
3. Creates Depth and Scale. A focal point, especially when positioned well (e.g., in the foreground), can create a sense of depth and scale. This is particularly effective in wide-angle landscape shots.
4. Supports Other Composition Rules. Focal points work well with compositional techniques like the rule of thirds, or leading lines, enhancing the overall balance and aesthetic appeal of the image.
5. Communicates Emotion or Narrative. A focal point often tells the viewer what the photographer found compelling about the scene—whether it’s a striking tree, a mountain peak, or a lone figure in the distance.
6. Prevents Visual Confusion. Landscapes can be busy with textures, colors, and patterns. A clear focal point prevents the image from feeling overwhelming or cluttered.
So, what to choose as your focal point? It depends very much on the scene, but here are some ideas...
Singular objects: A lone tree, rock formation, or building.
Color contrasts: Bright flowers against green grass or a sunset reflecting on water.
Unique shapes or textures: Jagged peaks, twisted branches, or rippling sand dunes.
Human elements: A person, animal, or man-made structure (e.g., a lighthouse) can instantly become a compelling focal point.
Some examples
In the photos below, see if you can spot the focal point (some are obvious, some are less so, some photos have more than one), but also think about what the photo would be like without that focal point(s). Hopefully you will agree that the focal point is a critical part of the composition and helps to make the image more interesting to look at.
The setting sun adds a focal point to a north Devon landscape
Want to improve 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 me
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.
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