How do you apply the principle of simplicity to your landscape compositions?

Select a subject that evokes emotion or tells a story. This could be a person engaged in an activity, a unique object, or a scene that captures a specific moment or narrative. An emotionally compelling subject can create a stronger connection with the viewer. Look for subjects that are less common or rarely seen. This could be an unusual angle or perspective, a rarely photographed location, or a subject that is not often captured in photography or art. A unique subject can add novelty and intrigue to your composition.

For seascapes or landscapes containing water you can smooth out any waves or ripples with a long exposure. For a more extreme effect you can use filters such as a neutral density 6 or 10 stop. By smoothing out the water or turning it to mist you can simplify your scene to a more minimalist composition. Too much detail in waves can make an image look busy. So, try keeping the shutter open longer to reduce their impact.

Limit the number of elements in your composition. Choose a few key focal points or subjects and eliminate any unnecessary or distracting elements. Use clean and simple lines to guide the viewer's eye through the composition. Avoid complex or busy patterns that can confuse the viewer.

Consider the temperature of the colors you use. Warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can evoke a sense of energy and vibrancy, while cool colors like blue and green can create a calming and serene atmosphere. Use these color temperatures strategically to convey the desired mood in your landscape composition. Incorporate contrast in your color choices to create visual interest. Contrast can be achieved through the use of complementary colors, or by pairing colors with different values (lightness or darkness) or saturations (intensity).

This can also be said for black and white photography. You should be able to use your blacks, whites, and greys to their full extent. To get the most out of your images, make sure to read up on the Zone System. There are nine grey "zones" in between black and white (giving you eleven luminance values). To get the best out of your landscape photography, make sure that all eleven zones are present in your photography. At the same time, make sure that zero and ten (total black and total white respectively) are not present on the borders of your images; this may result in your image's border blending with the medium you print onto and can be quite distracting.

Remember, simplicity does not mean boring or lacking interest. It is about creating a clear and focused composition that allows the viewer to appreciate the beauty and essence of the landscape. Using color wisely in landscape compositions can greatly enhance the visual appeal and mood of the scene.