Landscapes
by 
With many photographic subjects, the image consists primarily of a subject, a background, and compositional technique used to create a satisfactory balance between them.
With landscapes, the image is not so readily defined and more attention must be paid to color, tone, and texture and the creation of harmony within these elements.
As with most photographs, a successful landscape picture still should have an identifiable center of attention supported by the other elements in the composition. This center of interest could be something quite obvious such as a distant farmhouse or a solitary tree. Often, however, it's more subtle, such as a certain area of pattern or texture or a color that stands out from the rest. Placing the emphasis on one area of the picture gives structure to your composition and helps guide the viewer's eye which might otherwise wander about looking for something upon which to settle.
Pay attention to the horizon line. A low horizon is used when you would like to emphasize a dramatic sky and give a feeling of spaciousness to your shot. A high horizon will draw attention towards the foreground and will minimize an uninteresting sky. You can, however, place the horizon in the center of the viewfinder if the image has an overall symmetrical quality that you want to emphasize.
Lighting is often the single most important element in a landscape picture. Be on the lookout for fog or mist that will add a romantic quality to your shot. Sunbeams breaking through storm clouds are easily captured on film and will add exciting impact to your landscapes. Time of day will have a dramatic effect on a landscape image. Try to shoot in early morning or late afternoon when shadows are enhanced and texture and form are accentuated. Your shot will be much more exciting than if you had shot under a noontime sun.
Become aware of color changes during the course of the day. Light quality has more red content in the early morning and late afternoon producing warmer, more mellow pictures than those taken at noon.
A good "trick" in landscape photography is to imagine the landscape you see through your viewfinder as a vast tabletop still life and the sun as your spotlight. The idea is to "place" your spotlight in the best location and "arrange" the elements you see in the best possible way to make a photograph with impact, one that produces a harmonious balance out of nature.