Have you ever pointed your camera at a stunning view… and then ended up with a photo that feels kinda empty? 😅 Like, the colors are pretty, the lighting is decent—but something's missing?

That something is usually the "main character." Yup, even a landscape needs one. Let me share how I figured this out and how you can too!

Every great photo tells a story

I used to think landscape photography was all about capturing as much as possible. Wide shots, sweeping skies, endless fields. But honestly, without a clear focus, those shots just felt… flat. There was nothing to look at. No anchor. No point of interest. The story was lost in the scenery.

So what exactly is a "main character"?

In landscape photography, your "main character" isn't a person—it's the visual element that draws attention first. It could be a lone tree, a winding path, a tiny boat, or even a beam of light hitting the mountain just right. It gives your photo direction and helps people's eyes know where to land.

🧠 The Psychology of Focus Points

Experts in visual perception — like Dr. Aude Oliva from MIT’s CSAIL lab — explain that our eyes naturally seek structure and clarity. Without a focal point, the brain has to work harder to process what it sees, often leading people to skip or scroll past the image.

“Our brains are wired to search for visual anchors,” says Dr. Oliva.

“In photography, a strong subject helps guide attention and create emotional resonance.”

That’s why one tree in an open field or a bird perched on a wire can suddenly make a photo feel complete. Our minds latch onto the story that subject creates.

How I started finding mine

I remember one sunrise trip to the lake. The sky was beautiful, but nothing stood out — until I noticed a single bench facing the water. I framed it so the bench was in the corner and the sun peeked over the horizon behind it.

Boom. That one bench made the shot feel peaceful, thoughtful, and complete.

That’s when it clicked for me: you don’t just photograph a scene — you find the character hiding in it.

🧭 Use Your Feet: Zoom With Movement, Not Just a Lens

Legendary outdoor photographer Galen Rowell once said:

“The difference between a snapshot and a great shot is often two steps to the left.”

That advice changed how I shoot. Instead of just standing still and zooming, I started moving around the space. Climbing a bit higher, crouching low, walking toward the object that felt like it had presence.

Try it — sometimes the subject is there, you just haven’t walked close enough to see it yet.

Look for contrast or shape

If you're stuck, try looking for something that contrasts with the background—like a pop of color or an interesting silhouette. Unique shapes (a twisted branch, a zigzag road, a tower in the distance) also grab attention naturally. Even clouds can be the hero of your shot if they've got personality ☁️😉

🧭 What National Geographic Pros Know

Veteran National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson says the key to great composition is to “find the story and place the subject where it best unfolds.” He often uses techniques like the rule of thirds and leading lines to frame the subject intentionally.

“The background should serve the subject,” Richardson says.

“Not compete with it.”

So don’t be afraid to crop tighter or reposition until your subject feels supported — not lost in the chaos.

Try adding a "human touch"

Sometimes a small person in the distance, a backpack lying on a rock, or footprints in the sand can act as your subject. It creates scale and emotion, and suddenly your landscape has a story—and maybe even a mood. 🌄💭

🖼️ When Museums Get Intimate

Fun fact: Some museums and galleries now curate entire exhibits around unfinished work — like sketchbooks and field drawings. MoMA’s exhibitions of Picasso’s sketch journals and the V&A’s Sketchbook Project show how process-focused visuals can hold just as much emotional power as finished paintings.

These exhibitions celebrate the unfinished. They bring viewers closer to the artist — like being let in on a creative secret.

It’s a reminder: the rough, imperfect, in-progress view often is the masterpiece.

Let's hear from you!

What's the best "main character" you've ever caught in a landscape shot? Or are you still figuring it out like I was? 💬 Share in the comments or tag me in your post—I'd love to see it!

Next time you head out with your camera, don't just shoot the view—find the character hiding in it. That's what makes people stop scrolling. 😉✨