Clouds play a huge role in landscape photography. It sets the mood of the scene.
But clouds could also be a distraction if not handled correctly.
When composing a scene with clouds, it is a good practice to ask yourself: Is this about the clouds or about some other feature?
If the answer is "It is about the clouds", then you need to make sure the other features in the scene does not detract from the clouds' role in your composition.
Also, give special thought to the composition of the scene. One of the biggest issues I see in landscape photos with lovely clouds is the balance between the clouds and the other features. In both photos above, the clouds align with the major other feature of the scene (the trees). It is as if the clouds create pointers pointing towards the trees, or as if the trees as the starting point and the clouds show the vastness of the scene.
The Blockhouse
In the photo called "The Blockhouse" (Yes, it is the same blockhouse featured in previous posts, and you will most likely see it in future posts as well, as it was for 11 years a landmark I passed by on my daily commute to work) the clouds are very dramatic, but because they do not have distinct pattern, they are just forming the background and the mood of the photo, and the blockhouse and the rocks in front, are the main features.
Proteas on the Hill
It is also true for the "Proteas on the Hill" photograph, but here the dark portion at the top of the clouds create a good balance with the white protea trees in the foreground.
This is my entry for the #monomad challenge