Use the Rule of Thirds: Divide your frame into thirds horizontally and vertically. Position key elements along these lines or at intersections to create balance.
Find Leading Lines: Roads, rivers, or coastlines can guide the viewer’s eye through the image, adding depth and direction.
Focus on Symmetry: From above, buildings, fields, and cityscapes often reveal perfect symmetry. Highlight these for a pleasing visual effect.
Embrace Negative Space: Sky, ocean, or open land can be used to surround your subject, making it stand out and adding a minimalist touch.
Shoot at Golden Hour: The soft, warm light around sunrise and sunset enhances colors and adds mood to aerial landscapes.
Play with Shadows: Long shadows during sunrise or sunset add drama and highlight shapes not easily seen from the ground.
Include a Focal Point: Don’t just shoot vast scenery—include a standout subject like a boat, tree, or building to anchor the viewer’s attention.
Frame Within the Frame: Use natural or man-made elements (like bridges or gaps between clouds) to create an inner frame.