Composition
filed in Photography Tips on Mar.12, 2010
Simplicity is often the key to composing a successful photograph,where a well composed image should never look cluttered, and the main focal point/subject should be obvious.When composing an image decide which parts of the scene are most important to you and try hard to exclude any elements that are not,or don’t have a role or detract from the composition you are trying to achieve.Shooting from a low angle with a long telephoto lens can instantly simplify your composition by throwing all but the main subject out of focus,particularly effective when photographing many species of animals and birds,as shown below

When you use a long telephoto lens it can give you control of the background due to their very narrow angle of view which can be a great help in achieving a clean,diffused background.With the simple composition you have used prior to taking the image alongside this type of lens your image will be very strong compositional wise.When photographing wildlife it is often necessary to make compositional decisions very quickly as in most parts wildlife won’t stay still longer enough to let you compose the image as you’d like, so as I teach people that come onto my One To Ones ,with good fieldcraft,knowledge of the subject,listening to nature these key elements may afford you just that bit longer to compose you subject as you wish.
With the subject detecting no risk around they will relax more and go about their routine right before your very eyes,making for the best condition’s to apply these compositional points.You will also have a better chance of capturing their behaviour of sleeping,eating and so much more by giving the subject the respect it deserves with your approach,which for me is more important than any image you get.where the subject can come and go of his/her own free will,with zero disturbance to the wildlife and subject.


Whichever way the subject is looking or facing implies interest and possible movement in that direction,with the viewers eye being naturally drawn that way,therefore it is important to leave extra space in that direction,whether it be portrait or landscape.The best way of achieving this effect is to employ the ‘Rule Of Thirds’ which I have covered in my previous photography tips -Wildlife Photography-My Tips.
Arranging the elements in your picture to form the strongest possible composition by imagining a grid of lines drawn through the viewfinder to split the frame into nine equal parts,the subject should be placed roughly where the two lines cross.These intersections are known as ‘Power Points” they are the areas within the rectangular frame where the eye tends to fall naturally and can lead to a successful composition with more room in front of the subject than behind and as I like to put it,giving the subject the space to ‘Breathe’


Composition can make or break an image for me and that’s why its one of the most important elements to wildlife photography there is,when and where possible try to get level with your subjects ‘eye’ to obtain an image that looks like you are at their level,giving a more personal view of the subject you are trying to photograph,look for the best and cleanest backgrounds,the best angle in which to capture your chosen subject.This may mean shifting your shooting positon slightly but with active birds and animals you can simply wait for the subject to move,the light should be behind you or to the side,avoid direct sunshine,the best times are dawn and dusk all adding to a beautiful image with very strong composition.


If you would like any further help or advice on composition please drop me a line here, just remember to use these key elements.points I’ve raised to improve your photography and enjoy the beauty of nature at the same time, especially at this wonderful time of year; Spring with some much to see and capture.

































































